What Does Dye-Sublimation Printer Mean?

A dye-sublimation printer is a printer that works by heating ink and then depositing it on a surface. The term arises from the misconception that the ink goes from solid to gas without going through a liquid phase, or sublimation. Dye-sublimation printers are used for printing photos and designs on solid objects.

Techopedia Explains Dye-Sublimation Printer

Dye-sublimation printers work by heating solid ink so that it can be deposited on a solid surface, such as plastic or ceramic. These printers are used for printing photos and ID cards, as well as for printing on things like coffee mugs and T-shirts.