Sublimation printing is a process where a design is printed on special paper using sublimation ink. The paper is then placed in a heat press with the material to be printed on. The heat and pressure cause the ink to sublimate, or turn from a solid to a gas. The gas then penetrates the material, creating a permanent image.

There are many benefits to sublimation printing, including:

1. High-quality images: Sublimation printing produces high-quality images with vibrant colors and sharp details.
2. Permanent images: Sublimation images are permanent and will not fade, crack, or peel over time.
3. Wide range of materials: Sublimation can be used on a wide range of materials, including polyester fabrics, ceramic tiles, metal, and plastic.
4. Easy to do: Sublimation printing is relatively easy to do at home with the right equipment.

The steps involved in sublimation printing are:

1. Create a design.
2. Print the design on sublimation paper.
3. Place the paper in a heat press with the material to be printed on.
4. Set the heat press to the correct temperature and time.
5. Press the heat press for the specified amount of time.
6. Remove the material from the heat press and allow it to cool.

The main difference between sublimation printing and heat transfer printing is that sublimation printing uses a solid ink that turns into a gas when heated, while heat transfer printing uses a liquid ink that is transferred to the material using heat and pressure.

1. Higher quality images
2. Permanent images
3. Wider range of materials
4. Easier to do at home

The cost of sublimation printing can vary depending on the size of the image, the type of material being printed on, and the quality of the equipment being used. However, sublimation printing is generally more affordable than other printing methods, such as high quality machine printing or screen printing.

The time it takes to sublimate an image depends on the size of the image, the type of material being printed on, and the temperature and pressure settings of the heat press. However, sublimation printing typically takes only a few minutes per image.