Problem printing metal sublimation plaques / signs

[markymark]

Hi there,

We have developed a problem printing metal sublimation plaques / signs.

It tends to be when printing solid colour backgrounds, especially black. The surface has a mottled effect with a ripples in areas and tends to leave a washed out paler colour.

She attached examples.

Any advice would be a great help.

Thanks

Mark

[Quinsfan]

I believe this is moisture in the material. I have read on here that some people press through the metal with a sheet of kitchen roll to take out the moisture


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[Andrew]

What time and temp? Usually I would go for too much heat on this type of thing but the bottom corner on 1 image makes me question has the plastic covering been removed? if so, try dropping time or temp a bit.

[markymark]

Thanks both,

So you would have the metal, then paper, then kitchen towel on top before pressing?

Unless I'm mistaken there isn't a film on the signs I'm aware of?

[Quinsfan]

Check very carefully for a film. I thought the same as you when I first started. I tend to put kitchen towel both side just to make sure but yes metal then paper


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[markymark]

Many thanks!

[webtrekker]

Thanks both,

So you would have the metal, then paper, then kitchen towel on top before pressing?

Unless I'm mistaken there isn't a film on the signs I'm aware of?

I press 0.5mm aluminium, 200mm x 150mm, white.

I place my print face-up, place the ali sheet face-down and heat-tape it to the print on a couple of edges. I then place this in the press (ali sheet on TOP) on a sheet of A4 copy paper with another sheet of A4 copy paper over the top.

Press at 200 C for 60 secs and they come out beautiful.

Make ABSOLUTELY sure you have removed the plastic film from the ali sheet. It can sometimes be quite tricky to get it started before peeling.

[NOTE:] The ali sheet id ABOVE the sublimation print in the press and the heat transfers through the aluminium, which is a good conductor of heat.

[mrs maggot]

I go, bottom platen, paper sheet, printed sheet, metal, paper sheet, top platen, so the heat goes from the metal onto the paper if that makes sense. some metal items it is really hard to see the protective layer.

[markymark]

The film is definitely being removed but the problem seems to still be there, it's only solid colour backgrounds. if it's a background picture it's generally fine.

Could it be a fault with the heat press perhaps?

[Quinsfan]

Just an idea never tried it myself. Try pre pressing the panel with some kitchen roll.


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