There are different types of printing methods used in the industry for trophies, awards, and personalized gifts. Sublimation and screen printing are the most common ones among them. Therefore, it is important to understand Sublimation vs screen printing to choose the right method for your customized trophies.
Sublimation Printing
Sublimation printing is a versatile and popular method that uses heat to transfer ink onto materials. This process creates full-color, high-resolution designs with great durability. The following are the key steps:
- Ink Transfer: The design is printed on special sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
- Heat and Pressure: The printed paper is placed on the material, and heat and pressure are applied. The ink turns into a gas and bonds with the material’s surface.
- Cooling: Once the heat is removed, the ink solidifies, creating a permanent, high-resolution print.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a popular custom printing method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto a material, creating vibrant and detailed designs. Following is a simple breakdown of the process:
- Design Preparation: The design is separated into color layers, each matching a specific screen.
- Screen Preparation: A mesh screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and the design is transferred onto it, creating a stencil.
- Ink Application: Ink is placed on the screen, and a squeegee pushes the ink through the mesh onto the material.
- Drying and Curing: After printing, the material is dried or cured to make the design durable.
Sublimation Vs. Screen Printing
When considering these two printing methods for trophies, you need to understand the following differences:
Process
In sublimation printing, a design is printed on special transfer paper with sublimation ink. This paper is then applied to a trophy (usually made of or coated with polyester) using heat and pressure. The heat turns the ink into gas, which seeps into the trophy’s surface, creating a vibrant, long-lasting print.
Screen printing involves creating a stencil for each color in the design. Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the trophy’s surface. This process can be more labor-intensive, especially for multi-colored designs, as each color requires a separate screen.
Material Compatibility
Sublimation works best on materials that are primarily polyester or have a polyester coating. This makes it ideal for certain types of trophies designed for sublimation.
More versatile in terms of material compatibility, allowing for printing on various surfaces, including metal, glass, and wood. This flexibility is useful for different trophy designs.
Design Complexity and Quality
Sublimation excels in producing high-quality, full-color designs, including intricate patterns and photographic images. The dye becomes part of the material, resulting in a durable finish that doesn’t fade or peel over time.
While capable of producing vibrant designs, screen printing is generally better suited for simpler graphics with fewer colors. Complex designs can be challenging due to the need for multiple screens and the risk of misalignment.
Durability
Sublimation prints are highly durable as the ink is embedded into the trophy’s surface, making it resistant to scratches, fading, and peeling. While durable, the ink sits on top of the surface during screen printing, which can lead to cracking or peeling over time, especially with wear and tear.
Cost and Efficiency
Sublimation is often more cost-effective for small runs or custom orders, as it requires less setup time and can be done on-demand without leftover stock.
Screen Printing is more economical for larger orders due to the setup costs associated with creating screens. However, it might not be as efficient for small batches.
Final Word
The main basis for sublimation vs screen printing lies in the project requirements. While considering them for trophies, you must consider the trophy’s material, desired durability, and budget.
Looking for high-quality engraved trophies? AAA Trophy and Engraving can help. We can also help preserve treasured family items and can help you create important heirlooms. Call us at (713) 464-4766 for more information.