Explain the mechanisms of dye-sublimation printing and its applications in textile and graphic printing industries.

Dye-sublimation printing is a digital printing process that utilizes heat to transfer dye onto various materials, such as textiles, ceramics, and plastics. The process involves printing a mirrored image onto a special transfer paper using dye-sublimation inks and then using heat and pressure to transfer the dye into the substrate, where it sublimates into a gas and permeates the material’s surface. Dye-sublimation printing produces vibrant, durable, and photo-realistic images with excellent color retention and wash-fastness, making it ideal for applications such as sportswear, apparel, signage, and personalized gifts.