The Study of Fabric Types for Sublimation Printing by Inkjet Printers

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find the fabric type that are suitable for Sublimation Printing using inkjet printers. For testing three fabrics types, TC, TR and CVC, were selected and cut into A4 size. 400 patches ECI2002 Color test chart were printed using an EPSON L1300 inkjet printer that contained by Sublimation ink. The Heat Transfer process was accomplished using by a Microink 9 in 1 Heat Transfer machine. The i1 Pro 3 Spectrophotometer was used to measure color values for plotting the color space. The color fastness and adhesion of ink on the fabric were evaluated after color measurement. K100 solid ink was used to test the fabrics for color fastness after laundering and rubbing.

          According to the research, TR fabric is the most suitable for sublimation printing. It has the widest color gamut, particularly with a wide range of greens to reds, which is greater than TC and CVC fabrics. After washing, all three fabric types showed minimal to no change in color, and TR fabric had minimal color transfer onto white fabric. However, white cotton fabric exhibited a slight color Transfer form TC and CVC fabrics. All three fabric types showed minimal to no color transfer when rubbing, which TR fabric having minimal color transfer on wet rubbing color fastness test method. TR fabric showed nearly uniformity adhesion of printed ink. Rayon fabrics, that had mixed in TR fabric, caused some fabric to melt in certain areas. The adhesion of printed ink on TC fabric are mainly present in synthetic fabric areas, while CVC fabric showed the least amount of adhesion, with little to no adhesion in natural fiber areas.