More information about the Sublimation Ceramic Oval Tiles

INDEX

> Description

> Things to keep in mind

> Dimensions

> Recommended instructions and parameters for sublimation printing

› Before starting the sublimation process

› Recommendations

› With a heat press - Indirect method

› With a sublimation oven

DESCRIPTION

• Ideal as a souvenir, decoration or as a gift at events and celebrations
• Very useful to display messages and as signs for hotels, petrol stations and shops
• It is possible to sublimate them with landscape or portrait orientation depending on the design you want to print
• Printable with a flat press or sublimation oven

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• It is recommended to use the tiles indoors. Long exposure to the weather may cause the colour to fade
• Because of its rounded edges, it is advisable to use the Nomex felt pad (Ref. 922929) to sublimate the tiles. This will prevent the image from blurring at the edges

MEASUREMENTS

RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTIONS AND PARAMETERS FOR SUBLIMATION PRINTING

BEFORE STARTING THE SUBLIMATION PROCESS

If the tile has been stored in a cold place, moisture may have accumulated and this may affect the sublimation. In these circumstances, it is advisable to:

• Prepress o preheat the tile with the printable side up and protective paper at 175ºC for 5-10 seconds, medium/high pressure
  
• Allow the tile to cool down before sublimation

RECOMMENDATIONS

• You can sublimate tiles with a flat press using either the direct method or the indirect method. We recommend testing to determine which of these methods gives the highest quality print. It will also allow you to adjust the sublimation parameters
• They may have irregularities on the printable side. If you decide to use the direct sublimation method with a heat press, in order to achieve an even transfer (1) after pressing, open the press and, without removing the tile, peel one corner of the paper (without removing it completely) (2) if the image has not transferred correctly, replace the paper and turn the tile 180°. Press again for another 50 seconds
• One sign indicating correct transfer time is minimal residual ink on the paper
• It is important to follow the colour profile guidelines of each ink manufacturer

WITH A HEAT PRESS (INDIRECT METHOD)

• Print the paper in mirror image and cut it out
• Preheat the press to 175ºC
• Use a Nomex pad on the lower platen of the press to achieve an even heat distribution
• Place the printed paper on the tile and stick it with heat-resistant tape. Place the tile and paper with the printable side down on the press
• Press for 300 seconds at 175 ºC, medium-high pressure. Depending on the size of the tile, you may need to adjust the pressing time
• With the help of a protective glove, remove the sublimated tile
• Peel off the paper carefully

WITH A SUBLIMATION OVEN

• Print in mirror image the design you want to print on the tile
• Preheat the oven to 200ºC
• Place the printed design upside down on the white part of the tile and fix it with heat-resistant tape
• If using a 3D oven, place the tile with the printable side facing upwards. Close the membrane and make the vacuum. Make sure no air bubbles remain on the surface
• Another option is to use heat shrink bags. With the help of a heat gun, shrink the design to the tile, removing all the air from inside the tile
• Close the oven and bake for 13 minutes
  
• Open the oven and remove the sublimated tile with the help of a protective glove
• Peel off the paper carefully