Need a viable heat transfer solution for wider format images that can be printed directly to 100% cotton shirts?  The key to the ChromaBlast Digital Color Imaging System is the chemical bonding between the ink and the coating on the media. Where the ink chemistry and the media coating chemistry touch, there is a cross-link reaction under heat and pressure that chemically bonds the image to the cotton. The cross-link creates a very strong and nearly permanent bond. Remove the paper and the image area is tattooed into the shirt itself. The overprint area from the media does physically transfer, but washes away because it has no ink to react to in the non-image area. The area around the image has a very light feel that becomes nearly imperceptible after one wash.

The result is a vibrant colorful image on the garment that looks, feels and breathes like nothing else in the market. Imagine giving your customers the ability to print what they need, when they need it. Now imagine all of this from the digital desktop printing system that uses dry, clean inks and can be operated right in their facility, office or virtually anywhere by their graphic design or marketing staff. 

This Pro Sublimation Package Includes.

You will also need a heat transfer press, if you don't have one already take a look at our options below for adding a heat transfer press to this package. We recommend looking at a digital heat press but you can get started as low as $395 with our Stahls Mighty Press - Lite 11"x15" Heat Transfer Press.

Stahls Mighty Press - Lite 11"x15" Heat Transfer Press: $395

Geo Knight DK16: 14x16" Digital Heat Transfer Press: $849.95

Geo Knight DK20: 16x20" Digital Heat Transfer Press: $999.95

Geo Knight DK7 Cap Transfer Press: $595.00

What is ChromaBlast? ChromaBlast™ is a unique patented ink and media combination driven by powerful print software to create the best cotton imaging system available.  As heat and pressure is applied to the cotton, a chemical cross-link with cotton occurs. The result is a customized cotton shirt with soft hand, vibrant color and superior washability.

How does it work? The ChromaBlast system is currently configured for three printer models: the Epson C88, R1800, and 4800.  It runs from a standard PC and utilizes off-the-shelf-graphics software to create instant personalized images.   In a simple three-step process, the ChromaBlast system involves designing  and customizing you image on your computer, printing through the ChromaBlast driver and adjusting color as needed onto the ChromaBlast media, and finally, cross-linking the image to the cotton through the use of a heat press.

 What is the cost?  The cost per image ranges from around $2.00 to $2.50 for an 8” x 10” image. Remember… this is a digital imaging system. This estimated image cost includes the ChromaBlast media and the ChromaBlast ink. The ChromaBlast software driver is included with the system.

What type of heat press is required?  For optimum color and wash fastness, Sawgrass recommends a pneumatic heat press application at 350°F (176°C) for 45-60 seconds / 60 psi.

Due to variations in cotton garments and in heat presses, time and temperature can be adjusted for preferred performance up to 400°F for 25 seconds.  Some scorching may occur, but will wash out. 

TRANSFER OPTIONS ON DARK GARMENTS!

ADD The Dark Upgrade Package Item No. ChromaDark8x11 for $349.00

50 Sheets of Inkjet Dark Transfer Paper from Forever 8.5x11" - FOREVER Dark is suitable for the new generation of color inkjet printers. FOREVER Inkjet-Dark –White-opaque transfer paper for printing onto dark colored textiles 100% cotton - leather, denim, polyester, under armor, etc.

Forever inkjet dark has a much softer hand and last longer then standard inkjet dark transfers that feel like a bullet proof vest and sometimes peel off. It also stretches extremely well so it is idea for flexible material.

Forever Inkjet Dark works with any inkjet printer ink, it's optimal to use with Epson Printers and also works very well with the ChromaBlast ink system by Sawgrass. Forever Inkjet Dark needs to be cad cut or plotted around the image area before it is heat transferred onto the garment. This can be done manually but we HIGHLY recommend using a plotter. The Graphtec Craft Robo plotter can plot up to 8.5x11" sheets and can be purchased for less then $300. The Graphtec 15" or 24" plotters can handle the 11x17" sheets. Plotter registration marks can be easily made in Corel Draw or Illustrator to enable the optical eye on these plotters to contour cut media so only the image area appears on the garment. See this video below to find out how this works.

Graphtec Craft Robo 8.5x11" Plotter Cutter with Basic Software

A great tool to have for any small screen printing or specialty item business! Based on years of cutting plotter technology developed by Graphtec, Craft ROBO brings professional style computer controlled cutting to the desktop. Craft ROBO provides outstanding flexibility in operation. Cut sticker and decal paper, vinyl lettering, specialty decorative papers, cardstock, stencils, heat transfer media for garments, laser printed image transfer media for all kinds of objects and apparel, as well as pen plotting, all on the same machine!

Plotter, Printer, and Transfer Paper Ship from Washington.

For information on our return policy and restrictions surrounding an inkjet printer, please see our About Us/Policies page.