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Printing processes: A comparison of UV printing & dye-sublimation

With some of the world’s largest digital printing presses, things at the Procedes Group are “a little different in size” compared to what you’re used to at home.

How different? Very! Our printers are over 26 feet long and can handle print widths of 16 feet. They operate at impressive speeds, producing up to 3,800 square feet of textile per hour. To put that into perspective, your entire living space could be covered in prints in no time.

Although we could cover floors, our primary focus is on delivering solutions for walls and ceilings. At the Procedes Group, we use both UV printing and dye-sublimation to ensure each project achieves its full potential. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of both printing processes, so you can determine which one is best suited for your project.

Marketing & Prepress | Procedes Group

Jens Sauter

Ampelleuchte auf einer Industriedruckmaschine, die Grün leuchtet.

Overview of printing processes

Advantages, disadvantages, and application examples

PROS

UV Printing

Weatherproof and highly durable
Dimensional accuracy
Material width up to 16 feet
No need for additional fixing
4-color system (CMYK) + 2 special colors (light cyan, light magenta)
High-speed printing: up to 3,800 sq ft/hour without color loss
UV-curing acrylic inks with pigments (solvent-free)

Dye-Sublimation Printing

Vibrant, high quality, permanently dyed motifs
Odorless prints
Can’t be superficially damaged, there is no material to chip, peel or scratch
Easier and cost-effective transport due to foldable prints (no need for oversized rolls)
Material width up to 16 feet
4-color system (CMYK) + 2 special colors (light cyan, light magenta)
High-speed printing: up to 3,800 sq ft/hour, followed by calendering
Water-based dispersion inks (solvent-free)

CON

UV Printing

Must be transported as rolled material to prevent damage
Cannot be folded or white breakage may occur
Prints may temporarily emit odors and require aring out while curing

Dye-Sublimation Printing

Double the effort: printing plus calendering
Higher energy consumption
Dimensional accuracy may vary due to heat effects
Not all textiles are suitable for this process

APPLICATIONS

Ideal for outdoor use, such as advertising banners on building facades
Also suitable for indoor use, though prints may need ventilation before installation

Perfect for interior applications
Great for acoustic panels or versatile ceiling sails that enhance room aesthetics and sound quality

Industrielle Thermo-Sublimation-Druckmaschine

Understanding white breakage

You may have noticed white breakage on printed clothing, like a T-shirt or sweater. It happens when the ink layer cracks or breaks, especially when the material is folded or creased. The fabric peeks through the cracks, disrupting the uniform appearance of the print. This issue is something to consider when choosing between UV and dye-sublimation printing.

Darstellung von Weißbruch auf dunklem bedrucktem Textil

Bedrucktes Textil, aufgerollt auf 2 Transportrollen im Kalender

Farbbalken zu Kalibrierung von bedruckbarem Textil im Drucker

Innenansicht von einem Druckkopfschlitten eines Großformatdruckers

Seitenansicht einen beleuchteten Kalenders mit mehreren Rollen zum Materialtransport

Both UV and dye-sublimation printing are key to creating large-format digital prints. As a bonus, Procedes Group also utilizes another printing technology: 3D printing.

Although it doesn’t involve digital printing in the traditional sense — since it uses filaments instead of inks and constructs components rather than printing on substrates — 3D printing is essential for producing spacers, connectors, and other elements that complement our digital print projects.