Metal - test printing :)

[AdamB]

I've decided that I can't just have a lazy day today as I have had something bugging me for the last couple of weeks ............... metal!

We've all had those pieces of metal or phone covers that have turned out wrong and it starts to really bug me - so I'm in the shop now and I'm going to print and record some test prints (time, pressure & temp settings) for future reference.

Not sure if anyone else is interested but I can post details up later if required?
(I only ask this as it will take time to record everything for the forum).

Adam

[Paul]

I tried that Adam. ended up with pulling my hair! most of the metal will behave differently under the press. so once you find the sweet spot for your metal ma mean next tie you buy new bunch you would need to different one lol:)

[AdamB]

Yeah - starting to think that now after the first couple of tests, using the same settings as a 'problematic' phone case metal (which turned out wrong) and 'this' particular metal is looking fine!

I'll continue just for my own reference - hey, I'm in work on a Sunday - if I'm at home I'd have to get the hoover out (lol).

[JMugs]

With you there.
I find that metals are the most variable between suppliers. I do find the BMS metals are consistent in their type, but then the phone metals don't print the same as the plaques. CG metals print differently again.

Have fun.
Janners

[Ian M]

I love printing onto metal more than anything else to be honest. I get most of my metal from Subli Metals have always found them to be very consistent in the metals they supply. This way I can then use the same settings as I always do.

[smo]

Metals such as phone and ipad cases have never caused us a problem, we hit the right setting 2nd test and have used it with perfect results since

The bigger the panel though the more problems can arise!

[pisquee]

Smo, If sticking to the same supplier for the phone cases then there shouldn't be any problems, unless the supplier changes their supplier, and says something like the metal inserts have been changed and instead of aluminium are now just metal (or similar)
Metals from different suppliers for the iphone covers do print differently, so if you've done an ICC for one white coated metal type, you can't be sure it will print the same for another white coated metal.

With the bigger panels, moisture can become more of an issue than with the smaller bits, but prepressing usually takes care of this.

[smo]

We only use a specific brand of panel and case so we can be sure where they come from and the quality we receive. They are more expensive than some but are properly bomb proof and have excellent quality.