What is Sublimation?

Sublimation of an element or compound is a transition from the solid to gas phase with no intermediate liquid stage.

Sublimation (sub-li-ma'shun)noun: (chemistry) the process of changing directly from the solid to the gaseous state without becoming liquid.

What is Dye Sublimation?

Dye Sublimation Transfer is a process where you take an image, that has been created digitally, and then print this image with a special printer using special sublimation transfer inks onto transfer paper. Once the image is on the paper, you place it under heat on top of your polyester or poly coated item. When you apply heat and pressure to the item to be printed and ink transfer, the inks turn into a gas and form a permanent bond to 100% polyester fabric or items that have a polymer coating. The image that remains is a premium full-color, photographic-quality image that will not crack, peel or wash away from the substrate.

How does it differ from screen printing?

With Dye Sublimation the dye is absorbed into the material as opposed to ink sitting on top of the material as with screen printing.