Sublimation problem with Unisub placemat

[creative lizart]

Hi to everyone,
Im new on Sublimation, I recently bought a 8 in 1 sublipress (from BMS) and Im printing using RicohGX700 with SubliJet R inks and TruePix classic paper.

Im trying to get a good crisp result, I think I use a medium pressure, I started using the setting suggested by BMS (50-60 sec @ 185 Celsius) but the images were coming out quite
milky.
I found now, after few attempts that with still medium pressure and 190 degrees for 80 seconds I get much better results, but, not for all images.
Could anyone explain or know whats the reason behind this? Will it effects the final results on the placemat? Could it be a problem of time or also temperature (maybe the temperature is to high now).


Thank you

[jennywren]

It has to be something silly, like does the place mat have film over it, have you put the place mat the right side up on the heat press, to get my pressure right I put a blank place mat under and get the pressure right before I start.

[Andrew]

Unisub coasters/placemats always benfit from higher temps than some other products. I'd go for 200c for 60 secs with firm to medium pressure. You should get a decent bold image then. Mousemats are another that could do with the extra heat whilst things like silver metal can have it turned down to 180c. It's all trial and error really.

[creative lizart]

@Jenny: No film over the mat, mat position checked..blank side up (towards the heat plate)...and I did test a blank mat before starting the machine..

@Andrew:I will try higher temperature and firmer pressure, but still not understanding why some images comes out well and some doesnt (with same setting)..blue color seems to cause me the most problem (milkier color)

Thank you both

[Andrew]

It is often the deeper bolder colours that will struggle if there is not quite enough heat. Pastels and lighter colours would still be fine. You can find some strong colours do work differently and a deep blue we find harder work to print as well. It's a case of time and temp adjustment. On mugs it can be a case of dropping the temp and extending the time. So many different parameters affect the print and it can be different for each user. Different presses, paper, inks, substrates etc., it all takes getting used to and most on here will give advice on what they are used to or have experienced. It's all part of the learning curve.

[creative lizart]

For the record, firm pressure @ 200 degree Celsius for 80 sec I get perfect results. Thank you Andrew

[jennywren]

I really am pleased you cracked, it's frustrating at first, but what a wonderful feeling when it goes right, it's finding out what they mean by medium press. it's like asking how long a piece of string is

[pipesy]

Make sure the jpegs go through photoshop. Try microwaving the placemats for 30 secs (they blister if you leave them too long). This seems to get the moisture out of the mats.