A method for decorating objects by means of sublimatic inks, which provides for the steps that consist in providing a shrink-wrap sheet-like element to which at least one layer of sublimatic inks is applied and joining two opposite ends of the sheet-like element in order to obtain a sleeve with the face of the sheet-like element directed toward the inside of the sleeve, inserting axially in the sleeve at least one object to be decorated, applying heat in order to obtain an at least partial shrink-wrapping of the sleeve, creating a difference in pressure between the internal side and the external side of the sleeve in order to establish a lower hydrostatic pressure on the inner side of the sleeve than on its outer side, and applying heat in order to cause the sublimation of the sublimatic inks.

An apparatus for texturing a plastic substrate, while forming a dye sublimation image in the plastic substrate, wherein the plastic substrate has a first side and a second side, is provided. A textured cover is on a side of a platen, wherein the platen is on a first, untextured side of the textured cover. A first side of the dye carrier is on a second, textured side of the textured cover, and wherein the plastic substrate is supported on a second side of the dye carrier, wherein a first side of the plastic substrate is supported by the dye carrier, wherein the textured side of the textured cover has a texture to be transferred to the plastic substrate. A membrane is on the second side of the plastic substrate. A vacuum pump provides a vacuum between the membrane and the platen. A heater is positioned to heat the plastic substrate.

Disclosed herein is a method of sublimation printing, a heating system for sublimation printing and a printing device. The method of sublimation printing comprises generating an air flow through a print medium on which a printing substance is deposited and heating the air flow to a temperature at or above a sublimation temperature of the printing substance.

A printing assembly is disclosed for thermal transfer printing onto a surface of a substrate. The assembly comprises at least one first printing system comprising a transfer member having opposite front and rear sides with an imaging surface on the front side, a coating station at which a monolayer of thermoplastic particles is applied to the imaging surface, an imaging station at which energy is applied by a thermal print head, optionally via the rear side of the transfer member, to selected regions of the imaging surface to render particles coating the selected regions tacky, a transfer station at which the imaging surface of the transfer member and the substrate surface are pressed against each other to transfer to the substrate the particles that have been rendered tacky to form an adhesive image; and at least one more printing system downstream from the first system.

An automated system is provided herein for fixing sublimation transfers to mugs in preparation for sublimation printing, the system including: a conveyor; an intake for sublimation transfers; a vertically adjustable transfer platen having an upwardly facing support surface; a feeder for conveying the sublimation transfers from the intake to the support surface; a linear actuator for moving mugs from the conveyor to a target location above the support surface; first and second tape applicators; and vertically adjustable first and second wrapping arms. With a sublimation transfer resting on the support surface, and a target mug in the target location, the transfer platen is caused to press the sublimation transfer against the target mug, and the first and second wrapping arms are caused to elevate to wrap lateral portions of the sublimation transfer about the target mug, to provide a prepared mug for sublimation printing.

A sublimation printing production line for a workpiece having a cylindrical outer surface includes a sublimation paper loading station, workpiece wrapping station, a baking station, and a sublimation paper dismantling stations. The sublimation paper loading station has a workpiece conveyor belt and a sublimation paper conveyor belt that operate synchronously and in parallel. The sublimation paper is positioned on to an elastic fastening jacket, which is then tightly wrapped around the workpiece with the ends buckled together to secure the sublimation paper to the workpiece and making the sublimation image clearer, more colorful, and ensuring the quality of the sublimation.

A sublimation device includes a first heater and a second heater. The first heater includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The distal end is disposed opposite the proximal end. The inner surface extends between the proximal end and the distal end and at least partially forms a cavity. The second heater is disposed proximate the distal end of the first heater.

An apparatus for texturing a plastic substrate, while forming a dye sublimation image in the plastic substrate, wherein the plastic substrate has a first side and a second side, is provided. A textured cover is on a side of a platen, wherein the platen is on a first, untextured side of the textured cover. A first side of the dye carrier is on a second, textured side of the textured cover, and wherein the plastic substrate is supported on a second side of the dye carrier, wherein a first side of the plastic substrate is supported by the dye carrier, wherein the textured side of the textured cover has a texture to be transferred to the plastic substrate. A membrane is on the second side of the plastic substrate. A vacuum pump provides a vacuum between the membrane and the platen. A heater is positioned to heat the plastic substrate.

A sublimation device includes a first heater and a second heater. The first heater includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The distal end is disposed opposite the proximal end. The inner surface extends between the proximal end and the distal end and at least partially forms a cavity. The second heater is disposed proximate the distal end of the first heater.

A sublimation device includes a first heater and a second heater. The first heater includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The distal end is disposed opposite the proximal end. The inner surface extends between the proximal end and the distal end and at least partially forms a cavity. The second heater is disposed proximate the distal end of the first heater.