Sublimation aluminum sheet is a specially treated aluminum sheet used in heat transfer printing processes to transfer patterns or text onto the aluminum sheet surface through hot pressing. It is a decorative material suitable for applications requiring pattern transfer and high durability.
The core process of sublimation aluminum sheets includes:
Priming treatment:
Electrostatic spraying or electrophoresis is applied to the aluminum sheet surface to form a uniform primer layer, enhancing ink adhesion.
Transfer film application:
The heat transfer film with the printed pattern is tightly adhered to the aluminum sheet surface. The transfer film must be adaptable to flat or regularly curved surfaces.
High temperature hot pressing:
Through heating (typically 160-180℃) and pressure, the ink on the transfer film penetrates into the primer layer, forming a durable pattern.
Removal of backing paper:
After cooling, the backing paper of the transfer film is peeled off, completing the pattern transfer.
Differences between sublimation aluminum sheets and ordinary aluminum sheets:
Surface treatment:
Ordinary aluminum sheets are mostly bare aluminum or simply sprayed, while sublimation aluminum sheets achieve complex textures through transfer technology, resulting in richer visual effects.
Functionality:
While maintaining the lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties of aluminum, sublimation aluminium sheets enhance decorative appeal through pattern transfer, making them suitable for scenarios with high aesthetic requirements.
Cost:
The sublimation process is complex, resulting in a slightly higher cost than ordinary aluminum sheets. However, its superior weather resistance and low maintenance costs make it a more cost-effective option over long-term use.
Specifications of sublimation aluminium sheets:
Heat-transfer aluminum sheets offer flexible specifications and can be customized to meet specific needs. Common dimensions include:
Thickness: 0.45mm to 3.0mm, with 0.45mm being the standard thickness for interior decoration; 1.0mm-3.0mm is used for exterior walls or load-bearing structures.
Width and Length: Standard widths do not exceed 1300mm, and lengths are within 4000mm; custom widths of 1300-2000mm and lengths of 6000mm are available for special requirements.
Colors and Textures: Six basic colors are available, including high-definition white, glossy gold, and pearlescent silver, as well as diverse textures such as wood grain, stone grain, and 3D shavings, to meet different design styles.
Core features of sublimation aluminum sheets:
Highly decorative:
Patterns are highly realistic, simulating the texture of natural wood or stone, providing a visual effect close to the real material.
Rich color selection:
Supports monochrome, metallic, and gradient effects to meet personalized design needs.
Weather resistance and durability:
The surface coating has high weather resistance, resisting environmental corrosion such as ultraviolet rays and acid rain, and will not fade or crack over long-term use. Excellent wear resistance and impact resistance, suitable for high-traffic public areas or outdoor scenarios.
Environmental protection and safety:
Aluminum is recyclable, reducing resource waste and meeting green building standards. High fire resistance rating; no toxic gases are released during combustion, suitable for locations with strict fire safety requirements.
Processing flexibility:
Can be processed into complex shapes such as flat, curved, and spherical surfaces, adapting to irregular architectural designs. Supports secondary processing such as punching, engraving, and bending to meet customized needs.
Easy installation:
Lightweight (approximately 1/3 the weight of steel), reducing transportation and installation costs. Featuring a design incorporating hanging ears and reinforcing ribs, this system boasts high installation efficiency and simple maintenance.
Typical applications of sublimation aluminum sheets:
Architectural Decoration:
Exterior curtain Walls: Replaces traditional stone or wood, reducing building load while improving fire resistance.
Interior walls and ceilings: Used in public spaces such as shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings to create a high-end atmosphere.
Case study: A high-end commercial complex used heat-transfer printed wood grain aluminum panels as exterior wall decoration, retaining the warmth of wood texture while avoiding the problem of wood’s susceptibility to decay.
Furniture Manufacturing:
All-aluminum furniture: Used to manufacture cabinets, wardrobes, doors, and windows, providing waterproof, moisture-proof, and insect-proof properties, extending service life.
Custom furniture: Personalized patterns are achieved through transfer printing technology, satisfying consumers’ pursuit of home aesthetics.
Case study: A certain all-aluminum furniture brand launched a heat-transfer printed stone grain aluminum dining table; its realistic surface texture and easy cleaning have made it very popular in the market.
Signage and Advertising:
Signage and nameplates: Used to manufacture company logos, directional signs, etc., offering strong weather resistance and suitable for long-term outdoor use.
Case study: A scenic area used heat-transfer aluminum panels to create its wayfinding system. The patterns are clear, the colors are vibrant, and it requires minimal maintenance.
Transportation Facilities:
Subways, airports, and other transportation hubs: Used for wall and column decoration, enhancing both aesthetics and safety.
Case study: A subway station used heat-transfer aluminum panels as the wall material for its concourse. This met fire safety requirements and enhanced the spatial depth through 3D texture design.