Printing on EVA foam

[skw952]

Hi everyone

I'm new to this forum (and printing) so please excuse any incorrect terminology!

I'm trying to print a design onto EVA foam interlocking mats (not polyester coated - straight onto the foam). I've been told its not possible for several reasons, the image bluring, print rubbing off, bowing under the heat but I found a supplier willing to give it a try on an A4 sized sample. Couple of photos attached. I'm very pleased with the results, it seems very durable but has slightly bowed.

Does anyone know how it might be possible to stop it from bowing? It was heated at 180 for 40 seconds. Its only very slight so you might not read it on a larger tile.

Also I'm struggling to find anyone in this country to print these mats. Any ideas for where I could get these printed?

Thanks for your help

Sarah

[socialgiraffe]

If you wanted to do these "properly" then find a flatbed UV printer company.

UV print does not use heat so will be able to print on to that substrate no problem. The supplier will need to know the thickness of the tiles so they can advise you on if they can lift the print head that high, but there are plenty of printers on the market that can do this.

Failing that, then I think you would need to just get a bundle of tiles and keep experimenting with the time and temp. You could possibly come down 10 degrees without too much detriment to the print, but then you might consider increasing the time by 5 degrees but reducing the time by 10-15 seconds. It really will something that is very much reliant on outside factors so any settings will only be relevant to the company printing them.

If all else fails, then you need to find a printer that is using low temperature dye sublimation ink. Not many of them around but they should be able to do this as well.

[Ravisteam]

Hi everyone

I'm new to this forum (and printing) so please excuse any incorrect terminology!

I'm trying to print a design onto EVA foam interlocking mats (not polyester coated - straight onto the foam). I've been told its not possible for several reasons, the image bluring, print rubbing off, bowing under the heat but I found a supplier willing to give it a try on an A4 sized sample. Couple of photos attached. I'm very pleased with the results, it seems very durable but has slightly bowed.

Does anyone know how it might be possible to stop it from bowing? It was heated at 180 for 40 seconds. Its only very slight so you might not read it on a larger tile.

Also I'm struggling to find anyone in this country to print these mats. Any ideas for where I could get these printed?

Thanks for your help

Sarah

We have a Mimaki UV printer but the max printable size is A3 .If you send us a sample we can try to print it for you .Thanks Rav

[webtrekker]

These are much the same as EVA flip flops that sub at 190 °C for 70 secs (recommended settings). Maybe the 'bowed' effect could be eliminated by placing a heavy item over the top until they had fully cooled.

[skw952]

Hi. Thanks for your replies. It sounds like I need to do some experimenting if I go with dye sub. I can't find anyone in the UK who's willing to print these though - if there's anyone out there who could do this pls get in touch with me.

Thanks socialgiraffe - helpful re low temperature dye sub ink. Does UV printing give a matt effect or does it have a sheen? I was told UV printing wasnt possible but if you're willing to give it a go that'd be great. Can you PM me your details please?

[socialgiraffe]

Hi Skw

I do not have UV printer anymore (sold it off when I split from my ex business partner scum )

But drop RAVISTEAM a message as it might be he can help. You need a FLAT BED UV printer to do it.

As far as what effect it gives, I have no idea as I am not in the UV game anymore.