tools:dye_sublimation:start
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+ | ====== Dye Sublimation Printer (DRAFT)====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Model: [[https:// | ||
+ | * Manufacturer: | ||
+ | * Manual: [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dye sublimation is a digital printing technology that uses heat transfer to apply an image to the intended substrate. Also referred to as digital sublimation, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[# | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====== Requirements ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====== Warnings ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | 🚫 Do not remove any screws or covers.\\ | ||
+ | 🚫 Do not Power Off the Printer. \\ | ||
+ | ⚠️ Check that your substrate is heat-safe. | ||
+ | |||
+ | See the [[# | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Tool Anatomy ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tools: | ||
+ | |||
+ | - Control Panel - LCD interface with commands to check the printer status | ||
+ | - Maintenance Tag - Manually tracks the usability status with Green/ | ||
+ | - Air Vent - Prevents the interior from overheating so it can function properly | ||
+ | - Output Ramp with Extension - Supports freshly printed material up to 11” x 17” | ||
+ | - Paper Tray with Cover & Extension - Load transfer paper here. Always ensure the cover is properly engaged. Use the tray extension for larger paper sizes | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== CONTROL PANEL ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tools: | ||
+ | |||
+ | - Displays the menu | ||
+ | - Displays the current printer status and messages | ||
+ | - Cartridge Replacement Indicator. K, C, M, Y indicate black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively | ||
+ | - Waste Ink Full Indicator | ||
+ | - Scroll through the menu | ||
+ | - Confirm the setting or setting values | ||
+ | - Printer must remain on at all times to allow for auto-maintenance cycle that is critical to keeping the printer functioning optimally | ||
+ | - Escape/ | ||
+ | - Press and hold for 3 seconds to perform a head clean on all channels | ||
+ | - Press to select an item displayed at the bottom of the screen | ||
+ | - Alert Indicator | ||
+ | - Flashes when receiving data sent from the computer. Lights up when there is a print in the job queue | ||
+ | - WIFI Indicator | ||
+ | - Job Reset. When the printer is online, press this key to cancel an ongoing print job | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Tool Safety ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Common Hazards ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Incompatible Paper can cause ink to bleed through and damage the printer head. | ||
+ | * Members must use Protohaven-Supplied Sublimation Paper or make a Special Setup Arrangement with Protohaven Staff. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Blockage and/ | ||
+ | * The printer must remain powered on to allow for an auto-maintenance cycle | ||
+ | * The air vent must be free of obstacles at all times to prevent overheating | ||
+ | * The tray cover must be properly closed | ||
+ | * Any paper loaded into the tray must be free of dust and particulate | ||
+ | |||
+ | Burns & Fire | ||
+ | Once printing is complete, a heat press must be used to vaporize the ink and transfer the image to the final material. At this stage, burns are a significant hazard. | ||
+ | * Avoid contact with any heated elements associated with sublimation process | ||
+ | * Ensure the work area is clear before pre-heating | ||
+ | * Do not leave a heat press unattended until it has cooled down | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Permitted Materials | ||
+ | |||
+ | For general use, members must use Protohaven-Supplied Sublimation Paper. This can be purchased at the store front at 8 ½” x 11” and 11” x 17” dimensions. This covers ink and maintenance costs while ensuring compatibility with the printer. | ||
+ | |||
+ | To use your own paper for larger production runs, please make a Special Setup Arrangement with Protohaven Staff to ensure compatibility and arrange ink costs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Setup ===== | ||
+ | - Ensure the USB cable between the Printer and PC is connected | ||
+ | - Verify the Printer is Powered On | ||
+ | - Power on the Computer | ||
+ | - Import your file to Sawgrass Print Manager | ||
+ | - Set the substrate, paper size, and color profile in Sawgrass Print Manager | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Choosing A Substrate === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sublimation Ink must have a polymer, polyester, or polyester blended fabric in order to properly bond. There are more than 1,000 sublimation-ready “blanks” available, meaning they already have a polymer coating. This includes: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Acrylic & Hard Plastics | ||
+ | * Ceramics | ||
+ | * Glass | ||
+ | * Metal | ||
+ | * Slate | ||
+ | * Wood | ||
+ | |||
+ | To bond to cotton fabric and natural materials, a special transfer paper or EasiSubli solution is needed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Sawgrass Print Manager ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tools: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Click on the Sawgrass Print Manager icon situated in the hidden icons menu at the bottom right hand corner of the desktop. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tools: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Select “Open Local File” to upload your artwork. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sawgrass Print Manager accepts a range of file formats. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Supported vector files: | ||
+ | |||
+ | .eps .pdf | ||
+ | |||
+ | Supported image files: | ||
+ | |||
+ | .jpeg .png .tiff .tif .sg | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tools: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Set the type of substrate you’ll be using for your final material surface. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Select “TexPrint-R” for Protohaven-supplied paper. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | {{tools: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Set the layout. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tools: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Set the color mode. | ||
+ | |||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | Photographic mode optimizes color output for photos. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vivid mode optimizes for high contrasting elements, like vectorized graphics. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Color Output ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Color management is an important aspect for all forms of digital printing. In terms of sublimation, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sawgrass created Sawgrass Print Manager to address these issues and provide tools to ensure the accuracy of the color output. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Common Settings ==== | ||
+ | ^Substrate ^Press Time ^Temp ^Tips^ | ||
+ | |Ceramic Mugs| 150-210 sec| 350-400º F| Time varies. Press into silicon pad. Mugs should be cooled in warm water or using a cooling plate after transfer.| | ||
+ | |Poly Fabric | 35-40 sec | 400º F| Pre-press shirt for 3-5 min to eliminate moisture.| | ||
+ | | Vapor Apparel| 45-55 sec |380-390º F| See [[https:// | ||
+ | |Mousepads (neoprene) | 45 sec | 400º F | Look for a tight knit and high white point for more brilliant color results.| | ||
+ | |Metal (Unisub) | 60 sec | 400º F| Use blow-out paper. Remove plastic coating before pressing.| | ||
+ | |Metal (Other Brands) | ||
+ | |Outdoor Metal Panels | ||
+ | |Unisub Products | ||
+ | |Fire Retardant Plastics |40-75 sec |400º F |Remove plastic coating. Tear transfer paper away immediately after pressing.| | ||
+ | |Glass/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Operation ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | - Ensure the printer is powered on | ||
+ | - Confirm Ink levels are usable | ||
+ | - Load Protohaven-supplied Sublimation Paper | ||
+ | - Test Print one sample if printing multiple copies to ensure quality of production | ||
+ | - Print Final production | ||
+ | - Trim to your artwork | ||
+ | - Use heat press to transfer to substrate | ||
+ | - Cleanup | ||
+ | ===== Cleanup ===== | ||
+ | - Clear Printer and Work Area of any unused material | ||
+ | - Reset any modified computer settings to default | ||
+ | - Power off the Computer | ||
+ | - Ensure the printer remains powered on so auto-maintenance cycle can run | ||
+ | - Note dwindling ink levels, maintenance needs, or concerns on the tag and at [[http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Scrap Breakdown ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | There is one blue scrap bin reserved for vinyl waste and several trash bins in the studio. Maintaining these are a shared, communal responsibility. | ||
+ | |||
+ | When you notice the scrap bins are full, it’s time to take it to the dumpster out back. Feel free to enlist a helping hand. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you notice valuable material while emptying the bins, use your judgment to selectively save a few pieces or take it home for your personal use. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Maintenance Requests ==== | ||
+ | If you encounter any of the issues listed in the Inspection area or have any other issues with the tool not working properly: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Update the physical Maintenance Tag at the machine | ||
+ | * 🟢Green can be used without issue | ||
+ | * 🟡Yellow can be used withcaution | ||
+ | * ⛔Red cannot be used without hazard to either the user or the equipment | ||
+ | * Record issues at [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Troubleshooting ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Banding is usually caused by a blockage in the print head preventing the ink from being properly dispersed to the paper. It can also be caused by low ink levels. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Perform a nozzle check. If blockage is found, perform a head cleaning. These functions can be accessed via the control panel on the printer or through Sawgrass Print Manager. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Check the ink levels on the Printer Control Panel. Update the physical maintenance cards and make a maintenance request to notify staff if ink levels will need to be replaced soon. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If troubleshooting requires the removal of any covers or screws, please notify staff by filling out a maintenance request. Inside this printer are high voltage components that are an electric shock hazard and may void the warranty. | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Special Setups ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | === User-Supplied Paper === | ||
+ | |||
+ | For general use, members must use Protohaven-Supplied Sublimation Paper. | ||
+ | |||
+ | To use your own paper for larger production runs, please make a Special Setup Arrangement with a Protohaven Staff Member to ensure compatibility and arrange ink costs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Complex Cuts === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dye Sublimation is a versatile printing process that allows you to get extremely creative with your work! Combining your use of the Printer with other tools is what will help you push the boundaries. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Printing registration marks in your artwork will allow you to make highly repeatable, complex cuts at the Vinyl Cutter, | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Printing on Dark Tones === | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Cotton Substrates === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Easy Subli & | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Additional Resources ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====== Staff Use ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |⚠️ AUTHORIZED MAINTENANCE GROUP ONLY| | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are part of the maintenance group please log on to the # | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | * Perform a Maintenance Action | ||
+ | * Request a Maintenance Purchase | ||
+ | * Review complete Maintenance Logs for each machine | ||
+ | * Generally chit-chat about maintenance | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | === === | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Tools ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | The following should be in a Maintenance tool kit for the.... | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | * item1 | ||
+ | * item2 | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Regular Maintenance ===== | ||