What does sublimation printing mean and how is it used in the textile industry?

Digital sublimation printing is a digital printing process where special sublimation ink is first printed onto transfer paper and then transferred onto fabric (or other coated materials) using heat and pressure.

When heated, the ink turns into gas (without becoming liquid first — that’s “sublimation”) and bonds with the fibers of the fabric. This makes the print part of the material itself, not just sitting on top.