More information about Sublimable Rectangular Tiles

INDEX

> Description

> Dimensions

> Recommended sublimation instructions and parameters

› Recommendations

› With flat transfer press - Direct method

› With flat transfer press - Indirect method

› With sublimation oven

DESCRIPTION

• Suitable for sublimation as they have a polyester coating on one side
• Reverse side in natural ceramic
• They can be sublimated horizontally or vertically, depending on the design you wish to print on the tiles
• Customisable with a flat transfer press or with a sublimation oven
• In the Related Products section you will find Nomex protective pads and heat-resistant adhesive tape, which are very useful during the sublimation process of these tiles. You will also find shrink bags in case you wish to sublimate the tiles using an oven

DIMENSIONS

RECOMMENDED SUBLIMATION INSTRUCTIONS AND PARAMETERS

BEFORE STARTING THE SUBLIMATION PROCESS

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

• Pre-press or pre-heat the tile with the sublimable side facing up and protective paper, at 175 ºC for 5-10 seconds and medium/high pressure
  
• Allow the tile to cool before starting the sublimation process

RECOMMENDATIONS

• It is possible to sublimate the tiles with a flat transfer press using the direct method or the indirect method. It is advisable to carry out tests to determine which of these methods achieves the highest print quality. Likewise, testing will allow you to adjust the sublimation parameters
• The tiles may have irregularities on the sublimable side. If you decide to use the direct method of sublimation with a transfer press, to ensure even transfer it is recommended: (1) once the pressing time has elapsed, open the press and without removing the tile, slightly lift the paper from one corner (without removing it completely); (2) if the image has not transferred correctly to the surface of the tile, replace the paper and rotate the tile 180º. Press again for a further 50 seconds
• Pressing times should be increased for larger tiles. For example, using the indirect method: 300-320 seconds are sufficient for tiles of 15 x 20 cm, 300-320 seconds for those of 20 x 25 cm and 320-360 seconds for those measuring 20 x 30 cm
• A sign that the transfer process has lasted the correct amount of time is that the amount of residual ink on the paper is minimal
• It is important to follow the colour profile guidelines for each ink manufacturer

WITH FLAT TRANSFER PRESS - DIRECT METHOD

• Print the paper in mirror mode and cut it out
• Set the press to 180 ºC
• Use a Nomex pad on the lower plate of the press to ensure even heat distribution
• Place the printed paper on the tile and secure it to the tile with heat-resistant tape. Place the tile and paper with the sublimable side facing up on the press plate
• Press with medium-high pressure for 180 seconds. Depending on the size of the tile, you may need to slightly adjust the pressing time
• With the help of a protective glove, remove the freshly sublimated tile
• Carefully remove the printed paper

 WITH FLAT TRANSFER PRESS - INDIRECT METHOD

• Print the paper in mirror mode and cut it out
• Set the press to 180 ºC
• Use a Nomex pad on the lower plate of the press to ensure even heat distribution
• Place the printed paper on the tile and secure it to the tile with heat-resistant tape. Place the tile and paper with the sublimable side facing down on the press plate
• Press at medium-high pressure for 300 seconds. Depending on the size of the tile, you may need to slightly increase the pressing time
• With the help of a protective glove, remove the freshly sublimated tile
• Carefully remove the printed paper

WITH SUBLIMATION OVEN

• Print the design you wish to apply to the tile in mirror mode
• Preheat the oven to 175 ºC
• Place the printed design face down on the white side of the tile and secure them with heat-resistant adhesive tape
• If using a 3D oven, place the tile with the side to be printed facing up. Close the membrane and create a vacuum. Make sure there are no air bubbles on the surface
• Another option is to use shrink bags. With the help of a heat gun, secure the design tightly to the tile, removing all air from inside
• Close the oven and run it for 13 minutes
  
• Open the oven and, using a protective glove, remove the freshly sublimated tile
• Carefully remove the printed paper