Cranston, RI – We Make RI is launching a new, dye sublimation studio in their factory space. Dye sublimation is a printing process that utilizes heat transfer to press dye onto synthetic fabrics, and it is one piece of We Make RI’s new, textile training initiative. As part of the Back to Work RI program, We Make RI will be training workers displaced due to COVID for new careers in the textile industry.
The process of dye sublimation teaches manufacturing students several, valuable skills: digital artwork set-up, working with heavy machinery, running a production line, packaging, shipping and quality control. For manufacturing students to get the full, hands-on experience, they need to work with real-world projects, which is why We Make RI is going to use the equipment to print custom masks for Rhode Island schools.
“With schools opening for in-person learning this fall, kids are required to wear masks,” Barbara Jackson, We Make RI Executive Director, said. “We think if they can get involved in the process, the kids will be more excited to wear their masks and less likely to lose them. Once we’re up and running, schools can submit the kids’ artwork to us, we will scan it in, teach our manufacturing students how to prepare the art for print, press it on to a mask, package it for shipping, and distribute to the schools.”
To fund this endeavor, We Make RI is looking for donations to purchase blank facemasks for imprinting. Supporters will receive custom facemasks of their own while contributing masks to Rhode Island schools, and they will help manufacturing students gain experience in print production.
You can contribute to their Kickstarter campaign here: www.kickstarter.com
About We Make RI
Started in 2014, We Make RI is the leading manufacturing and training organization in Rhode Island, providing free and low cost education and job placement to Rhode Island residents. We Make RI is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For more information, visit www.WeMakeRI.com.
