投稿者: anninrika

What Is a Polymer Adhesive?

Polymer adhesives are adhesives that use polymers, which are macromolecules.

They are capable of bonding a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, glass, and ceramics. Most polymer adhesives are manufactured from man-made synthetic materials and can be given specific properties such as flexibility, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical conductivity, depending on the application.

Applications of Polymer Adhesives

Polymer adhesives can be used on a wide variety of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, leather, wood, rubber, and concrete.

They are used in a wide range of industries, including industrial, construction, automotive, marine, and aerospace. Approved products can also be used in the medical field. In addition, adhesives with high electrical insulation properties are suitable for electronic components and are used in electronics, packaging, and other fields.

Principle of Polymer Adhesives

Polymer adhesives are liquid substances that adhere to the surface of an object in a liquid state and later cure to produce an effect. Curing is caused by polymerization, chemical reaction with curing agents, and evaporation of solvents.

Their action consists of both adhesive force, to stick to the base material, and cohesive force, to maintain the structure of the adhesive itself. Adhesive force is the force that sticks different molecules together, while cohesive force is the force that keeps the same type of molecules together.

The adhesive force of polymer adhesives depends on one of the following mechanisms: physical adhesion, chemical adhesion, or dispersion adhesion.

1. Physical Adhesion

Physical adhesion is a mechanism whereby the adhesive adheres mechanically by flowing into holes or adhering to protrusions on the surface of the substrate. It is a particularly effective adhesion method when there are small holes on the surface of the base material.

2. Chemical Bonding

Chemical adhesion is adhesion by chemical bonding. The strongest bonds are ionic and covalent bonds, and the next strongest are hydrogen bonds. Ionic bonding is a bond between a positively charged cation and a negatively charged anion due to electrostatic attraction, while covalent bonding is a bond formed by the sharing of some valence electrons between atoms. Hydrogen bonding is an interaction in which a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an atom with high electronegativity forms an interaction with a nearby solitary electron pair such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, fluorine, or π-electron framework.

3. Dispersion Bonding

Dispersion adhesion is an adhesive bonding by van der Waals forces (force of electrostatic attraction between two substances due to polarized positively and negatively charged areas within the substance).

Types of Polymer Adhesives

Polymer adhesives include emulsion-type adhesives in the form of a suspended water solution, solution-type adhesives in which the polymer is dissolved in a solvent, reaction-type adhesives in which curing begins when a chemical reaction occurs when exposed to light (ultraviolet light), heat, or pressure, and hot-melt adhesives, which are thermoplastic adhesives.

1. Emulsions

Emulsion-type adhesives are adhesives in which the polymer is emulsified without dissolving and is in the form of a suspension/suspended water solution. Typical substances include vinyl acetate resin emulsions and acrylic resin emulsions. Vinyl acetate emulsions are widely used adhesives for woodworking, while acrylic emulsions are more adhesive and water-resistant adhesives. Synthetic rubber emulsions are used in flooring adhesives. In particular, adhesives that are mainly made of natural or synthetic rubber are called latex adhesives.

2. Solution Type

Solution-type adhesives are made by dissolving polymers in organic solvents. There are several types such as vinyl acetate resin, chloroprene rubber, and natural rubber. Vinyl acetate resin is inexpensive, and chloroprene rubber is a typical rubber-based adhesive used for bonding metals, plastics, and wood. In general, rubber-based adhesives are suitable for bonding soft materials such as leather, rubber, and cloth.

3. Reactive Type

Reactive adhesives are adhesives that cure through a chemical reaction caused by some form of energy such as light (ultraviolet rays, etc.), heat, or pressure. Some are cured using ovens, curing furnaces, UV lamps, etc., while others cure spontaneously at room temperature. Many products become thermosetting polymers after curing.

Since some types of reactions use two or more chemical species, there are not only one-component type products, but also many two-component type products that are mixed just before use. Specific polymer types used include phenolic resins, amino resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane, and acrylic resin systems.

What Is an Air Gauge?

An Air Gauge is an instrument used to measure the pressure of high-pressure air when handling it.

It may refer to a pressure gauge for high-pressure air pipes or tanks, or it may refer to an instrument that measures the pressure of air in tires. Both have similar construction and principles.

It is important to routinely check the pressure of high-pressure air pipes and tanks to ensure their proper operation. Pneumatic tires are filled with high-pressure air, and proper air pressure must be maintained for the tires to perform as they should.

Therefore, air gauge has an important role to play in measuring air pressure.

Uses of Air Gauges

Air gauges are used to check air pressure. Air gauges for high-pressure air lines and tanks are used to verify that the actual pressure matches the required pressure for the equipment.

Air gauges for tires are useful for checking the air pressure in inflated tires for automobiles, motorcycles, or bicycles.

Principle of Air Gauges

1. Bourdon Tube Gauge

The most commonly used analog air gauge is the Bourdon Tube Gauge. This gauge uses a bent metal tube that is blocked at one end. When pressure is applied, the tube’s bend stretches. The needle rotates in conjunction with the deformation of the metal tube to indicate the pressure. Although highly accurate, these gauges are mechanical and precise, and their vulnerability to shock is a drawback.

2. Spring-Type Gauge

Spring-Type Gauges are often used in the same way as Bourdon Tube Gauges. The pressure is antagonistic to the spring, and the pressure is indicated by the indicator needle in conjunction with the contraction of the spring. It is characterized by its simple structure and relatively high shock resistance. These gauges are used in portable air gauges for tires and in pressure gauges for daily inspections of high-pressure piping.

3. Diaphragm-Type Gauge

A diaphragm is a membrane. A diaphragm is used to measure pressure by detecting the pressure that causes the diaphragm to cave in. There are two detection methods: One is to connect the diaphragm to a Bourdon Tube Gauge and measure mechanically, and the other is to read the deformation of the diaphragm electrically.

Types of Air Gauges

1. Pressure Gauges for high pressure air piping and tanks

Pressure gauges for high-pressure air piping and tanks are sometimes called air gauges. They are used to check if the pressure is within the normal range during daily inspections, and the most common type is the durable spring type.

2. Air Gauge for tires

When we call them air gauges, we generally refer to those for tires. There are analog and digital display methods, and mechanical and electrical methods for converting detected pressure to display. In the case of analog types, most gauges are either Bourdon-Tube or Spring-Type Gauges.

They range from small, simple portable gauges to large, precise gauges that are regularly used at gas stations and maintenance shops. Since Bourdon tube gauges are sensitive to shocks, the entire gauge is usually covered with rubber.

Some gauges are integrated with air injection valves and operating devices. An example of this type of gauge is one that is inserted into the air valve of a tire and is inflated when the grip is held short and inflated when held long. This type is connected to an air tank.

Other Information on Air Gauges

Air Pressure Units

The SI unit of pressure is Pa. In general, air pressure gauges are also displayed in Pa. For safety reasons, it is especially important for gauges used for high-pressure air pipes and tanks to use the same units, and SI units are strictly enforced. On the other hand, most gauges for tires are calibrated in units of 100 kPa.

This is because the air pressure of passenger car tires is around 200 kPa, and this scale is easy to read. Another reason is that in Japan, kgf/cm2 has been used for tire pressure.

Since 100 kPa is approximately 1 kgf/cm2, by using the scale in units of 100 kPa, people familiar with either unit can handle the gauges without much discomfort. Gauges with kgf/cm2 and bar indications are still sold today.

Foreign-made air injectors and other equipment may be denoted in units common in foreign countries. In the UK, they may be denoted in psi. As a guide, 30 psi is equivalent to about 200 kPa.

What Is a MEMS Gyroscope?

A MEMS gyroscope is a device created using MEMS technology.

MEMS stands for ‘Micro Electro Mechanical Systems.’ A Gyroscope, also called a gyroscope sensor or gyro, is a sensor that detects the motion of an object and measures the change in angle per unit of time.

Applications of MEMS Gyroscopes

MEMS gyroscopes are electronic devices used in ship attitude heading control, construction equipment control, and automotive navigation and body stability systems. In these applications, the attitude and azimuth angles of objects are detected.

Devices familiar to us include smartphones, digital cameras, and game consoles. There are many applications that move according to the movements of smartphones, and MEMS detects these movements.

MEMS gyroscopes are used in the motion detection of game console controllers and in the image stabilization function of digital cameras. Drones, which have become popular in recent years, are another typical device which relies on MEMS Gyroscopes for its function.

In reality, however, attitude is controlled by an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which also includes a gyro sensor.

MEMS Gyroscope Principle

Most MEMS gyroscopes use the Coriolis force. The Coriolis force is a force acting orthogonally to the direction of vibration and the axis of rotation of a vibrating object when the object is rotated.

For example, if an object of mass m moving at each velocity ω tries to move at velocity V, a Coriolis force of magnitude 2mVω acts in the direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation and velocity. m is a very small machine in MEMS, so the mass m is also very small, but the velocity V can be a large value because the resonance frequency is high. Velocity V can be large because of the high resonance frequency.

In a vibrating MEMS gyroscope, the MEMS element is subjected to vibration and the Coriolis force is detected when ω is applied externally as a rotational motion. For example, a capacitive MEMS gyroscope captures the change in capacitance that occurs when the Coriolis force acts on the electrodes of a comb structure.

While mechanical gyroscopes that are not MEMS gyroscopes use the “Koma principle,” MEMS gyroscopes are predominantly vibration-based.

Types of MEMS Gyroscopes

MEMS gyroscopes are chosen based on the application and conditions of use, but there are four types of gyroscopes in terms of structure. These can be classified into four types according to the structure of what receives the Coriolis force: beams, sounders, plates, and rings.

Other Information on MEMS Gyroscopes

Differences from IMUs

MEMS gyroscopes are used in our everyday devices such as smartphones, but recent technology uses an inertial measurement unit called an IMU. In addition to drones, which are listed in the “uses” section, IMUs are also being used in areas such as automated vehicle driving, agriculture, and remote control of construction equipment.

In addition to gyros, IMUs incorporate acceleration and temperature sensors. Our three-dimensional world can be generally described by translational and rotational motions of three orthogonal axes, represented by x, y, and z, respectively. A gyroscope is a sensor unit that detects rotational motion of these three axes.

An accelerometer is a sensor unit that detects the translational motion of the three axes. The IMU integrates these sensor units and performs various corrections among the sensors. The IMU provides more stable and accurate control than when single sensor units are used independently.

What Is a Scintillation Detector?

A scintillation detector is a device that uses a photodetector to visualize the scintillation light occurring when charged particles, known as scintillators, pass through it.

It is a radiation measuring instrument used to visualize radiation, which is invisible to the naked eye.
There are different types of scintillators used in scintillation detectors: inorganic, organic, solid, and liquid.

In addition to scintillation detectors, there are other instruments used to measure radiation, such as GM counter tube survey meters and ionization chambers.

Uses of Scintillation Detectors

Scintillation detectors are devices used in a wide range of fields:

1. Survey of mineral resources including petroleum

Radioactive isotope-bearing layers often exist around oil reservoirs, helping to determine the location of oil drilling.

2. Airport baggage screening

In the security field, this is an airport baggage screening machine. The principle is the same as X-ray imaging. When baggage is irradiated with radiation, the radiation is weaker in the area where the baggage is located and stronger in the area where there is no baggage.

3. PET

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) used in hospitals is a device used to detect cancer cells. Since cancer cells consume more glucose than normal cells, cancer cells can be detected by administering glucose mixed with a small amount of radiation to the patient.

4. Other

Scintillation detectors are also used in food inspection equipment, high-energy physics fields such as nuclear fusion reactors, non-destructive inspection equipment for electronic components and cultural heritage, and landmine detection equipment.

Principle of Scintillation Detectors

A scintillation detector is a device consisting of two main components: a scintillator and a photodetector. The scintillator absorbs incident X-rays and emits visible and ultraviolet light in proportion to the X-ray energy.

The photodetector, also called a photomultiplier tube, is the site where electrons are converted to light and doubled. It consists of a photocathode, which converts light generated by the scintillator into electrons, and an electron multiplier, which amplifies the converted electrons.

The photocathode is mainly composed of alkali metals and receives scintillation light through a glass window. The electrons converted by the photocathode are amplified by the electric field created in the electron multiplier, to which a high voltage is applied. These amplified electrons become an electrical signal that indicates the presence of X-rays.

Types of Scintillation Detectors

Scintillation detectors are classified according to the type of scintillator, which is selected according to the type of radiation to be detected and the purpose of use.

1. Inorganic Scintillators

Inorganic scintillation detectors are used to detect gamma rays, alpha rays, and neutrons. Inorganic crystals such as Nal (Tl), cesium iodide crystals (Csl), gadolinium oxysulfide (GOS), and gadolinium silicate crystals (GSO) are the most common types. Inorganic scintillators are characterized by high luminescence and high energy resolution, and are used in X-ray imaging equipment, food inspection equipment, luggage inspection equipment, medical PET, vehicle body inspection equipment, X-ray satellites, etc.

2. Organic Scintillators

Organic scintillators, which use organic crystals, are characterized by better response than inorganic scintillators. Typical materials include anthracene and stilbene.

3. Organic Liquid Scintillators

Organic Liquid Scintillators are characterized by their resistance to damage even when exposed to strong radiation. Organic Scintillators such as PPO (diphenyloxazole) are dissolved in organic solvents such as naphthalene, toluene, or xylene.

4. Plastic Scintillators

Plastic scintillators are made by dissolving several types of organic luminescent substances in plastic. They are suitable for detection of alpha and beta rays.

5. Gas Scintillators

High purity xenon, helium, etc., are used for gas scintillators.

What Is an Industrial Ink?

Industrial Ink is a type of ink used in industrial inkjet printers and printing machines.

Since printing on a wide range of materials is required for industrial use, a variety of pigments and dyes are included.

Applications of Industrial Inks
Industrial products may require various types of printing, such as lot numbers, quality markings, and inspection stamps. Stamp marking inks are used for printing on various materials, including metal, plastic, paper, cardboard, ceramics, glass, wood, cloth, and leather.

Industrial inkjet printers are also used in diverse applications such as commercial printing, textiles, and building materials. Major applications include sign graphics; textile products such as digital textile printing, DTG, and banner flags; 3D modeling such as models, parts, and molds using UV curable resins and plaster; and name tag, label, and metal can printing. Diverse types of ink for inkjet printers are available to suit these product materials.

Principles of Industrial Inks

1. Inkjet Printing

In industrial production, industrial inkjet printers are used to print many products. Inkjet printing with inkjet printers is a printing method in which images are drawn by applying liquid ink drop by drop.

Ink for inkjet printers is composed of colorants such as dyes and pigments dissolved in a solvent. Pigments are large particles that remain on the surface of the object without penetrating it, while dyes are colorants that soak into and penetrate materials like paper. Pigments print clearly and vividly, while dyes can be mixed to produce delicate colors and gradations. Solvents include volatile organic solvents such as MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), ethanol, acetone, water, and other organic solvents.

Other agents found in ink include penetrating agents (which lower the surface tension between paper and ink to facilitate ink fixation on paper), anti-drying agents (which prevent ink from drying out and clogging the print head), pH adjusters, preservatives, and fungicides. These auxiliaries are necessary to maintain ink quality and print quality.

2. Ink for Stamp Marking

Ink used for printing lot numbers and other information is called a stamp marking ink. It is used for stamp marking and is used in the same way as general stamp inks. There are oil-based pigment-based, oil-based dye-based, water-based pigment-based, and water-based dye-based inks, and they are used according to the material to be stamped. Inks used on non-absorbent material surfaces are solvent-based dyes. There are also special inks. In addition to the ink itself, some inks are sold as ink pads impregnated with ink.

Types of Industrial Inks

Industrial Inks are available in a variety of basic colors, such as black, white, red, blue, yellow, and green. In addition to classification by colorants such as dyes and pigments, there are also different types of inks depending on the solvent used, such as water-based inkjet inks, solvent-based inkjet inks, and UV-curable inkjet inks. Since the materials suitable for printing differ depending on these different solvents, care must be taken when making a choice. In addition, some solvent-based inkjet inks are quick-drying and others are not, depending on how easily the solvent volatilizes.

1. Water-based Ink

Water-based ink uses purified water as the solvent. Unlike organic solvents, there is no adverse effect on the human body and no concern about environmental pollution, but compared to methyl ethyl ketone and ethanol, it has a longer drying time and is more difficult to dry. Therefore, printing is limited to permeable materials such as paper. This ink is suitable for continuous forms, commercial printing, cardboard, flexible packaging, labels, etc.

While water-based ink is the most commonly used ink in inkjet printers for office automation, water-based ink is less commonly used in industrial inkjet printers. In addition to water and colorants, additives such as moisturizers, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, and preservatives are included.

2. Solvent-based Inks

MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) is mainly used for fast-drying solvent-based inks. Inks using methyl ethyl ketone dry and solidify quickly, so they can only be used in continuous inkjet printers that constantly circulate ink. Because it dries and solidifies quickly after printing, it can be used to print on non-permeable materials. In addition, inks containing methyl ethyl ketone are designated as Class 4 Hazardous Substance, Petroleums No. 1 (non-water soluble liquid).

Ethanol and acetone are used for solvent-based inks that do not contain methyl ethyl ketone. Ethanol is a solvent that takes longer to dry than methyl ethyl ketone, but is used in food packaging and other applications because of its volatility and lack of risk of chemical contamination. Acetone, although flammable, dries more quickly than methyl ethyl ketone and is used for printing on soft packaging materials such as plastic wrap. Demand for such solvent-based inks that do not use methyl ethyl ketone is increasing due to safety measures and cost reductions in complying with regulations.

What Is a Hall Effect Current Sensor?

A Hall effect current sensor is a device that measures current using the Hall effect in a magnetoelectric conversion element, known as the Hall element. These sensors are capable of non-contact detection and continuous measurement of AC and DC currents, with some models capable of detecting currents up to 4000A.

Applications of Hall Effect Current Sensors

Hall effect current sensors are utilized in various applications:

• As AC/DC sensors in manufacturing processes.
• In current probes for broadband waveform observation in DC and AC.
• In automotive applications for battery output monitoring in large vehicles.
• In industrial equipment for power consumption monitoring and maintenance.
• In energy systems such as solar and wind power generation, and fuel cell systems.

Principle of Hall Effect Current Sensor

Hall effect current sensors operate by converting a magnetic field around a current into voltage (Hall voltage) using a semiconductor Hall element. The sensor measures this voltage to determine the current value. The Hall effect occurs when a magnetic field perpendicular to current flow induces an electromotive force in an orthogonal direction.

Components of Hall Effect Current Sensors

• Hall Element: A semiconductor device used in the sensor, typically made of materials like InSb, InAs, and GaAs for high sensitivity.
• Sensor Mechanism: Consists of a magnetic core with a Hall element and an amplification circuit to detect magnetic flux and generate Hall voltage.

The sensor measures current without contact, providing excellent insulation properties and the ability to measure various types of currents.

Types of Hall Effect Current Sensors

These sensors vary in terms of current detection range, form factors, and mechanisms. They are available in through-hole and clamp types and can use Hall ICs or feedback current for magnetic field cancellation. The choice of sensor depends on the specific application requirements.

What Is a Plasma Generator?

A plasma generator is a device designed to produce plasma, a state of matter created when a gas is heated. Plasma exists in natural phenomena like the sun and aurora borealis and is also utilized in artificial products such as fluorescent lights and air purifiers.

Uses of Plasma Generators

Plasma generators have a wide range of applications in manufacturing processes, including:

• Surface Modification: Improving wettability of surfaces.
• Cleaning: Breaking down organic contaminants on material surfaces.
• Sputtering: Creating coatings or thin films by bombarding metals with cations.
• Etching: Engraving grooves or patterns on materials.

These processes are integral in the production of solar cells, semiconductors, and hard coatings. Plasma is also crucial in metal cutting, where plasma generators are typically used in plasma-cutting machines.

Principle of Plasma Generator

Plasma, known as the fourth state of matter, is produced by heating gases. In a plasma state, various particles such as ions, free electrons, and neutral atoms coexist. Plasma generators create this state using electricity, typically with gases like argon and helium.

Types of Plasma Generators

Plasma generators are classified based on their plasma generation methods:

• DC Discharge Type: Generates plasma in a vacuum by applying voltage across electrodes in a sealed container.
• Dielectric Barrier Discharge Method: Produces plasma at atmospheric pressure, using high-frequency sinusoidal voltage and gases like helium or argon.
• Metal Electrode Pulse Power Supply Method: Uses a pulse power supply to maintain low plasma temperatures, suitable for specific industrial applications.

Each method is suited to different applications and requirements, from industrial processes to healthcare and environmental applications.

What Is an Industrial Radiator?

An industrial radiator is a device developed for industrial machinery, similar to the radiators found in engine-powered vehicles. Its primary function is to dissipate heat generated by various industrial machines, particularly internal combustion engines, to prevent overheating and breakdowns.

Applications of Industrial Radiators

• Used in special construction vehicles like truck cranes, bulldozers, hydraulic excavators, backhoes, and dump trucks.
• Essential for machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and machining centers, where heat generated by motors is cooled.
• Also installed in emergency power generators and commercial air conditioning equipment.

Principle of Industrial Radiators

Industrial radiators operate based on heat conduction, utilizing air-cooled and water-cooled systems. They transfer heat from a higher to a lower temperature, leveraging materials like copper and aluminum with high thermal conductivity. Radiators are designed with large surface areas for efficient heat dissipation.

Heat transfer in radiators involves conduction, convection, and thermal radiation, with heat sinks being a common solid-based cooling system.

Types of Industrial Radiators

There are various types of industrial radiators:

• Multi-tube type (Shell and Tube): Used for liquid-to-liquid heat transfer.
• Plate type: Utilizes press-formed metal plates for heat transfer in gases or liquids, commonly used in factories and large building air conditioning systems.
• Finned tube type: Features heat transfer plates on tubes to increase surface area, suitable for gas-to-liquid heat transfer.

Other Information on Industrial Radiators

Industrial radiators differ from heat exchangers in that they specifically focus on dissipating heat, whereas heat exchangers exchange heat between two mediums. Radiators are broadly recognized as components of car engines. However, they encompass any system that utilizes heat transfer from higher to lower levels.

What Are Glass-Ceramics?

Glass-ceramics are a type of material created by reheating special glass compositions and uniformly precipitating crystals within the glass, known as crystallized glass. These materials have a smooth, shiny surface and can be transparent or milky white. Unlike ordinary amorphous glass, glass ceramics contain fine crystals, making them stronger and more heat-resistant, thus suitable for diverse industrial applications.

Applications of Glass-Ceramics

Glass-ceramics have a broad range of uses:

• In household items like heat-resistant tableware and microwave oven turntables.
• As heating equipment components, such as cooktop glass and oven windows.
• In disaster prevention as fire-resistant glass due to their high-temperature resistance and strength.
• For protective covers in cameras, lighting fixtures, and mobile devices.
• As materials in physics, chemistry, satellite construction, precision bearings, and insulation.
• As substrates in high-power LEDs and LDs, used in automotive, lighting, display, and medical fields.

Principle of Glass-Ceramics

Glass-ceramics are produced by reheating specially composed glass to precipitate microcrystals, enhancing strength and thermal shock resistance. The properties of glass ceramics depend on the crystals’ type, size, quantity, and residual glass phase, which are determined by the glass composition and reheating conditions.

Characteristics of Glass-Ceramics

Key characteristics include resistance to thermal shock and minimal expansion, preventing cracking under rapid temperature changes. This makes them suitable for applications requiring high heat resistance and durability.

Types of Glass-Ceramics

Glass-ceramics vary based on composition and crystal structure. They can be tailored for high thermal shock resistance, and some forms, known as super heat-resistant crystallized glass, can endure extreme temperature changes and repetitive heating. In LED substrates, they are optimized for high output power across a wide range of wavelengths.

It’s essential to select the appropriate type of glass ceramics based on the specific application requirements.

What Is a Dye Sublimation Printing Press?

A dye sublimation printing press is an industrial device used to apply heat and pressure to vaporize dyes for printing on various materials. This technology is especially popular for printing on polyester fabrics and polyester-coated items like mugs and smartphone cases, offering vivid color prints for photographs, illustrations, and more.

Uses of Dye-Sublimation Printing Presses

• Widely used for printing on polyester fabrics in items such as clothing, banners, tapestries, and cloth posters.
• Also applicable for non-fabric items like mugs, tumblers, smartphone cases, and various cards, provided they are polyester-coated.

Principle of Dye-Sublimation Printing Press

Dye-sublimation printing involves two methods:

• Direct Sublimation Method: Directly transfers dyes to special paper using a heated thermal head.
• Dye Sublimation Retransfer Method: Prints an image on transfer paper, which is then applied to the target fabric with heat and pressure, allowing the dye to penetrate and color the fabric.

The term “sublimation” historically referred to the direct transition of a substance from solid to gas, but in this context, it involves a brief liquid phase.

Types of Dye-Sublimation Printing Presses

Dye-sublimation presses vary in size and application:

• Table-top presses for smaller prints like A3 and A4 sizes.
• Larger presses for wide-format printing, used for uniforms and banners.
• Specialized presses for different shapes and materials, such as flatbed presses for flat surfaces and mug presses for cylindrical objects.

Choosing the right press depends on the desired print size and material.