Aluminum Metal Sheets Printing Issue - Horizontal Lines and smudge on edges

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I'm new to sublimating metal sheets. Why are there horizontal lines when pressing? Is this from the printer settings? Also, I have been experiencing smudges particularly in dark colors. And there is a smudge on the 4 corners of the metal sheet I dont know where it comes from.

Settings are the ff:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90
Epson Matte Color Settings

What are your comments/experiences with this and how to solve each one?

That looks like banding to me, caused by blocked nozzles. Can you upload a picture of a nozzle check?

What are the temps, times and pressures you are using when pressing?

Do you place your aluminium face-down on your print for pressing?

Do you use any layers of paper or kitchen roll underneath to help with any water vapour, which would produce smudging or marbling?

Thank you! Is the solution to just do head cleaning?

My settings are:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90 seconds (The picture I posted was a 90 second one
Pressure: Light pressure
Aluminum face down. One paper below the print paper and one paper on top of the metal

It's very humid here around 60%

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slee1106

Thank you! Is the solution to just do head cleaning?

My settings are:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90 seconds (The picture I posted was a 90 second one
Pressure: Light pressure
Aluminum face down. One paper below the print paper and one paper on top of the metal

It's very humid here around 60%

---

Attachment 5869Attachment 5870

The nozzle check is complete but if you look closely the horizontal there are some small bumps in the print

Here is a picture of my printout Attachment 5871

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by slee1106

Thank you! Is the solution to just do head cleaning?

My settings are:

Temp: 180 C
Time: 60-90 seconds (The picture I posted was a 90 second one
Pressure: Light pressure
Aluminum face down. One paper below the print paper and one paper on top of the metal

It's very humid here around 60%

---

Your issues have nothing to do with printing on metal. You need to perform 3-4 head cleans until you get a decent print. Or do it once and leave the printer sitting overnight. Make sure that you have done a head alignment test and have your settings on 'Best Photo'.

Yeah, this is definitely banding caused by blocked nozzles.