Sublimation Printer Test Page (PDF)
Sublimation dye printing is fundamentally different from regular CMYK ink deposition on a sheet of paper. Although the final result may appear similar to an untrained eye, the underlying processes are vastly different. Consequently, a standard test sheet used for inkjet printers is not suitable for evaluating sublimation printing.
For this reason we have composed a dedicated test sheet to address the technological challenges that sublimation printers usually have to endure during the normal operation cycle.
During the test, the printer produces a printed output of the color blocks and gradients. The user then compares the printed output to the original test page to identify any differences or issues with color accuracy, color balance, color density, and color registration.
During the test, we will try to assess whether the printer’s performance meets the expected standard. This means we will check if the image on your computer screen is accurately transferred to a physical medium while maintaining satisfactory color quality, clarity, and vividness. Although you might expect this to be a standard feature of all printers, it’s surprising how often the results are disappointingly subpar.
Specific patterns on our test pages are designed to check for issues like banding, streaking, or worn out alignment issues. These patterns help identify any mechanical issues with the printer that might affect print quality.
Sublimation Printer Test Page will test dye sublimation performance
Click download button below to get the PDF file required for this test.
Warning: Do not print the preview JPG image itself, as it is highly compressed and it will not meet the required performance criteria for a proper color test page. The tools and guides we offer on this website are entirely free of charge, so please use the appropriate download button to get the necessary testing media for conducting the test.
How to Use This Test for Sublimation Printers
Follow these steps to perform a sublimation printer test:
Check the Printer Manual: Before starting the test, refer to the printer manual for any specific instructions or settings related to sublimation printing. This ensures the printer is properly configured and the test results are accurate.
Ensure the Printer is in Good Condition: Before printing the test page, make sure the printer is in good working order. Check for any clogged print heads or other issues that could affect print quality.
Use the Appropriate Sublimation Paper: Use the recommended sublimation paper for the printer test. This is usually specified in the test page instructions. Sublimation paper is essential for optimal ink transfer and print quality.
Check the Printer Settings: Set the printer settings according to the test page instructions. This may include paper size, orientation, resolution, and color settings specifically for sublimation printing.
Print the Test Page: Load the test page into the printer and start the print job. Ensure you print at 100% scale without any scaling options enabled. This test page is optimized for ISO 216 paper sizes (A4, A3, etc.).
By following these steps, you can effectively use the test page to identify any potential issues with your sublimation printer and ensure high-quality printed results.
How to Evaluate This Sublimation Printer Test
The process for analyzing a test page is tailored for sublimation printers.
While there are unique considerations for sublimation printing, the primary goal is to ensure the printed output meets the expected quality standards. Sublimation involves transferring dye into the substrate, so it’s crucial to check for specific issues related to this process.
Once the Print Job is Complete: Ensure that you have printed the test page using your sublimation printer and that the print job is finished.
Analyze the Test Page: Carefully examine the test page to ensure that the printer is producing the correct colors, shades, and gradients. Sublimation printing should result in vibrant, high-quality images without any distortions.
Look for Any Visible Issues: Check the test page for any visible problems such as banding, streaks, or color inconsistencies. These issues could indicate problems with the printer or the sublimation process.
- Banding: Horizontal or vertical lines that appear due to inconsistent ink flow or print head movement.
- Streaks: Unwanted lines or marks that may indicate issues with the print head or ink distribution.
- Color Inconsistencies: Areas where the colors do not match the expected output, which could suggest problems with ink formulation or transfer.
- Blurry Images: Lack of sharpness caused by incorrect pressure settings, poor-quality sublimation paper, or movement during the transfer process.
- Ghosting: A shadow or double image effect resulting from the substrate or transfer paper shifting during the heat press process.
- Uneven Colors: Variations in color density, often due to uneven heat distribution or incorrect heat press settings.
- Over or Under Saturation: Colors that are too vibrant or too dull, often due to incorrect color profiles or ink settings.
- Paper Marks: Impressions or lines from the edge of the sublimation paper, usually caused by excessive pressure or using inappropriate paper.
- Substrate Damage: Warping, melting, or other damage to the substrate due to incorrect temperature or pressure settings on the heat press.
- Image Not Transferring Completely: Areas of the image that don’t transfer, often due to insufficient heat, pressure, or time during the sublimation process.
- Color Shifts: Unexpected changes in color, possibly due to incorrect color management or environmental factors like humidity.
- Moisture Spots: Spots or splotches on the print, typically caused by moisture in the substrate or paper. Pre-pressing the substrate can help eliminate moisture.
Evaluate the Transfer: Sublimation prints are unique in that they involve transferring the image from the paper to the substrate. Ensure that the transfer is complete and that the colors are bright and evenly distributed.
Identify Potential Issues: If you find any issues, it could indicate problems such as clogged print heads, improper heat press settings, or issues with the sublimation paper or ink. In some cases sublimation purge print does wonders, you can check out if that would be useful in your situation.
By following these steps, you can accurately evaluate the quality of your sublimation print and identify any potential issues that need to be addressed.
What’s next?
Once you’re happy with your printed page appearance, you can proceed to the next test (there is a link below). Or pick another color test page from our printing test collections. On this website we offer a variety of color test pages that you can download and use for your ink printer or laser printer quality assurance tests.
Color test page
It is important to print a color test page once in a while. This will help you to ensure that the printer is functioning properly and producing high-quality prints. It can also help you to identify any potential issues with the printer early on, so that you can take the necessary steps to address them. Additionally, testing the print page can help you to get familiar with the printer's features and settings, so that you can get the most out of your new device.