More information about the Sublimable Square Tiles for Decorative Use

INDEX

> Description

> Things to keep in mind

> Tips and advice

> Recommended sublimation instructions and parameters

› Recommendations

› Observations

› With flat transfer press - Direct method

› With flat transfer press - Indirect method

› With sublimation oven

DESCRIPTION

• Perfect for offering as personalised gifts or as decorative elements
• High-quality polyester coating. Provides durability and uniformity in printing
• Glossy white sublimable face. Natural ceramic reverse
• Straight tile corners
• Customisable with flat transfer press or sublimation oven
• Presentation boxes available in Related Products

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Depending on the batches, they may have small surface irregularities, which can be resolved with Nomex pads. See Related Products
• Tiles for decorative use only. Not suitable for construction or food consumption
• Depending on the size, the reverse side of the tile will differ

TIPS AND ADVICE

• Create a personalised collage by joining several tiles to form a complete image
• Print the tiles with the most representative images of your city to create original souvenirs

RECOMMENDED SUBLIMATION INSTRUCTIONS AND PARAMETERS

BEFORE STARTING THE SUBLIMATION PROCESS

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

• Pre-press or pre-heat the tile with the sublimable face up and protective paper, at 175 ºC for 5-10 seconds with 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 conduct tests to determine which method yields the highest quality print. Similarly, testing will allow adjustments to the sublimation parameters
• Pressing times should be increased as the tile size increases. For example, using the indirect method: 300 seconds are sufficient for 10 x 10 cm tiles, 320-350 seconds for 15 x 15 cm tiles, and 360-400 seconds for 20 x 20 cm tiles
• A sign that the transfer process has lasted the appropriate time is that the amount of residual ink on the paper is minimal
• It is important to follow the colour profile instructions of each ink manufacturer
• The tiles may have irregularities on the sublimable face. If you choose to use the direct method of sublimation with a transfer press, for a uniform 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 completely detaching it); (2) if the image has not transferred correctly to the tile surface, replace the paper and rotate the tile 180º. Press again for 50 seconds more

OBSERVATIONS

• In tests conducted with the tile Ref. 000083, we obtained good results with the following parameters: 180 ºC/medium-high pressure/180 s (direct method) and 180 ºC/medium-high pressure/700 s (indirect method)

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 achieve even heat distribution
• Place the printed paper on the tile and secure it to the tile with heat tape. Place the tile and paper with the sublimable face up on the press plate
• Press with medium-high pressure for 180 seconds. Depending on the tile size, you may need to slightly adjust the pressing time
• With the help of a protective glove, remove the newly 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 achieve even heat distribution
• Place the printed paper on the tile and secure it to the tile with heat tape. Place the tile and paper with the sublimable face down on the press plate
• Press with medium/high pressure for 300 seconds. Depending on the tile size, you may need to slightly increase the pressing time (see the Recommendations section)
• With the help of a protective glove, remove the newly sublimated tile
• Carefully remove the printed paper

WITH SUBLIMATION OVEN

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