Sublimation Printer

Sublimation is the transition of a substance from a solid to a gas, without passing through the liquid state. In the instance of dye (or ink) sublimation, the dye is transferred to special paper using the sublimation printer. Heat is then applied to the dye and the substrate (i.e. the object or material to which you are applying the dye), at which point the dye become a gas. The substrate's pores open up and the dye is absorbed. As the substrate cools, its pores close and the dye is permanently trapped inside.

Substrates or sublimation blanks appropriate for sublimation are products with a polyester coating or composition. Look for 'sublimation ready' materials. Fabrics that are at least 90% polyester will work well. These items, as well as sublimation paper, can be found online or in some stores.

1. All patrons requesting to use the sublimation printer must have a valid full privilege Lewisville library card in good standing and have filled out The Hive Use Agreement prior to checking out the machine.
2. Files for use on the sublimation printer can be created in a variety of different software. Any software that can open an image can send a job to print on the sublimation printer.
3. Makers are limited to one reservation per machine type per week. After a reservation has been used, if available, Makers can use the machine on a first come, first serve basis.
4. The sublimation printer may be checked out for one, three-hour period per day and must be checked out at The Hive service desk.
5. A heat press or heat tool provided by The Hive is required in the sublimation process. Thus, for safety purposes, all patrons must stay with their projects at all times. There is no mandatory training for this machine.
6. Patrons using the sublimation printer must provide their own sublimation paper or purchase sublimation paper from The Hive for $1.00 per 8.5x11" sheet. A charge for ink will also be applied at $1.00 per 8.5x11" page. Larger paper sizes will incur an increased ink fee. If a patron provides their own sublimation paper then they will only be charged the fee for ink. Paper and ink fees must be paid before using the sublimation printer.

7. Substrates or sublimation blanks appropriate for sublimation are products with a polyester coating or composition. Look for 'sublimation ready' materials. Fabrics that are at least 90% polyester will work well. These items can be found online or in some stores.

Brand/Model: Sawgrass SG 500

Maximum Print Size: Default tray prints on 8.5" x 11" sublimation paper. Bypass tray accommodates sublimation paper up to 8.5" x 51"

Design Software: CorelDraw, Sawgrass Design Studio (limited usage), Silhouette Studio, etc. Any software that can open an image can send a job to print on sublimation paper.

Materials Needed: 

• Sublimation paper
• Substrate or sublimation blank appropriate for sublimation. Appropriate blanks are products with a polyester coating or composition. Look for 'sublimation ready' materials. Fabrics that are at least 90% polyester will work well.
• These items, as well as sublimation paper, can be found online or in some stores.

Fees: 

• Patrons using the sublimation printer must provide their own sublimation paper or purchase sublimation paper from The Hive for $1.00 per 8.5x11" sheet.
• A charge for ink will also be applied at $1.00 per 8.5x11" page. Larger paper sizes will incur an increased ink fee. If a patron provides their own sublimation paper then they will only be charged the fee for ink.
• Paper and ink fees must be paid before using the sublimation printer.

Additional Information:

The 15" x 15" standing heat press is out of order until further notice.

• The Hive heat press features a standard 15"x15" plate, as well as the following attachments:
  • Hat Press
  • Plate Press #1 - 5" Max Diameter
  • Plate Press #2 - 6" Max Diameter
  • Mug Press Base Attachment
  • Mug Press 9 oz
  • Mug Press 11 oz
  • Mug Press Cone 12 oz
  • Mug Press Cone 17 oz