Aluminum Metal Sheets Printing Issue - Horizontal Lines and smudge on edges

[slee1106]

vB_ID:5868

IMG_20190901_134117.jpg (90 KiB) Not viewed yet

vB_ID:5868

IMG_20190901_134117.jpg (90 KiB) Not viewed yet

vB_ID:5868

IMG_20190901_134117.jpg (90 KiB) Not viewed yet

I'm new to sublimating metal sheets. Why are there horizontal lines when pressing? Is this from the printer settings? Also, I have been experiencing smudges particularly in dark colors. And there is a smudge on the 4 corners of the metal sheet I dont know where it comes from.

Settings are the ff:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90
Epson Matte Color Settings

What are your comments/experiences with this and how to solve each one?

[webtrekker]

That looks like banding to me, caused by blocked nozzles. Can you upload a picture of a nozzle check?

What are the temps, times and pressures you are using when pressing?

Do you place your aluminium face-down on your print for pressing?

Do you use any layers of paper or kitchen roll underneath to help with any water vapour, which would produce smudging or marbling?

[slee1106]

Thank you! Is the solution to just do head cleaning?

My settings are:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90 seconds (The picture I posted was a 90 second one
Pressure: Light pressure
Aluminum face down. One paper below the print paper and one paper on top of the metal

It's very humid here around 60%

[slee1106]

Thank you! Is the solution to just do head cleaning?

My settings are:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90 seconds (The picture I posted was a 90 second one
Pressure: Light pressure
Aluminum face down. One paper below the print paper and one paper on top of the metal

It's very humid here around 60%

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5869[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]5870[/ATTACH]

The nozzle check is complete but if you look closely the horizontal there are some small bumps in the print

[slee1106]

Here is a picture of my printout [ATTACH=CONFIG]5871[/ATTACH]

[GoonerGary]

Thank you! Is the solution to just do head cleaning?

My settings are:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90 seconds (The picture I posted was a 90 second one
Pressure: Light pressure
Aluminum face down. One paper below the print paper and one paper on top of the metal

It's very humid here around 60%

Your issues have nothing to do with printing on metal. You need to perform 3-4 head cleans until you get a decent print. Or do it once and leave the printer sitting overnight. Make sure that you have done a head alignment test and have your settings on 'Best Photo'.

[webtrekker]

Yeah, this is definitely banding caused by blocked nozzles.