Sublimation Aluminum Metal Sheets Moisture Issues?

[slee1106]

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Hi,

I've been having some issues with printing Aluminum sheets from aliexpress. After testing several Temperatures, pressure, and time, I always still have the problem of not having smooth prints. It's kind of like when you paint something on a wall and the "textured" look is seen. Please check the moon for reference. Everything else I have already troubleshooted except that part. What am I doing wrong? Is this still a moisture issue?

I've tried heating the metal plate to take out moisture as well, and let the ink dry from the subli paper longer than usual, to no avail

Setup:

A4 sheet, Metal facing down, subli paper facing up, A4 sheet
Temp: 185C
Time: 90-105 seconds
Size: A4 Sized Metal Plate
Pressure: Light/medium

[webtrekker]

Hi. I initially had problems with aluminium sheet from Sublimetals. They printed out with a 'marbling' effect that was quite noticeable.

My setup now is much like yours, but with the following changes...

A couple of sheets of A4 copy paper on the bottom platen to help with moisture removal.

Another sheet of copy paper on top of everything.

Pressure so light that it's almost just the weight of the top platen lying on the job.

Cook at 190C for 60 secs. Remove transfer immediately after pressing.

This seems to work fine for me, however I'm mostly pressing smaller, custom-cut 100mm square pieces these days.

[slee1106]

Thanks for the feedback. Will try this one out!

[webtrekker]

If you still experience the same problem then it may be down to the coating quality of the Aliexpress sheets you are using. Try some samples from other suppliers, such as Sublimetals in the UK.

[slee1106]

Is it possible that it is because of too much ink in the paper when printing? I try to dry the paper underneath the press as well (without pressing) and also pressing the metal sheet to lessen moisture.

[webtrekker]

Well, it could be due to that. What printer and inks are you using and are you using a correctly set up ICC profile to print?

Also, if you are using a high-release paper meant mainly for textiles, then that too could be causing issues.

[slee1106]

The colors were wrong so I saw in youtube that you can use the ff to correct colors:

Printer: Epson L805
Photoshop manages color: Epson Matte Paper

Print settings:

Paper type - Plain Paper
Quality - High
High speed is unchecked

Is the epson matte paper setting giving off too much ink? If so, where can I find the correct ICC profile for an Epson L805?

[slee1106]

Also, if you are using a high-release paper meant mainly for textiles, then that too could be causing issues.

I haven't thought about that one. I'm just using heat transfer paper that is generic for all. Maybe it might be the case.

I'm using a QUAFF brand sublimation paper.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ ... QDzjHh&s=p

[webtrekker]

I don't use Epson printers so maybe someone else will drop in and help you there. Off the top of my head though I'd agree that the matte setting may be laying down too much ink, but without an Epson to try it out I can't say for certain that that's your issue.