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Sublimation Printing

Aliases
Other References

Asset Register

Xero Asset

Portal

Forum - Some posts about getting the printer going.

Official Maintainer Paula O'Donnell

Current Status

Working

Machines are working as expected.

Usage

This machine is generally available to use.

Induction process is:

  1. Watch these introduction videos.
    1. EXCELLENT OVERVIEW OF PRINTING A MUG.
      Our press is a different design, but this gives all the info you need to get started. Be careful handling the hot mug when you remove it from the press. You can wait for it to cool down before taking off the paper.
    2. Prime/Fill a printer ink cartridge.
      This video shows how to prime/fill a completely empty cartridge. At the 5min mark it shows how to top up a cartridge. Some of this info may not be immediately useful, but it is all good for familiarising yourself with filling the ink cartridge with sublimation ink.
    3. Refill/Top Up a printer ink cartridge.
      This video is primarily about demonstrating a propriety method of refilling cartridges, but the first 2min30sec is excellent for showing the usual method.
    4. Good info about printing onto a T-Shirt.
      Good info about the difference printing onto polyester and cotton.
  2. Read the rest of this page.
  3. Seek clarification if needed, via Discord or in person.
  4. You are now prepared to use this machine.

Guidelines

Sublimation printing uses sublimation ink, printed via an inkjet printer onto sublimation paper, which is then applied under heat and pressure in a heat press to a suitable blank object.

Please watch the videos above.

Check the HowTo page for notes about each type of paper. Printing with the V-Hong Sublimation Paper

We have an Epson printer that has been refurbished to use sublimation ink. In future, we hope to have a purpose designed sublimation printer. Currently, you will need your artwork on your own laptop, and connect it to the Epson printer. There is a link to the Epson drivers below if needed.

Always test print your design on standard copy paper first. This is to avoid wasting the sublimation paper, while checking that the printer is working well. If it isn't, you may need to perform a print head clean. The cartridges may also need refilling. Note that the current printer is leaving streaks through the print, so there is a limit to the quality of the image.

The Presses have all been donated. They are fitted with temperature control and a countdown timer.

temp_for_sublimation.pdf - This pdf is a useful guide for temperatures and times for printing.

Please make a reasonable donation to the Craftpunk Tin to help restock the supplies.

Recommended PPE

Required Enclosed shoes are required throughout HSBNE. No open sandals, thongs etc
Required Use hand protection when handling hot materials.

Machine Specifications

Name W X D X H Weight
Epson Printer 450mm x 342mm x 182mm 5.9kg
Mug Press 340mm x 210mm x 180mm 11kg
Fabric Press 500mm x 600mm x 630mm 24kg
Plate Press 80mm x 330mm x 530mm 10kg

NOTE - THE FABRIC PRESS IS HEAVY. TAKE CARE IF YOU NEED TO LIFT IT.

Documents

epson_stylus_tx400_service_manual.pdf

**DRIVERS FOR EPSON STYLES TX400 PRINTER**

Manufacturer

Reseller

Not Applicable

Known Identical Models

Not Applicable

Known Issues

Date Description Workaround Proposed Remediation
01/01/2020 Epson Printer leaves streaks in print. Run print head clean on standard print paper prior to printing on sublimation paper. When budget allows, purchase a purpose-built sublimation printer. Sawgrass Printer.

Modifications / Repair History

Date Modified By Description Remediation Cost
??/??/2017 Meka The Epson printer was fitted with new ink cartridges, filled with sublimation ink. Refurb successful! Cost of replacement cartridges and ink.
26/01/2020 Paula Cleaned Epson. Ink had dried in heads. New cartridges Got printer going again, but still has streaks in print. Cost of replacement cartridges.

Tools

Image Category Accessory Name & Notes Location Buy from
Printer Epson InkJet Printer
Refurbished to use sublimation ink. See the manual in the Documents section above for usage instructions 		Located on the Sublimation Table. Donated
Press Mug Press
Used to print onto mugs. 		Located on the Sublimation Table. Donated
Press Fabric Press
Used to print onto t-shirts and other fabric. 		Located on the Sublimation Table. Donated
Press Plate Press
Used to print onto plates and other small, flat media. 		Located on the Sublimation Table. Donated

Consumables & Running Costs

Image Category Accessory Name & Notes Location Buy from
Media Blank Mugs and Plates
These blanks are available to be printed on
$5.00 per mug.
$10.00 per plate. 		Stored in the cardboard boxes under the bench with the heat presses on it. eBay - Australian based supplier. MUGS
Ink Sublimation Ink
Refill the printer cartridges with ink as necessary. Needles and syringes to assist in refilling.
Sublimation Ink MSDS MSDS		 In the Sublimation box under the screenprinting table. eBay - Australian based supplier.
Paper Sublimation Paper
Please leave paper neatly packed and flat. Try and keep wrapped and away from moisture.
$2.00 per sheet to cover paper and ink. 		In the Sublimation box under the screenprinting table. Brisbane based supplier.
eBay - Australian based supplier.
Tape Kapton Tape
Use to hold art to media in heat press. 		In the Sublimation box under the screenprinting table. eBay - Australian based supplier.
Check out eBay for a range of sublimation blanks - keyrings, mouse pads, pillow cases, jigsaw puzzles, coasters and much much more!

Maintenance

Interval Task
Before Every Use Test print artwork onto standard copy paper. If need be, run a print head cleaning cycle on the Epson printer.
After Every Use Tidy all equipment away. Leave the equipment in the box tidy.
As Necessary Refill ink cartridges with sublimation ink.

RACI

This RACI is an important documentation process to let people know what ACTIONS can happen, and who needs to be Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed for each ACTION.

Task / Action Executive Cause Leader
Cause Team 		Named Maintainer Trainers Cause Membership Implementer
Modification and Repairs - AC C I I I R
Induction changes C RACI RC I I I R

Risk Matrix and Mitigation

Risk assessment is important to ensure we are making tools available to members in a responsible fashion. Please make every effort to do a reasonable risk assessment. If there is a safety incident with the tool, please redo a risk assessment and add it to the table.

Ref / ID Pre-Mitigation Mitigations / Warnings / Remedies Post Mitigation
Risk Risk Severity Risk Likelyhood Risk Level Risk Severity Risk Likelyhood Risk Level Acceptable to Proceed
0001 Burns Undesirable Possible 8 Watch listed videos. Use appropriate heat protection/gloves. Acceptable Improbable 1
0002 Incorrect Manual Handling Undesirable Possible 8 Use Correct Lifting Techniques. Acceptable Improbable 1
0003 Crush Injury Undesirable Possible 8 Wear steel caps and use correct manual handling techniques. Acceptable Improbable 1

Decision Register

This decision register is for general documentation when some decision is made regarding the tool. To change its location, mode of operation, to buy an accessory, to replace something, to change how it operates etc.

Ref / ID Decision Details Impact Proposed Date Proposed By Status Approved By Date Resulting Actions and Comments
0000 Example decision Provides an example 08/08/20 JH Approved JH 08/08/20 A line was put in the register
  • tools/craftpunk/sublimation_printing
  • Last modified: 9 months ago
  • by geoffc