Tell me about dye sublimation printing

[Ariel Badger]

I have been given money to spend on a dye sub printer.
I need recommendations/pointers/experiences to help me choose on what to buy.
Can the BCF massive help please?

Thanks in advance
Wali T
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[Clanger]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dye-sublimation_printer
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[panrider_uk]

Wali

Is it for normal printing or dye-sub printing onto t-shirts, mugs etc?

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[Ariel Badger]

[panrider_uk]

I've used Epson mainly but they do have a tendency to clog the heads if not in regular use.

I've just replaced my Epson R1800 (A3) with a Ricoh Gelsprinter G7000 (also A3). The Ricoh is much better in my option and as it has high capacity (70ml) catridges it does away with the need for a separate bulk ink system (dyesub cartidges for the Epsons are very expensive). It also uses gel ink which works under higher pressure and is less proe to clogging.

I think its worth spending the extra on A3 unless you know that you'll not be doing any larger format items in future - you can't press graphics wider than 11"(ish) with an A4 format printer.

Here's a link to the printer/ink page of one of my suppliers:
Click

Dyesub works by printing the graphic onto paper (dyesub paper releases more ink on heating than normal paper) and then transferring it to a substrate using heat and pressure.

The ink is a special type that sublimates at around 170C.

The substrate you press onto needs to be designed for dyesub or have a high polyester content.

For best results you would use a heat press rather than a domestic iron to transfer the image.

The press I use is a 16" flatbed clamshell type which is suitable for most things up to A3 in size. You can get special presses for mugs, plates and caps. I don't do plates or caps and use a mug oven and wraparound clamps for mugs.

The ink sublimates into the substrate and so will not scratch or wash off.

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[Ariel Badger]

Could you Pm me a phone number and a conveniant time for a chat please?
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[panrider_uk]

PM sent

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel