More information about the Sublimable Decorative Ceramic Tiles

INDEX

> Description

> Things to keep in mind

> Tips and advice

> Instructions and recommended sublimation 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 the print
• White sublimable face. Natural ceramic reverse
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor placement
• Tiles with straight corners
• Customisable with flat transfer press or sublimation oven

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Depending on the batch, they may show small irregularities on the surface, which can be resolved using Nomex pads. See Related Products
• Tiles are for decorative use only. Not suitable for construction or food use
• Depending on the size, the reverse 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

INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDED SUBLIMATION 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 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 run tests to determine which of these methods produces the highest quality print. Likewise, testing will allow you to adjust the sublimation parameters
• Pressing times should be increased for larger tiles. For example, using the indirect method: 300 seconds is sufficient for 10 x 10 cm tiles, 320-350 seconds for 15 x 15 cm tiles, and 360-400 seconds for those measuring 20 x 20 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 instructions for each ink manufacturer
• Tiles may have irregularities on the sublimable side. If you choose to use the direct sublimation method with a flat transfer press, to ensure an 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 an additional 50 seconds

OBSERVATIONS

• In tests carried out with tile Ref. 000083 we have 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 attach it 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 achieve even heat distribution
• Place the printed paper on the tile and attach it 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 (see the Recommendations section)
• 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 transfer onto the tile in mirror mode
• Heat the oven to 175 ºC
• Place the printed design face down on the white side of the tile and secure with heat-resistant 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 bags. With the help of a heat gun, secure the design tightly to the tile, removing all air from inside
• Close the oven and operate for 13 minutes
  
• Open the oven and, using a protective glove, remove the freshly sublimated tile
• Carefully remove the printed paper