In recent years, with the rise of the “personalized customization” consumption trend and the rapid development of printing technology, people are more eager to express themselves through certain products. The strong demand for unique design products with distinct personal characteristics has led to the rapid expansion of sublimation transfer film’s application scope in various electronic accessories and daily necessities.
What is SublimationtransferFilm?
Sublimation transfer film is a thin film material specifically used for 3D sublimation transfer technology. Currently, it is mainly used to achieve full-wrap, high-resolution pattern transfer on three-dimensional objects (such as mobile phone cases, keycaps, ceramic plates, glasses cases and other curved or irregular objects).
It is usually made of PET (polyester) substrate and a special coating. Used with sublimation ink, under heating and vacuum conditions, the dye directly converts from solid to gas, penetrates and solidifies on the surface of the object, resulting in a printed effect with high durability and bright colors.
Characteristics and Application Scope of SublimationtransferFilm
Material Characteristics
Ultra-thin and elastic PET film (210-220 micrometers) with excellent extensibility and flexibility, which can cover various 3D curved items (such as mobile phone cases, earphone cases, glasses cases, etc.). During the printing process, its flexibility allows close contact with the item, ensuring uniform ink printing.
Advantages of Sublimation transfer Film
High transfer rate and color fidelity: The special coating of sublimation film can efficiently lock ink and release it instantly under high temperature and pressure, ensuring that 95% of the color can be transferred. The final product thus has bright colors, excellent restoration and high color durability.
Full-wrap printing: Thanks to its excellent softness and shrinkage, sublimation film can be used on three-dimensional objects (such as mobile phone cases, ceramic plates, glasses cases and other curved or irregular objects). It can perfectly fit the contour of the item to achieve full-wrap printing.
Application Scenarios
In the early days, sublimation was mostly used in the textile field, such as sportswear, corporate culture shirts, flags, etc. With the advancement of printing technology and the improvement of customization demand, sublimation film is currently mainly used in various hard materials, such as the 3C electronics market (mobile phone cases, earphone cases, keycaps), daily necessities (tableware, glass accessories and other 3D curved objects), and has now entered multiple emerging fields and high-end markets.
Required Tools for Use
Printer, sublimation transfer film, 3D vacuum sublimation machine, sublimation blanks, fixtures
Usage Steps of Sublimation Film
- Printing: Use an Epson printer and sublimation ink to print a mirrored pattern on the matte surface of the film.
- Ink drying: Place in an oven (50℃-55℃ for 20 minutes) to fully dry the ink before transfer.
- Vacuum sublimation: Put into a 3D vacuum heat press, vacuumize and heat (130℃-140℃ for 4-6 minutes) to make the ink vaporize and penetrate into the item’s fibers or surface coating.
- Completion of sublimation: Peel off the film, take out the product, and the printing is completed.
Differences Between SublimationFilm and Sublimation Paper
As mentioned above, sublimation film is a plastic film with special coating treatment, while sublimation paper is an ink-absorbing coated paper. The following analyzes the differences between the two in terms of material, printing principle, transfer method, etc.
Different Materials
- Sublimation film:Ultra-thin and elastic PET film (210-220 micrometers), stretchable and can cover curved surfaces after thermal shrinkage.
- Sublimation paper: Ink-absorbing coated paper (A3/A4 sheets or rolls), flat and non-stretchable.
Different Transfer Methods and Objects
- Sublimation film:Requires a 3D vacuum heat press or sublimation oven for imprinting at 130℃-140℃ for 4-6 minutes. It is mainly suitable for curved/3D items. Utilizing the film’s flexibility and shrinkage, it can perfectly fit the object’s contour to achieve edge-to-edge full-coverage printing.
- Sublimation paper: Requires a flatbed heat press for high-temperature imprinting at 180℃-230℃. It is suitable for flat items, and the pattern cannot wrap around curved surfaces.
Different Disadvantages
- Sublimation film: Requires special 3D vacuum machine, has high requirements for the humidity of the working environment (humidity less than 50%), and needs to be sealed and stored in a timely manner.
- Sublimation paper:When printing curved surfaces, ghosting or poor pressing is likely to occur, and high-temperature tape is required for fixation.
Different Advantages
- Sublimation film:Can perfectly wrap curved items, supports full-wrap design and customization of various sizes.
- Sublimation paper:Simple operation, easy for beginners to use, affordable paper cost, and low rejection rate for flat surfaces.
How to Choose High-Quality Sublimation transfer Film
Dongguan Prosub Technology has professional coating formulas and advanced production processes, specializing in the production of sublimation film. In 2025, it successfully applied for the Advansub brand trademark and established a solid technical barrier.
The sublimation film produced by Prosub Technology has high transfer precision, bright and clear images. It is made of high-quality PET material with high flatness, high stretch ability and softness. The selected special coating has the advantages of good ink absorption, quick drying and not easy to get damp, which can effectively achieve a high transfer rate of more than 95% and ensure clear and sharp images.
Prosub Technology supports the customization of various sizes of sublimation film, helping customers reduce procurement costs, simplify the cutting process in printing, improve printing efficiency, better ensure the flatness of the roll material, and achieve perfect matching with equipment.
Prosub Technology has a mature technical team and a full set of technical assistance programs to help customers solve professional problems such as printer settings, color adjustment, machine parameter settings, and excessive film stretching. We also provide customers with full-cycle support from product sampling to after-sales follow-up, helping partners reduce costs, increase efficiency and expand the market. We sincerely invite friends from all walks of life to visit and negotiate to explore new opportunities in the sublimation customization field.
Company Introduction:
Dongguan Prosub Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the R&D and production of sublimation slate painting consumables. With years of experience in the industry, we are a source factory integrating raw material procurement, process optimization, and finished product delivery. Our products cover customized slate painting slabs, matching transfer consumables, and tools, featuring high color fidelity, strong adhesion, and good weather resistance, meeting the diverse needs of commercial displays, cultural and creative gifts, and other scenarios.
The company boasts a mature technical team and flexible production lines, supporting a full-process service from pattern design and size customization to new product development. We can quickly adjust process parameters according to customer needs, ensuring delivery time and quality. Comply with the philosophy of “quality first, win-win cooperation,” we provide customers with full-cycle support from sampling to after-sales service, helping partners reduce costs, increase efficiency, and expand their markets. We sincerely invite friends from all walks of life to visit and discuss new opportunities in the field of sublimation customization.
