What am I doing wrong?

[MrsP]

Hey all,

Wondering if I can get some advice?

I got a new set up from InxExperts ET-2711 bundle with inks and ICC. I installed it all with no problems (glad it was so easy)
I also bought a ST-3042 3D SUBLIMATION Vacuum Oven Heat Press

Whilst setting this us was a bit of a challenge I did get there in the end.

Excited to try out the new press I was dissapointed with the final results. Although the printing seemed crisp and clear the final result wasn't so.

I tried @ 180 degrees for 4 minutes, with hardly any print showing.
I tried @ 190 degrees for 7 minutes with some print showing
I tried @ 190 degrees for 9 minutes with the attached results showing.

for the Coffee mug it should all be jet black, for the TMD the TMD should be jet black and the next word grey.

As you can see the black is faded, on the yellow mug it is brighter at the bottom than the top.

Not sure where I am going wrong however any advise would be gratefully received.

[Quinsfan]

Never used a vacuum press but I do believe there are 2 heating elements top and bottom are they both turned on? Am happy to be corrected though.


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[MrsP]

Hi Quins,

Yes both are turned on, I had read about that on here

[Quinsfan]

Fahrenheit or Centigrade?
And I am afraid that is my knowledge on vacuums [emoji3525]


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[ICF]

For 3-4 mugs at a time we do them at 12 minutes @ 190 Celcius. Mug bases to the top and we use the green mug wraps. I think you add a minute for every extra mug you put in the machine. Make sure they are spaced out evenly on the tray. if they are too close toegther you will get cold spots where the ink hasn't transferred as well.

[MrsP]

Thank you so much ICF for that.... I will give it a try tonight

[MrsP]

For 3-4 mugs at a time we do them at 12 minutes @ 190 Celcius. Mug bases to the top and we use the green mug wraps. I think you add a minute for every extra mug you put in the machine. Make sure they are spaced out evenly on the tray. if they are too close toegther you will get cold spots where the ink hasn't transferred as well.

Can I ask...... do you press for the vaccuum (even though there isn't a seal on it) or just set it away without?

[socialgiraffe]

you do not need the vacuum running.

1 mug is around 8-10 minutes with both ovens on and have been running for at least 15 minutes to get to the proper temperature.

Can I check that you are definitely using a wire tray to place the mugs on and more importantly you are using a silicon mug wrap.

[MrsP]

you do not need the vacuum running.

1 mug is around 8-10 minutes with both ovens on and have been running for at least 15 minutes to get to the proper temperature. - This could be my issue maybe, I don't think i've left it on long enough to get to temp.

Can I check that you are definitely using a wire tray to place the mugs on and more importantly you are using a silicon mug wrap.- Yes I am using the tray and I am using the green wraps

I've commented in red above and I appreciate your help... will try tonight and let you know the results

[socialgiraffe]

If the above does not work then as a 1 off try 1 mug for the same time in your general oven (assuming it is an electric one).

This is not recommended for all your sublimation work due to ink escaping, but one mug will do zero harm. What it will tell you is if the machine is at fault or the mugs/ink.

If both ovens are the same time and approximate temp and give the same result then it will be paper/ink/mugs

If different results then it will be the machine.