Alpha Supply's

Welcome to our dye sublimation reference library. The library is an archive of various newsletters, articles and other types of information that we continue to publish about the dye sublimation business and covers a wide range of topics. As of this date, there are dozens of articles containing approximately 38,000 words.

The purpose of the library is twofold. First, is as an archive, so that subscribers to our free sublimation business newsletter, "Toner Times" may read more articles about the sublimation business, that are published elsewhere.

Second, is as a reference source, so the beginning novice researcher can gather information and get a "feel" for the dye sublimation business, specifically and generally.

While there is "How To" information scattered throughout our writings, we concentrate primarily on the business of dye sublimation. Regardless of size, the purpose of any business is to make a profit. Skill and knowledge of your techniques are always very important. However, if you can't profitably sell what you produce, why bother?

This is the index, or "Home" page. The next page is the content page that describes each section. You can navigate anywhere in the sublimation library from the content page. We add new pages to the library every month.

We provide 12 tutorial web sites, with over 180 pages of information. Each web site provides information about specific topics. To help you easily find the information you want, click on the "Web Map". This page provides a thumbnail description and link to each site.

Even with this much information, we can't cover everything and there are some things we don't sell. If you can't find what you need in our existing web family, e-mail us your questions. We will find you a source and point you in the right direction, even if we don't sell it.

It is never a waste of time for us, because we feel like it is always a good day, when you make a new friend.

If you are already familiar with dye sublimation, you may wish to go to the content page now. The rest of what follows is to help a new person understand more about dye sublimation, before they enter the library.

True dye sublimation is a very specific term that describes a very specific process and method. If dye sublimation was the imprinting method, these facts are always true-

It is always done on a polymer or polymer coated object (substrate). Once done, it becomes a part of the surface of the substrate and you cannot feel it. It is done with heat and pressure. Because it is a part of the surface, you cannot rub it off (unless you deliberately damage the surface). It requires a special dye sublimation toner or ink cartridge. It cannot be done with regular laser printer toners or inkjet inks. It cannot be done on cotton (there is a heat transfer method for cotton, but it is not dye sublimation - you can feel it and it can wash out).

While other imprinting methods can look very nice, if the above facts are not true, it's not true dye sublimation. It's that simple.

Briefly, the major types of narrow format dye sublimation use a laser printer or an inkjet printer. A laser uses dye sublimation toner cartridges and inkjets use dye sublimation ink cartridges. The terms are very specific and are not interchangeable.

Single color laser printer sublimation can be done with any one of hundreds of ordinary laser printers. Full color laser printer sublimation uses a HP 4500 or HP 4550. Full color inkjet printer sublimation requires a special printer that has a Micro Piezo print head.

No matter if you are just starting in business or thinking about adding dye sublimation abilities to your existing business, research thoroughly! You can't do too much.

It is your time and money that will be spent, and investing a little time now, may save you a big chunk of time and money in the future.

You can do yourself a big favor while you are researching. Don't get mesmerized by all the neat things sublimation can do. Instead, concentrate on what it will do that you can sell. Otherwise, your work will just be a hobby.

It is true that there are many thousands of award, gift, specialty, sign, printing and home business sublimators making very good money in this profession. It is equally true there are many who are not, because they didn't take the time to do their business homework.

To help you start your research with clarity, we suggest that you start with the September 2000 article in "Sublimation Business" in the library. From there, read, learn and enjoy.

Sublimation really can be a fun and profitable business.

Click here, for the Library Contents page