THE 6 MOST COMMON SUBLIMATION PROBLEMS
Apr 01, 2022
Successful sublimation printing necessitates a continuous process of learning and experimenting, much like other printing techniques. These specifications apply to several additional industrial processes in addition to printing. You will find it easy to solve these issues as you gain expertise and instruction. The following list of the six most typical sublimation issues along with solutions will assist customers save down on time and material expenses.
Sublimation printing vendors will be able to swiftly resolve any sublimation issues with the appropriate knowledge and strategy.
Even though we may see some specific problems regarding a material or equipment used, if you can come up with solutions to the following 6 major sublimation problems, you will take a great step in terms of print quality and consistency.
Banding
Banding, or missing ink lines on a printout, is the most prevalent issue with all digital inkjet printing technologies. The most common causes are naturally occurring ink streaks on the printout and clogged print head nozzles. Banding appears in prints if ink dries inside the print heads.
You probably won't experience banding if you print on a daily basis, let alone on a frequent basis. Some vendors advise their customers to perform routine maintenance. Restarting the printer is the best course of action in order to keep the ink from drying out. The printer's head cleaning feature may be used to periodically flow a little amount of ink through the heads.
In the case of some printers, this is done automatically. On the other hand, you will need to perform a manual head cleaning for other printers.
If you’re having an issue with banding, it may have some other causes besides just clogged heads, such as running out of ink. In that case, make sure that you still have plenty of ink in your machine.
Ghosting
The two most important components for sublimation outcomes are transfer paper and substrate. Ghosting will occur if the inks are not dry throughout the pressing process, the paper moves, or it is not firmly pressed on the heat press. When a print has a hazy and shadow-like picture at the end, it is called ghosting. Manufacturers' printing efforts are rendered useless when ghosting happens, and it will undoubtedly result in additional time and expense burdens. Make sure the ink is dry and that the transfer paper and substrate fit tightly to avoid this.
Although some users manufacturing short run productions or parça baskı use a minimal amount of tape to secure the transfer to the product, of course, it will not be a good solution since the tape used can leave a mark. Ideally, Transfer papers especially used for wide format printing should adhere to the substrate. The transfer will be lifted off the surface, quickly and cleanly. Alternatively, transfer paper is firmly sticked to the substrate and does not slide along the surface of the substrate, preventing ink overflow and yielding best results without any ghosting problem.
Drying Problems
Unwanted outcomes may arise from an ink drying issue. When using a heat press to produce paper, if the ink is not dry on the paper, it cannot transfer to the desired area, causing color shifting, bleeding of the image, and the previously stated ghosting issue.
First and foremost, in this situation, you should shield the transfer paper from absorbing wet. Thus, store your transfer paper in a dry location. Make certain that the transfer paper is kept in its original container. Therefore, the paper won't be negatively impacted by the climate. In order to give the paper time to adjust to the surroundings, you should set it at least 24 hours before using it.
On the other hand, if there is a high level of humidity, use devices to balance the moisture in printing and storing area. Yet, bear in mind that the ideal operating conditions for sublimation are 25 C with 45% relative humidity. It will also help your print machine and ink to stabilize at optimum level.
In addition, if you prefer “fast dry” coated papers amongst those available in the market, you can avoid potential problems in this regard.
Incorrect Output colors
The issue of color mismatch comprises several components and is not just caused by a malfunctioning system. First and foremost, the printer prints in CMYK mode even if the computer monitor is set to display in RGB mode. Additionally, sublimation requires a second pressing step in order to get the desired color. It is comparable to translating across languages. In the same way that word-for-word translations are uncommon, the same is true with color management. Note that the color on the computer screen might not match the color that prints from the printer. so spending time to match the color is probably a waste of time. It is far better to be sure that the correct color management settings are being utilized to ensure color accuracy for the final product. Many RIP software programs provide free color management tools. For more advanced color management, you can buy a RIP program which provides very precise tools for managing color and controlling production.
Consistency Problem in Quality of Transfer Papers
Due to use of low quality and unknown transfer papers available in the market, we are often having consistency problem in quality as a major problem. It is because papers are not consistent in quality. Therefore, manufacturers using such paper will fail to be consistent their own products’ quality. In repetitive works, we see color problems and it becomes impossible to achieve the same colors. To tackle with this problem, it is necessary to work with reliable paper providers. Those transfer paper manufacturers who are aware of the situation buy their raw materials from globally well-known companies by making long-term agreements. Hence, the quality remains same. Those sublimation printing manufacturers who use high quality and sustainable papers of reliable companies thus prevents the consistency problem.
Consistency Problem in Quality of Transfer Papers
Because of the use of inexpensive, low-quality transfer papers that are readily accessible in the market, we frequently have severe issues with consistency in quality. It implies that the paper won't produce consistently high-quality findings. As a result, producers employing such paper will be unable to produce consistently high-quality goods. Repetitive labor causes color issues and makes obtaining high-quality color photos hard. Working with trustworthy paper suppliers is essential to solving this issue. Transfer paper manufacturers are aware of the situation and hence they buy their raw materials from globaly well-known companies by signing long-term agreements. Hence, the quality remains same. Sublimation printing manufacturers using high quality and sustainable papers of well-respected companies thus prevent such consistency problems.
Paper Curling Problem in Flatbed Printing Press
One of the main issues with sublimation transfer printing nowadays is paper curling around the fabric's edges prior to the pressing process. When you press the paper just after the print is done, the excess moisture from the ink may cause the paper to curl and evaportate unevenly, which can cause issues with pressing and exposure. The paper will, however, absorb any remaining moisture from the ink if you let it sit without pressing for a bit. As a result, there won't be any curling of the paper during the pressing process, and pressing and exposure will go smoothly.
