Hi all
A friend of mine recently picked up a Ricoh GXe3300n printer and CoralGraph mug press but we're struggling to get decent results.
(I'm not sure of model number for the mug-press. I think it's this one: http://www.coralgraph.com/heat-press...ansfer-machine - I'll update tomorrow when I'm infront of it.)
Here's the current process + info, if anyone could point out where we're going wrong we'd be most appreciative.
Firstly, we create the design in CorelDraw X5. Then we export it to a .png or .jpg and use IrfanView to make x2 of the same image on one sheet. (IrfanView has a "create new panoramic image" feature that's quite useful. And saves a bit of paper.)
We then load Photoshop CS4 up because it alters the colours using the PowerDriver profile that this forum recommended and then we print the design out.
Next we insert the mug and set the mugpress to 160 degrees C with a time of around ~150 seconds. (We're still experimenting with times and temperatures. The manufacturers (pigeon-english) instructions say 180C and 170 seconds but
that always seems to make the blacks turn browny-grey. Which apparently means they're burnt.)
At the moment, all the mugs are coming out with faded colours and the blacks, in particular, looking browny-grey/burnt.
I'll spend a few hours this evening searching these forums for similar issues but if anyone can guide us with settings etc that'd be great.
My 2 main questions are simply:
How important is having Photoshop + the printer determine the colours? I personally think they looks rather faded but my friend insists they're supposed to be like that and the heat-process will fix it.
Secondly, are we supposed to be heating the CoralGraph up to a certain temperature (without a mug?) before placing in the mug + design we wish to create?
Thanks again.
I'll forward this topic to my friend (who's already a member) and he can fill in any info that I may have missed.