In this process, which is also referred to as dye sublimation, heat transfers colorant from a donor ribbon to the final print. Dye diffusion thermal transfer printers frequently apply a clear protective layer to the print during the transfer process to prevent the image from smearing when rubbed. This process is frequently used for snapshot-size photo printers or in photo kiosks, where customers can print images in a few minutes. The permanence of these images has not been widely studied, and there is very little information available.
other prints might be:
electrophotographic Prints
The same process used to produce office photocopies is used to make these prints. In elecrophotography, toner is transferred to the paper base and then fused in place. The paper is usually uncoated, and the images are reasonably stable, because they are composed of pigment particles that are fused to the paper with a durable polymer binder material. This technology is used less widely than inkjet for photo-quality printing.
Miscellaneous Prints
Several proprietary technologies exist for producing prints in photo kiosks and home printers. These technologies do not fit into the categories mentioned above, and they may not have satisfactory stability for long-term preservation. Check with manufacturers for information about these miscellaneous print materials.
