3D Sublimation Using Film

[bms]

Right, I currently own both types of machines. Do you have info on how to use film in the membrane type of machine? I'm interested in doing this to save on film. I've tried to use film in the membrane type machine and get bubbles on the top of the case which ruins the print.

Thanks

We just lay the film over the item (on the puck). As the area is hot the film flops over the product like a wet towel, creating the vacuum seals everything tight. I've not come across any air pockets doing this.

[membrane]

Are you putting the film down on the case, then waiting for it to "melt", then putting down the membrane and starting the vacuum?

Do you have any tips on how to position the film on the case when doing this? I've always had a hard time keeping the film from moving when putting the membrane down and starting the vacuum.

[bms]

Are you putting the film down on the case, then waiting for it to "melt", then putting down the membrane and starting the vacuum?

Do you have any tips on how to position the film on the case when doing this? I've always had a hard time keeping the film from moving when putting the membrane down and starting the vacuum.

Print image on film, lay blank over printed image (face down to position)... small piece of heat tape to hold (from top, through back and onto bottom of picture). Take blank with film to the puck and clip on. Membrane over...film flops...create vacuum...press over by hand (with heat gloves) to ensure snug encapsulation...close lid...reheat back to 195 degrees C and then start timer

[Tite003]

Don´t see the point of using film in the membrane machine. Is not the film much more expensive than paper?

[membrane]

Don´t see the point of using film in the membrane machine. Is not the film much more expensive than paper?

Yes the film is more expensive, but if you only have a few cases to print it's a good option. Saves a lot of time wrapping and taping cases.

I never got a case to come out good with paper (corners always ended up with fold marks or not printed at all). I never got good at the wrapping/taping on iphones. If you have a good video or instructions on how to properly wrap an iphone with paper, I might give it another go. I've watched a lot of videos, but none really get good results.

[Tite003]

I see... Can I ask where do you buy the 3D film? I tried to find it from Chinese suppliers, but had no luck!

[membrane]

I see... Can I ask where do you buy the 3D film? I tried to find it from Chinese suppliers, but had no luck!

I buy my film from IDT in the USA, but I know there are many vendors in China as well. Sun-fly sells it.

[Tite003]

Oh, last time I asked Sun-fly they didn´t sell it. Will ask again. Cheers!

[Heather]

Hi,
When you are using film you should know what kind of temperature your film works best. Matching the film temperature could be a real pain, but the basics are: silver and gold film are thick, so the temperature should be high (over 150 C) and transparent film is medium or thin size (under 150 C). Also I think the reason why the air bubble forms is the jig. If the jig does not match the case properly, air does not circulate evenly and escapes here and there forming bubbles. Are you using aluminum or ceramic jig?
Anyway, I don't use BMS machine, so I'm not sure how they work, but the information I just told you is basics for any kind of machine. Hope it helps a little:)

[Tite003]

Thanks for the information Heather.

Do you know what are the differences between the 3 kinds of film other than the working temperature?