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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: 32kms on Thu, 06 August 2020, 14:58:34

Title: How durable are sublimation legends?
Post by: 32kms on Thu, 06 August 2020, 14:58:34

I have a question, I want to make a design and print it by sublimation, but how long would the legend print last?

Title: Re: How durable are sublimation legends?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 06 August 2020, 16:33:37

With industrial-grade equipment, it is extremely long-lasting.

Title: Re: How durable are sublimation legends?
Post by: Rob27shred on Thu, 06 August 2020, 17:01:28

Quote from: fohat.digs on Thu, 06 August 2020, 16:33:37

With industrial-grade equipment, it is extremely long-lasting.

Yep, if done properly with the proper equipment dye subbed legends will last a lifetime practically.

Title: Re: How durable are sublimation legends?
Post by: Pyk_ on Thu, 06 August 2020, 21:10:04

I believe the idea is the dye actually sinks into the plastic and becomes part of it, so in order for them to wear off you have to wear down the plastic itself.

Title: Re: How durable are sublimation legends?
Post by: Pylon on Sat, 08 August 2020, 01:30:31

I've seen a Model F with shiny keycaps and somewhat faded legends, so it is possible to wear dye sub off, though it will take a long, long time to wear dye-sub legends off PBT.