Dye Sublimation Printing Fume Extraction
Using a wide-format inkjet printer, dye-sub inks are printed on a special transfer paper or directly onto fabric. From there, the image is heat transferred into the fibers of the fabric by using a heat press. The ink changes from a solid to a gas (hence the term “sublimation”) and is fixated deep into the fibers of the fabric and returns to a solid-state. The dye pigments are carried by a glycol-based solvent which is evaporated off the fabric during the heating process. This generates a fog made up of tiny liquid glycol particles which can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
You can protect yourself by using a fume extractor that captures the and tiny liquid particles. The pre-filter and HEPA filter capture the fine particles while the gas filter captures the odors.