中文简体
EnglishThermal Transfer Sublimation Powder Coating
Industrial-grade protective coating solutions: environmentally friendly, durable, and cost-effective.
Intro to Thermal Transfer Sublimation Powder Coating
Thermal Transfer Sublimation Powder Coatings are specialized finishes designed to receive and lock in a high-resolution, decorative image transferred via a heat-activated sublimation film. The coating, typically a specific Polyester or Hybrid, must have a precisely controlled chemical structure and surface tension to allow the sublimation ink to penetrate and chemically bond within the molten polymer matrix during a secondary heat process. This creates extremely durable, photographic quality finishes that mimic natural wood, marble, or complex digital patterns, replacing the need for expensive laminates or high-resolution printing.
Sublimation Mechanism and Image Durability
The process is dual-stage: 1) Base Coating: The metal substrate is coated with the specialized powder and fully cured, creating a blank canvas (usually white or a solid color). 2) Sublimation: A decorative film (containing the image printed with sublimation ink) is wrapped around the coated part, and the assembly is heated (e.g., 180∘C to 200∘C). The heat causes the solid ink on the film to turn directly into a gas (sublime), which is then absorbed by the still-chemically-active polymer film. As the polymer cools, the ink is permanently trapped within the coating structure. This results in an image that is sealed beneath the surface, offering far greater durability, UV stability, and scratch resistance than decals or simple surface prints. The aesthetic result is highly realistic and is widely used to create wood-grain finishes on aluminum window frames and outdoor furniture.
Specifications
| Property | Standard Sublimation Coating Value |
| Chemical Base (Common) | Specialty Polyester or Hybrid (Optimized for ink absorption) |
| Process Type | Two-Stage (Cure + Sublimation Transfer) |
| Transfer Method | Heat-Activated Sublimation Ink Film |
| Sublimation Temp. (Typical) | 180∘C to 200∘C |
| Image Quality | High Resolution, Photographic, Deeply Embedded |
| Durability of Image | Excellent (Sealed beneath polymer) |
| UV Resistance | Base Chemistry Dependent (Polyester preferred for exterior) |
| Application Focus | Decorative Finishes (Wood, Marble, Graphics) |
Application Fields
- Architectural Profiles: Aluminum window and door frames with wood-grain or stone finishes.
- Outdoor Furniture: Patio sets and tables requiring a highly realistic decorative pattern.
- Interior Decoration: Metal wall panels, partitions, and ceiling tiles with photographic images.
- Retail Displays: Kiosks and promotional displays with custom branding/graphics.
- Signage and Plaques: Durable, high-resolution graphic transfer on metal surfaces.
Key Characteristics
- Photographic Realism: Creates highly detailed, high-resolution decorative effects (e.g., realistic wood grain).
- Extreme Durability: Image is permanently embedded and sealed beneath the polymer surface.
- Aesthetic Customization: Enables highly complex, repeatable patterns and digital images on metal.
- Weather Resistance: Provides the full protective benefits of powder coating (Polyester) against UV/weather.
- Eliminates Adhesives: Superior to stick-on decals or laminates, offering a monolithic surface.
Comparison: Sublimation vs. Standard Decorative Powder
| Feature | Thermal Transfer Sublimation | Standard Decorative Powder (e.g., Texture) |
| Decorative Mechanism | Embedded Ink Transfer (High Resolution) | Pigments/Additives (Surface Texture/Color) |
| Pattern Complexity | Unlimited (Photo-realistic) | Limited (Solid color, basic texture) |
| Durability of Decoration | Highest (Image sealed under surface) | High (Part of the coating structure) |
| Process Steps | Two-step (Coating + Sublimation) | One-step (Coating only) |
| Cost | Higher (Specialty powder + film cost) | Standard |
Why choose us
Customization: We have a strong R&D team,and we can develop and produce products according to different requirement of customers.
Cost: We have our own raw material production center.So we can offer the most favourable price and good-quality products directly.
Quality: We have our own testing lab and the most advanced and complete inspection equipment, which can ensure the quality of our products.
Capacity: Our annual production capacity is over 30000 tons, we can meet the needs of different customers with diverse purchase quantity.
Service: We focus on developing high-quality products for top-end markets. Our products are in line with international standards, and are mainly exported to Europe, America, Southeast Asia, South America and other destinations around the world.
Shipment: We are only 200 kilometers away from the Shanghai Port and 230 kilometers to Ningbo port, it is very convenient and efficient to ship goods to any other countries.
Customization
Quality
Capacity
Service
Shipment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can any color powder be used as the base for sublimation?
- A: Sublimation works best on light base colors (white, off-white, light gray) because the inks are transparent. Dark colors would mask the transferred image.
- Q: Does the second heating cycle affect the base coating's properties?
- A: The base powder is designed to withstand the second heat cycle without degradation. The second heating is critical as it briefly re-opens the polymer matrix to accept the gaseous ink before re-curing.
- Q: How resistant is the finished product to fading from UV light?
- A: When a Super Durable Polyester base is used, the system offers excellent UV stability. The ink is also sealed within the polymer, providing protection that far exceeds surface-printed graphics.
Selection Guide: Thermal Transfer Sublimation
Select Thermal Transfer Sublimation Powder Coating when:
- The requirement is for a highly realistic, complex decorative finish (e.g., wood grain, marble, custom graphics).
- The aesthetic must be durable and highly resistant to abrasion and UV exposure.
- The product is an architectural profile, window frame, or high-end consumer good.
- The manufacturing process can accommodate the two-stage application (base coat cure + film transfer).
- The goal is to achieve an aesthetic result superior to liquid printing or standard decorative powders.
