More information about the Sublimable Decorative Ceramic Tiles with Glossy Finish

INDEX

> Description

> Things to keep in mind

> Tips and advice

> Measurements

> 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 the print
• White sublimable face. Natural ceramic reverse
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor placement
• Straight tile corners
• Customisable with flat transfer press or sublimation oven

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Depending on the batch, there may be small irregularities on the surface, which you can overcome thanks to Nomex pads. See Related Products
• Tiles for decorative use only. Not suitable for construction or food use
• Depending on the size, the reverse of the tile will be different

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

MEASUREMENTS

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 sublimation. In these circumstances, it is recommended to:

• Pre-press or pre-heat the tile with the sublimable face 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 produces the highest quality print. Likewise, testing will allow adjustments to the sublimation parameters
• Pressing times should be increased for larger tiles. For example, using the indirect method: 300 seconds is sufficient for tiles of 10 x 10 cm, 320-350 seconds for those of 15 x 15 cm 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
• The tiles may have irregularities on the sublimable face. If you decide to use the direct sublimation method with a flat 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 tile surface, 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 fix it to the tile with heat-resistant 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 size of the tile, you may need to adjust the pressing time slightly
• 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 fix it to the tile with heat-resistant tape. Place the tile and paper with the sublimable face down on the press plate
• Press at medium/high pressure for 300 seconds. Depending on the size of the tile, you may need to increase the pressing time slightly (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 your design in mirror mode for transfer onto the tile
• Preheat the oven to 175 ºC
• Place the printed design face down on the white side of the tile and fix it with heat-resistant tape
• If using a 3D oven, place the tile with the printable face 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, fix the design to the tile, removing all air from inside
• Close the oven and operate for 13 minutes
  
• Open the oven and, with the help of a protective glove, remove the freshly sublimated tile
• Carefully remove the printed paper