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Thread: Sublimation on metal plaques / fumes

  1. #1

    Sublimation on metal plaques / fumes

    Hi All

    I have recently started doing a lot of sublimation/heat press on to metal plaques.
    My colleague and myself have noticed the fumes are pretty harsh and we often get head aches after printing.

    Has anyone else experienced this ? or has anyone got any advice to minimize fumes - we are in a large well ventilated area and we do not sublimate very often so we are not too concerned.

    We use Dynasub with TSA 4959 tape on the back.

    Any advice would be much appreciated ?

    Pat

  2. #2
    It sounds like you're applying tape before pressing. If so, wait until the plates cool to apply tape.
    Mike Null

    St. Louis Laser, Inc.

    Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
    Gravograph IS400
    Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
    Dye Sublimation
    CorelDraw X5, X7

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Gig Harbor, WA
    Posts
    1,157
    Who's Inks are you using? Sawgrass ?? ink, Toner?? What Temperature.
    Mark
    In the Great Northwest!

    Trotec Speedy C25, Newing-Hall 350 (AMC I & HPGL), NH-CG-30 (Carbide Cutter Sharpener)
    Sawgrass 400 Gel Ink Printer, CS5, 5/9/x6 CorelDraw

  4. #4
    Thanks Mark and Mike

    We have a SawGrass 800 and are using SubliJet-HD inks. Currently we are pressing at 190 degrees celsius (374F) for 60 seconds onto DynaSub with the adhesive mentioned above attached. The adhesive is facing down away from the element. We use a George Knght DC16

    Any info you can give would be a great help.

  5. #5
    I would cut the temp to about 350F and the time to about 35-40 seconds with medium to light pressure. Why are you applying tape before you press?
    Mike Null

    St. Louis Laser, Inc.

    Trotec Speedy 300, 80 watt
    Gravograph IS400
    Woodworking shop CLTT and Laser Sublimation
    Dye Sublimation
    CorelDraw X5, X7

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Hayes, Virginia
    Posts
    14,759
    Pat,

    I agree with Mike you never use tape on any project you intend to put in a heat press until the sublimation is complete and the project has cooled to room temperature.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Gig Harbor, WA
    Posts
    1,157
    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Null View Post
    I would cut the temp to about 350F and the time to about 35-40 seconds with medium to light pressure. Why are you applying tape before you press?
    The tape you are talking about is the Heat Tape to secure the image to the metal... correct? Not the adhesive to the board..

    I have the same problem with the fumes when I run a job of 10 sheets + I believe the Metal Coating... polyester or "Dura Coat" is the culprit.

    Just needs ventilation. I've run several different makers and they all have the same fume problem when large jobs are involved.


    .
    Mark
    In the Great Northwest!

    Trotec Speedy C25, Newing-Hall 350 (AMC I & HPGL), NH-CG-30 (Carbide Cutter Sharpener)
    Sawgrass 400 Gel Ink Printer, CS5, 5/9/x6 CorelDraw

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Hayes, Virginia
    Posts
    14,759
    Conde recommends using spray adhesive for temporarily bonding the image to metal.

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