How-to guide · 1 min read
Aluminium Sublimation Temperature & Time: A Practical Guide
The temperature, time and pressure settings for sublimation printing on aluminium sheets — plus how to fix ghosting, dull colour and uneven transfers.
For aluminium sublimation, press at 180–200 °C for 40–60 seconds with firm, even pressure. Most professionals settle around 200 °C, then fine-tune time for their specific press and sheet thickness. Treat the numbers below as a tested starting point, not a fixed rule.
What settings should I start with?
| Setting | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180–200 °C (≈200 °C typical) |
| Time | 40–60 seconds |
| Pressure | Medium–firm, even |
| Peel | Prompt, once safe to handle |
Thicker 0.55 mm sheets need a little more time than 0.45 mm because they take longer to reach temperature.
How do I fix common problems?
Colour looks dull or washed out
Usually too little time, temperature or pressure. Add 5–10 seconds or raise the temperature slightly and re-test.
Ghosting (a faint double image)
The transfer moved during or after pressing. Use more heat tape, keep the sheet still, and peel cleanly in one motion.
Uneven or patchy transfer
Uneven pressure or a dirty platen. Clean the surface, check the foam pad, and make sure the sheet lies completely flat.
Why testing matters
Every heat press runs slightly differently, and coatings vary by finish. Press one sheet first, confirm the result, and only then run your batch. If you're choosing a finish to begin with, start with our guide on how to choose an aluminium sheet, then request a quote for the variants you need.
Need these sheets?
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