Dye sublimation aluminum sheets are specially coated metal panels designed for heat transfer printing. They are widely used for photo panels, signage, nameplates, wall art, and promotional products.
Learn how to create dye sublimation aluminum sheets, including materials, coating process, specifications, temperature settings, and common applications.
Common Aluminum Alloys Used
| Alloy | Features | Typical Use |
| 3003 | Good formability | Photo panels |
| 5005 | Smooth surface | Sign boards |
| 5052 | Higher strength | Outdoor signs |
| 6061 | Strong structure | Industrial panels |
Aluminum Thickness Options
| Thickness (mm) | Inch | Application |
| 0.5 mm | 0.020″ | Indoor photos |
| 0.8 mm | 0.032″ | Popular standard |
| 1.0 mm | 0.040″ | Sign panels |
| 1.2 mm | 0.050″ | Rigid boards |
| 2.0 mm | 0.080″ | Outdoor use |
What Are Dye Sublimation Aluminum Sheets?
Dye sublimation aluminum sheets are aluminum panels coated with a polyester sublimation layer. When heated, sublimation ink turns into gas and permanently bonds with the coating surface.
Basic Structure
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Aluminum base | 3003 / 5052 alloy |
| Surface treatment | Degreasing + cleaning |
| Sublimation coating | Polyester resin |
| Protective film | Optional |
This structure allows images to be printed with high resolution, durability, and vivid color.
Materials Required
To create sublimation aluminum sheets, the following materials are needed:
- aluminum sheet substrate
- sublimation coating liquid or powder
- spray or roll coating equipment
- drying oven
- heat press machine
- sublimation transfer paper
- sublimation ink
Step-by-Step: How to Create Dye Sublimation Aluminum Sheets
Step 1: Aluminum Surface Preparation
Before coating, the aluminum surface must be clean.
- remove oil and dust
- chemical degreasing
- water rinsing
- drying
Clean surfaces ensure strong coating adhesion.
Step 2: Apply Sublimation Coating
The sublimation coating is applied evenly.
| Method | Description |
| Spray coating | Most common |
| Roller coating | Large-scale production |
| Powder coating | Industrial use |
After coating, the sheet is dried at 150–200°C.
Step 3: Coating Curing
| Item | Standard |
| Curing temperature | 180–200°C |
| Curing time | 10–15 minutes |
| Coating thickness | 15–25 microns |
Proper curing ensures bright colors and scratch resistance.
Step 4: Heat Transfer Printing
| Parameter | Recommended |
| Temperature | 190–205°C |
| Time | 50–70 seconds |
| Pressure | Medium |
| Cooling | Natural air |
The image becomes permanent after cooling.
Popular Sheet Sizes
| Size | Application |
| A4 (210 × 297 mm) | Photo printing |
| A3 (297 × 420 mm) | Wall decor |
| A2 (420 × 594 mm) | Displays |
| 12″ × 18″ | Popular US size |
| 24″ × 36″ | Sign panels |
| Custom size | Project use |
Surface Finish Options
| Finish | Description |
| Glossy white | High color brightness |
| Matte white | Anti-glare |
| Satin white | Balanced look |
| Brushed silver | Metal texture |
| Mirror gold | Decorative signs |
Types of Dye Sublimation Aluminum Sheets
1. Glossy Sublimation Aluminum Sheet
- highest image clarity
- strong contrast
- photo printing use
2. Matte Sublimation Aluminum Sheet
- soft reflection
- fingerprint resistant
- indoor decoration
3. Brushed Sublimation Aluminum Sheet
- metallic appearance
- modern design style
4. Outdoor Sublimation Aluminum Sheet
- UV resistant coating
- weather durability
- long service life
Key Advantages
- permanent image printing
- waterproof surface
- scratch resistance
- fade resistance
- lightweight material
- easy cutting and drilling
Typical Applications
Dye sublimation aluminum sheets are widely used in:
- photo panels
- wall art decoration
- metal pictures
- commercial signage
- advertising boards
- hotel decoration
- exhibition displays
- nameplates
- gifts and souvenirs
Comparison: Sublimation Aluminum vs Other Materials
| Material | Image Quality | Durability | Waterproof |
| Sublimation aluminum | Excellent | High | Yes |
| MDF board | Medium | Low | No |
| Ceramic tile | Good | High | Yes |
| Plastic sheet | Low | Low | No |
Quality Control Items
| Test Item | Standard |
| Coating adhesion | ≥ 1 grade |
| Color transfer rate | ≥ 95% |
| Surface flatness | ≤ 0.3% |
| Scratch resistance | ≥ 2H |
| Heat stability | 220°C |
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Dull colors | Low temperature | Increase heat |
| Ghost image | Moving paper | Fix tape |
| Yellow surface | Overheating | Reduce time |
| Poor transfer | Bad coating | Improve curing |
Why Choose Us
FASTARRIVER ALUMINUM supplies professional:
- dye sublimation aluminum sheets
- sublimation metal blanks
- A4 / A3 / custom sizes
- glossy, matte, brushed finishes
- stable coating performance
- export standard packaging
OEM and bulk supply are supported.
Making Sublimation Aluminum Sheets
Creating dye sublimation aluminum sheets requires proper aluminum material, high-quality coating, accurate curing, and correct heat press settings. With the right process, sublimation aluminum panels deliver bright colors, long-lasting images, and excellent durability.
These sheets are now one of the most popular materials in photo printing and metal decoration markets worldwide.
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