MDP Photo Slates

[Bob700]

Hi is any encountered any problem with MDP photo slates, I've been using them for a couple of years with no problems, my settings are fine but some of them come out faded, I recently bought a box from them and I realise slate is not perfect at the edges but most of the ones I bought were really rough I'm wondering in their supplier is getting less fussy and maybe the coating is not as good as it should be........can anyone recommend a supplier at the same or near their price, I'd like to try slates from another company
Thanks

[GoldRapt]

I cant help you bob but it would help others if you could state the supplier and your current purchase price

[Justin]

Are you using a felt/rubber pad when printing? What temp & time? When we used to sublimate slates we put the time up way beyond what it should have been to get good results.

[JMugs]

I have just had a look at my old notes for slates
215 degrees
8 minutes
3mm (?) Silicone sheet on top preheated
Slate preheated for 1 minute

How does that compare to your current numbers?

Martin

[Bob700]

I'm set at 210c for 410 seconds heavy pressure (thank God it's auto opening), I'll try your settings at the weekend and let you know many thanks

[Justin]

Pretty much where we were set if I remember correctly, the pad will make a big difference.

[Bob700]

The plaques are printing fine with no fading at the temp and time given but there is small white dots on the print, I've cleaned the slates thouroghly with soapy hot water and when I've dried them as a second measure I wipe them with rubbing alcohol and wait until they are completly dry before I wrap the print round them and as a second measure I use a very soft brush to gently wipe over the print before I tape it to the slate, I have no clue why these white spots are appearing........I've done checks on copilot and gemini both say MDP's recent slate coatings are below par with inconsistant coating which seems to fit my problem as it's not always been happening I have been using them for years, Colourbyte was recommended as a really good alternative so I'll give them a go