Common Sublimation Printing Issues and Solutions

Brushed

Fault phenomenon

The edges of text or patterns have "rough edges", broken lines or missing colors, and thin lines appear at the junction of color blocks.

Possible causes and solutions

1. Printhead deviation

Cause: The print head is offset and the ink jet direction is not vertical.

Solution: Calibrate the printhead position and make sure the nozzle is not tilted.

2. Unstable negative pressure

Cause: The ink supply system is leaking or the ink bag is aging.

Solution: Check the ink tube for leaks and replace the aged ink sac; Adjust the negative pressure value to the manufacturer's recommended range.

3. Warping

Cause: The paper is warped or not flat, resulting in ink lines.

Solution: The heating platform preheats / the suction platform flattens the paper.

Blurred / Ghosting Patterns

Fault phenomenon

The lines are blurry, the image edges are not sharp, the colors are mixed, the light and dark levels cannot be separated, and the details are lost.

Possible causes and solutions

1. Insufficient transfer temperature or pressure

Cause: Short hot pressing time, insufficient temperature, and uneven pressure.

Solution: Adjust the parameters of the pressing machine (usually 190–220℃, 20–30 seconds); Check whether the silicone pad of the pressing machine is aging (replacement cycle: 6–12 months).

2. Poor quality of sublimation paper

Cause: Low-quality sublimation paper has insufficient release rate and the ink is not fully transferred.

Solution: Replace high release rate sublimation paper; Test different brands and choose the transfer media that matches your ink.

3. Print resolution setting error

Cause: DPI setting is too low (such as <600dpi)

Solution: Increase the printing resolution to 600–1200dpi (depending on the fineness of the fabric); Calibrate the print head stepping when using bidirectional printing mode.

Pattern Shift

Fault phenomenon

The pattern position is offset after transfer, asymmetric after cutting, misaligned after multiple images are overprinted, and color boundaries do not match.

Possible causes and solutions

1. Fabric stretches or slides

Cause: Polyester fabric shrinks when heated, or is not fixed during pressing.

Solution: Use clamps or high-temperature tape to secure the fabric corners; Preheat at 130°C for 10 seconds before transfer.

2. The sublimation paper and fabric are not bonded together

Cause: Paper wrinkles, uneven static adsorption.

Solution: Transfer as soon as possible after printing (to avoid paper deformation due to moisture); Treat the sublimation paper with an anti-static spray.

3. Equipment calibration issues

Cause: Printer stepper motor error or press belt loose.

Solution: Perform printer bidirectional calibration (refer to device manual); Check press belt tension and replace if necessary.