Information On ChomaBlast Ink

What is ChromaBlast?
ChromaBlast™ is a unique patented ink and media combination driven by powerful print software to create the best cotton imaging system available. As heat and pressure is applied to the cotton, a chemical cross-link with cotton occurs. The result is a customized cotton shirt with soft hand, vibrant color and superior washability.
How does it work?
The ChromaBlast system is currently configured for three printer models: the Epson C88, R1800, and 4800. It runs from a standard PC and utilizes off-the-shelf-graphics software to create instant personalized images. In a simple three-step process, the ChromaBlast system involves designing and customizing you image on your computer, printing through the ChromaBlast driver and adjusting color as needed onto the ChromaBlast media, and finally, cross-linking the image to the cotton through the use of a heat press.
What is the cost?
The cost per image ranges from around $2.00 to $2.50 for an 8” x 10” image. Remember… this is a digital imaging system. This estimated image cost includes the ChromaBlast media and the ChromaBlast ink. The ChromaBlast software driver is included with the system.
What type of heat press is required?
For optimum color and wash fastness, Ryonet recommends a pneumatic heat press application at 350°F (176°C) for 45-60 seconds / 60 psi.
Due to variations in cotton garments and in heat presses, time and temperature can be adjusted for preferred performance up to 400°F for 25 seconds. Some scorching may occur, but will wash out. 
What is so unique about this product?
The key to the ChromaBlast Digital Color Imaging System is the chemical bonding between the ink and the coating on the media. Where the ink chemistry and the media coating chemistry touch, there is a cross-link reaction under heat and pressure that chemically bonds the image to the cotton. The cross-link creates a very strong and nearly permanent bond. Remove the paper and the image area is tattooed into the shirt itself. The overprint area from the media does physically transfer, but washes away because it has no ink to react to in the non-image area. The area around the image has a very light feel that becomes nearly imperceptible after one wash.
The result is a vibrant colorful image on the garment that looks, feels and breathes like nothing else in the market. Imagine giving your customers the ability to print what they need, when they need it. Now imagine all of this from the digital desktop printing system that uses dry, clean inks and can be operated right in their facility, office or virtually anywhere by their graphic design or marketing staff.
Does ChromaBlast work on shirt colors other than white? 
The overprint area may be more noticeable on some colored shirts than on white shirts. Depending on the shirt color, the overprint may continue to be visible after washing. Whether or not this overprint is acceptable should be determined by the customer in advance of full production, as the output is dependent on numerous factors, including the color of the shirt, the design of the graphic, or if trimming the media is an option. 
Sawgrass Technologies continues to work on making this product better, but there is not a quick fix or an anticipated date for its release. 
The Sawgrass Call Center will send a printed transfer to potential customers for evaluation. Alternatively, we will provide a printed sample on a customer supplied shirt.
How does ChromaBlast compare to screen printing and transfer paper?
Plastisol, the key component of screen printing does not react with the fibers, but sticks on the surface of the garment, creating a heavy, non-breathable image which can crack and peel. Traditional transfer paper utilizes a thermoplastic which has a result similar to screen printing. 
The chemistry behind the ChromaBlast digital imaging system consists of active ingredients that react and cross link to the garment fibers when heat is applied. Because the image and garment fibers bond, ChromaBlast has a softer hand and superior wash fastness.