How to print a sublimation case?

Lamination printing is a technique for customizing phone cases with colorful and detailed images. Here is how to print a phone case using sublimation:

Necessary Equipment for Sublimation

1. A sublimation printer: A printer specially designed for sublimation, using sublimation inks. We recommend the EPSON and RICOH brands that we use in our workshop.
2. Sublimation paper: A special paper that transfers the ink under the effect of heat.
3. Heat press: To apply uniform heat necessary for ink transfer.
4. Phone case for sublimation: a specific case for sublimation is a silicone case with an aluminum plate that will be heated before being attached to the TPU base.

Steps for Printing the Case

Preparing the Design to Print

1. Create your design: Use graphic software to create or prepare the image you want to print on the case. Make sure the resolution is high to get a clear and sharp print. We recommend using Photoshop, Sawgrass Print Manager, or Canva.

2. Adjust the dimensions: Adapt your design’s dimensions to the phone case dimensions to ensure the design fully covers the desired surface.

Printing and Transfer

3. Print the design: Print your design on the sublimation paper using a sublimation printer. Make sure the print is mirrored, as it will be transferred reversed onto the case.

4. Prepare the heat press: Set your heat press to the recommended sublimation temperature, usually around 180-200°C, and preheat it. Our cases should be sublimated for 70 seconds at 190°C.

5. Remove the plastic film from the aluminum plate.

6. Position the aluminum plate against the paper: Place the plate to be sublimated on the printed paper. Use high-temperature resistant tape to ensure there is no print misalignment on the case.

Applying the Heat

7. Press the design: Close the heat press and apply heat for the recommended time, usually between 60 and 80 seconds.

8. Remove the paper: Once the time has elapsed, open the press, remove the plate, and let it cool before removing the sublimation paper.

Assembling the Case

9. Once the aluminum plate is printed, remove the white paper from the silicone case. You can then glue the plate to the case. Make sure to press firmly on the edges so the plate does not detach from the silicone case.

By following these steps, you can create an original phone case that resists shocks and daily wear while displaying your favorite designs.

If you want to start selling phone cases by creating your own brand, you can also delegate the product manufacturing to us.

How to do it? It’s simple, you can access the main information on our dedicated site or send us an email at hello@coque-sublimation.fr

You can also watch our explanatory videos showing you how to print on a case or on a cover using sublimation.