Ricoh 3110DN and Gold Film - What printer settings?

[bms]

Just about to start having a go with the gold film over the coming weeks. i didn't think it went through the Ricoh machines due to the film not being picked up on a sensor or something? Could well have that wrong though, especially as you're printing it! lol.

Gold film goes through Ricoh printers without problem.

[bms]

Thanks Pisquee,

Results so far are attached. Really appreciate your help on this.

John.

Sure I've posted this before but process is:

1. Make sure puck is hot (195 degrees for 10 mins)
2. position transfer on case and place on hot puck, create vacuum.
3. Reheat back to 195
4. Time setting 6 minutes from when heat back to 195

[Ucase Ltd]

Thanks all,

Didn't realise there were new posts here (no email notification).

Pisque - I will try your setting above today and report back.

Well I've been experimenting and results have improved a lot but not quite at the point where I can sell (will upload some images later).

I seem to be getting better results with the powerdriver rather than the Winprofile.

One big issue I that I noticed there were bubbles on the film after use and these bubbles corresponded with the blotches I was getting. I figured this could be down to:

a) too hot
b) moisture
c) poor contact.

Process of elimination ruled out (a) and I think it was a combination of (b) and (c). I read that putting a layer of kitchen towel over the film before vacuuming helps but the imprints from the towel went onto the case. However, Baking paper seems to have done the trick.

Now I just need to improve the ink transfer and the graininess (not sure that's a word) as it looks a little like an old photograph.

[Ucase Ltd]

Well - Thanks for all your help. I think I've finally nailed it. test case #25 was perfect (see "goodcase1 attached)."


Pisquee, I did try your settings but unfortunately they didn't work - could just be my machine (pre-heating the puck fully really helped though).


It seems I just wasn't cooking them long enough.


Just in case it's useful for anyone in future here's my process. I've repeated it and so far so good.




I'm using:
Powerdriver v.4 (latest one from Sawgrass website)
Ricoh 3110DN
3D Heatpress (model ST3042)
Gold Polijet film - 180microns
Photoshop CC with standard powerdriver settings (as instructions on sawgrass PDF)


1) Once image is printed onto gold film I dry it for 3 minutes, (I stick it next to the air-con fan but this may be overboard).
2) Pre-heat puck to 170c

3) Place case onto puck
4) Position case/puck onto film
5) Place sheet of grease-proof paper the same size as face of case (too big and it will imprint on your corners), on top of film (gold side).
6) Heat in 3d Vacuum press at 170c for 10 minutes.

Thanks again and I'll update if I discover anything.

[cybalokz]

@Ucase Do you need a special tool to use film with the st3042, i have same machine but just use trupix paper at the mo? would like to try out the film

[Ucase Ltd]

Hi cybalokz,

@Ucase Do you need a special tool to use film with the st3042, i have same machine but just use trupix paper at the mo? would like to try out the film

There is a tool available but it's pretty clumsy and I was advised not to use it.

I've tried a few methods and here's what works best for me:

1) Mark out a template on base of machine using heat-proof tape making it the same size as your film (see template1).
2) place substrate/jig assembly in centre and lay film over the top so it lines up with your template (see template2).
3) close-up and away you go

I now leave this template there permanently so there's no faffing around when I want to make a case.

Cheers,
John.

[cybalokz]

@ Ucase, great thinking , so simple, i wil have to give that a try

thanks

[Ucase Ltd]

No problem,

@ Ucase, great thinking , so simple, i wil have to give that a try

thanks

Let me know how you get on

[chatheway]

Hello,
I read your post describing your process with the Gold Film, 3D Vacuum Machine and iphone cases. I have the same set up and would like to sublimate a plate edge to edge. Have you tried any other products? Do you still like the Gold Film? Have you tried the Clear/White 3D Film?
thank you for any help
My machine is new and I am learning!
Chatheway

[chatheway]

HI
Have you tried the Gold Film in the REd 3D machine? Have you tried the Clear/White? Any Success?
thanks!
Catherine