An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section. The image forming section includes a first toner image forming unit and a second toner image forming unit. The first toner image forming unit forms a sublimation toner image with use of a sublimation toner. The sublimation toner includes a sublimation dye. The second toner image forming unit forms a non-sublimation toner image with use of a non-sublimation toner. The non-sublimation toner does not include the sublimation dye. The image forming section transfers the non-sublimation toner image and the sublimation toner image in this order on a print medium and thereby causes a transfer region of the non-sublimation toner image and a transfer region of the sublimation toner image to be overlapped with each other.

Aspects are directed to printing a garment and include a method having steps of providing a fabric panel containing polyester, applying an ink layer to a first area of the fabric panel, curing the ink layer, and applying a sublimation dye to the first area and a different second area of the fabric panel. Application of the sublimation dye causes the first area and the second area to have different color saturations. Other aspects include a garment with a fabric panel containing polyester that has a first surface with a first area and a different second area. The garment also includes an ink layer on the first surface and located at the first area and a sublimation dye absorbed by a portion of the fabric panel at the second area and on a surface of the ink layer at the first area.

This disclosure provides a printing template for use during an aqueous inkjet printing process in which ink is transferred onto a metal panel. The printing template includes a printable film having die cut area inside perimeter edge of its first layer, a generally flat metal panel having the same size as to that of the die cut area in the printable film, and a carrier having a recess which is sized and configured to encompass the shaped perimeter of the metal panel. The metal panel is secure within the die cut area and the recess in such a way that it is sandwiched between the printable film and the carrier during the printing process.

A system for transferring graphical representations on an object by sublimation is provided. The system has a first loading device configured to load on a work plane, a support having a graphical representation to be transferred, a second loading device configured to load, the object over the support on the work plane. The system further includes a sublimation apparatus having a catenary, and a plurality of pendulum components hooked to the catenary, each component having ends and jaws configured to cooperate with the work plane so that, by suction, said support wraps the object, is made to adhere to the object and is moved together with the object by way of the catenary in an oven arranged for transferring the support graphical representation from the support to the object. The invention relates also to a method for transferring graphical representations on an object by sublimation.

This disclosure provides a printing template for use during an aqueous inkjet printing process in which ink is transferred onto a metal panel. The printing template includes a printable film having die cut area inside perimeter edge of its first layer, a generally flat metal panel having the same size as to that of the die cut area in the printable film, and a carrier having a recess which is sized and configured to encompass the shaped perimeter of the metal panel. The metal panel is secure within the die cut area and the recess in such a way that it is sandwiched between the printable film and the carrier during the printing process.

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 method of operating a sublimating device includes providing heat to a cavity of the sublimating device by increasing (i) a temperature of a heater to a predetermined target temperature and (ii) a temperature of a base heater to a predetermined standby temperature. The method further includes determining a difference between the predetermined target temperature and a reduced temperature of the heater. The method also includes determining whether a workpiece is arranged in the cavity based on the difference between the predetermined target temperature and a reduced temperature.

The present invention relates to a method for decorating a drinking or eating vessel, the method comprising: a. providing: i. a drinking or eating vessel, wherein the vessel comprises an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving a liquid or a solid food and an outer surface comprising a polymeric coating; and ii. a transfer sheet, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a printed decoration; and iii. a supporting means comprising a recess for receiving the vessel; and b. arranging the vessel within the recess of the supporting means thereby defining a lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel occluded from contact with the transfer sheet and an upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel for contacting the transfer sheet; and contacting the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel and the supporting means with the transfer sheet under at least a partial vacuum, wherein the printed decoration is transferred from the transfer sheet to the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel, and wherein the supporting means reduces stretching of the transfer sheet from the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel to the lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel. Also described are associated uses, an apparatus, and drinking or eating vessels obtainable by the methods of the invention.

The invention provides apparatus for printing a three-dimensional structure, such as, but not limited to, a games console and to a method of sublimation printing. The apparatus comprises a tray having at least one mounting location for receiving a jig. The jig is configured to form a rigid frame or body for an article. The jig is formed from a material capable of withstanding the temperature of a sublimation print process without substantial deformation or distortion. The jig is configured to mate with the article so as to retain the shape of the article during the sublimation print process and the jig is removably mountable to the mounting location of the tray.