Colour fade on sublimation iphone backs

[Nets]

Hello
I am new to this forum, need some advice. I am printing on aluminium for the new iphone 4 backs. I am currently receiving a percentage of customers saying that the image has faded or run. Has anyone any ideas why this would happen?
Many thanks

[mrs maggot]

Hi nets welcome to the forum,

edited now that post moved

[Andrew]

Photos would probably be required to work out possible causes. Metal might fade over a long time if in the sun but shouldn't be affected this quickly. We've printed a lot of the iPhone metals and never had this type of problem so far.

[Justin]

Thread moved

[smitch6]

where did u get the cases from?
and is the ali the actual part you received with the cases or something which you made up yourself or got from a dif source?

[Nets]

Thanks for moving thread!!!
These cases are from a supplier in Dorset... the ali backs come with the iphone cases could it be that there are handled more and there is some heat from the back of the phone, I have tried 2 of these backs and both have run in the same place???

[Nets]

sorry !!! just to add colour fades and runs after 3 weeks use

[cardman]

sorry !!! just to add colour fades and runs after 3 weeks use

never ever seen one so really cant comment on them but have u not done a sample for yourself and then see if u have the same problems weeks later
It could be down to how the customer is treating the case of the phone as obviously they printing fine or you wouldnt be able to sell them.
Infact how many have you printed to how many returned ?????

Iphones do tend to heat up hot when not even in use.But even so they cant be the problem other people are doing them without problems.

[John G]

This is sublimation metal you're using and you are using sublimation ink - what's your set up (printer, ink, press etc) and who are the suppliers?

Might help if we knew a bit more info!
Cheers John

[Andrew]

Virtually all of the iPhone cases for subli have come from the same source.

Are you sure the "runs" developed after? I've had a few metal inserts that had a slight buckle which didn't allow for even heat from the press and then this looked like a large thin fade down the plate which could look like a run. Creased paper can also give this effect.

Have you actually seen the fault yourself or has the customer just given you information on the problem?