Alternative to branded Chromaluxe aluminium panels

[pisquee]

is that the deep luster that when it flakes and peels off appears to be nothing more than a laminated on polyester film?

[GoonerGary]

I'm definitely in the market for an alternative too. I was printing on some small sheets of white gloss and watched all the edges peel and flake. That was after I discarded half my stock for being scratched. What use is protective film on one side of the product? Not everyone uses this product to be mounted on walls.

[pisquee]

I'd rather find an aluminium which is more resilient, doesn't flake/chip off so easily, and isn't scratched/scored on the reverse side

[GoonerGary]

.... and isn't scratched/scored on the reverse side

I was annoyed when I imported a lot of sheets from America only to find they were all scratched on the reverse. I blame the guys doing the cutting thinking they are working with material for a builder's merchant rather than a photographic gift product. It requires two different types of people. Do you find that Novachrome/ Xpres Chromaluxe sheets are also badly mishandled? I'm going to place another order.

[pisquee]

When I asked, they said that is how they come into them - that they could order them unscratched from USA, with each sheet protected and individually wrapped but the price would rise significantly.

[GoonerGary]

Well I've just paid double the cost due to wastage, I could cope with "significantly".

I've been printing on Chromaluxe all day today and these watermarks look ridiculous on my products. On top of the scratches I now have to add in more wastage for the logo on the back. This is a major headache, I've fired off an email to let them know my thoughts to put it mildly. Everyone annoyed by this should let Chromaluxe know as an alternative isn't looking possible right now.

Does anyone know who manufactures these British wooden coasters? Perhaps we could get together and arrange a new product? We have lots of buying power.

http://www.subli.co.uk/shop/dye-sublima ... d_807.html

[socialgiraffe]

Does anyone know who manufactures these British wooden coasters?

Its probably Wentworth Jigsaws and Puzzles.

They used to sell direct as long as you purchased significant quantities. Not sure now as I do not print that sort of stuff anymore.

[GoonerGary]

That would be my guess too. I emailed them earlier to find out. Those coasters are miles better than Unisub, maybe they can help with the metal.

I'm guessing they still sell direct in quantities which would explain the wording of the subli page.

[GoonerGary]

deleted message

[GoonerGary]

We've already started talks with a number of local factories with a view to producing our own coated metals, as we have been uneasy about being so reliant on one supply chain, but it's taking time to get things going, although we have found UK government funding towards the project once we're ready to go.

If anyone has leads on other 1mm thick aluminium that is readily available, please post here or PM me.

Have you spoken to Wentworth puzzles? Their sublimation coasters are better than Unisub's.