Iphone covers in a oven

[sean]

Does anyone on here make iphone covers using sublimation printing and then placing the cover in an oven with pressure? Some sites call this process 3d as the image bleeds over the edges so there is 100% coverage. I’m looking for some feedback on heat and time settings for best results. Also are there any apps or templates available for full coverage of iphone cases, samsung phones and ipad cases. Below is a picture of the Vac-u-press I purchased.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1604[/ATTACH]

[ssp]

the 3d process is done by a vacum system, i almost bought one the other week, but for now i dont really need it. However its really nice to see them working. I did some iphone cases on my press for the first time today and was amazed how they came out just doing it the normal press to plate way.

[Dave271069]

How much was that oven?

[bms]

Does anyone on here make iphone covers using sublimation printing and then placing the cover in an oven with pressure? Some sites call this process 3d as the image bleeds over the edges so there is 100% coverage. I’m looking for some feedback on heat and time settings for best results. Also are there any apps or templates available for full coverage of iphone cases, samsung phones and ipad cases. Below is a picture of the Vac-u-press I purchased.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1604[/ATTACH]

You really don't need templates for these 3D items as all you have to do is measure the full wrap around width and height of the item and add a few mm to the overall dimensions. If you're using the 3D film then this easily moulds over the cover as soon as it gets hot (or rather warm). Different 3D vacuum machines need different temp/ times. The 3D ovens will need around 6-8 minutes (but you can do multiple items in the bed) at around 180-190 degrees C. The more expensive 3D vacuum forming machines take around 2-3 minutes and sublimate at around 135-145 degrees. The same 3D film and same inks (SubliJetR in the Ricoh printers) work in both types of 3D machines.

[sean]

How much was that oven?

The landed price including local taxes is around AU$2500.

[sean]

The manufacturer told us 180C for 3 minutes for iphone covers but the results are poor and the image comes out faded. I will try 180C for 6 minutes today and let you know how it goes.

[sean]

180C for 7 minutes works well but the sides are fading. I presume this has something to do with the pressure, will need to move the printing tools around on the tray to find the best location.

[bms]

180C for 7 minutes works well but the sides are fading. I presume this has something to do with the pressure, will need to move the printing tools around on the tray to find the best location.

Does your system have a membrane that comes over the item when the vacuum is formed? If so then this holds everything tight and it doesn't matter where you position the item. The membrane, being silicon, works extremely well. If your system works like the more expensive systems that DON'T have a membrane then these work by vacuum forming the film around the item and heat needs to impact the item rather than being in an oven. Position may be a factor here, as well as vacuum and temperature.

[Hyraxx]

The machine you have is almost the same as the first gen machine we had early last year, this case was done at 190c for 11mins as a test and the sides are perfect we never tried lowering the time as we did one at 6 mins and it turned out poor so just did it for 11mins to to take into account the cool down when adding it to the draw. Cooks for 10mins in reality as it can take up to a min to get it laid down and to squeeze the air out.

We've bought ever gen of the 3D machins sold by microtec and the 3rd gen is by far the most impressive, we also have the 3D film from BMS but have not had chance to try it, but will give that a try next week and report back

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1606[/ATTACH].

[sean]

The machine has a silicon membrane. Hyraxx has mentioned 190c and to set the timer for 10 minutes so I will give this a try later today. Thanks again for the help.