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Image transferring can be simply described as the process of taking an image, logo, and/or design and replicating it onto the surface of another object. This process is ideal for creating unique and customized products. Crest Craft utilizes two primary methods of manufacturing for image transfer; sublimation and screen printing. By utilizing two methods of image transferring techniques Crest Craft can offer affordable production runs for low, medium, and large volume orders.
The technical definition of sublimation is a chemical process that turns a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid stage. In printing and awards creation, sublimation is a popular method for transferring high-quality images onto plaques and other products because it is much more efficient and cost-effective than other techniques.
The process of transferring an image onto a product through utilizing sublimation is a great way to customize products. The general rule of sublimation is that an image may be transferred onto any surface that contains polyester coating. This can be done to t-shirts, mugs, and any item that has a flat surface. Some of the more popular transfers occur on wood pieces, aluminum, and/or granite surfaces, however any surface can be a candidate for sublimation.
There are several steps involved in moving from an idea on a piece of paper to a custom award.
Screen printing, also called silk screening, is a technique that is very similar to stenciling but is much faster and offers the ability to create detailed designs quickly. In screen printing, a design is set onto a silk screen or fine mesh screen. Ink is then forced through the screen with a squeegee.
With so many advancements in digital printing, many people wonder why screen printing is still such a popular technique. First and foremost, screen printed designs are much more durable than digitally printed designs. With screen printing, the ink gets absorbed completely into the fabric and lasts for much longer. Digital printing limits color options and final color matching isn’t always perfect whereas screen printing uses true colors. Screen printing is also much more cost-effective for large, bulk orders.
Broken down, the screen printing process works this way:
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