Aluminium Issues - Please help

Hi. I am having real issues printing aluminium sheets and commerative shields from both subli metals and BMS.

I had some issues mottled finish which I have sorted but every one of our tests all have the same problem where the very edge of the sheets are not transferring correctly. either faded or looking jagged edge. Some of the sheets do have a very slightly raised edge which I guess comes from the cutting of the sheets but especially the commerative shield just has a 1mm (ish) line around the edge which hasn't isnt showing the artwork.

I have a pneumatic press and I am pressing 180 degrees for 80 seconds at 20psi with copy paper at the bottom, then the artwork sheet, aluminium sheet face down then copy paper with butcher sheet top and bottom. I seem to of tried dozens of different settings and whilst have eliminated other issues through testing every single press has left the same issue.

I have read a couple of posts on here related and tried to use the recommendations (copy paper) but nothing works at all.

Around 50 blanks down testing and no closer to a solution. Using sawgrass SG1000 with bypass tray and have use both S-Race paper and A-Sub

We use a polyester fabric (Endura) over the top, I think Xpres sell it. It helps to absorb moisture to prevent mottling but also fills in any dips or edge defects in the metal to give an even print.

Hi. Thanks for that. We actually ordered some from Nova Chrome on Saturday so hopefully that will help. What do you do in terms of layers? Paper, Metal, Print etc... Metal Down?

We use a Teflon sheet at the base but anything to protect the base rubber from ink being transferred into it. Then we place the metal then transfer paper then Endura fabric on top. The dryer the paper, the better the finish. Use more pressure on the press if the edges are rough, this will allow the endura fabric to push the transfer paper into the raised edges and prevent any fading.

I get best results by using the following layering:

Couple of sheets of copy paper on the bottom
Sublimation print facing upwards
Aluminium sheet facing downwards
A sheet of baking paper on top

I press at 190°C for no longer than 60 secs and use very light pressure. I've never had edge problems and only ever used sheets from SubliMetals.

Hello, just checking did you get the problem fixed.
Im having so much trouble with white lines around the edges...
I've removed the pads and just have a teflon mat on the bottom with and on top i have two pieces of baking paper, i've tried to get it as level as possible but still the white lines.

Could it be that i work in the garage and the humidity is off ? i was contemplating buying a gas heater to keep it nice and warm in there while doing the press.

If it helps regarding humidity then we make sure that it is no more than 65% around the printers as we find that above this then the ink starts to bleed into the paper straight after printing.

If you have a gas heater going be aware they increase the humidity, best thing to do as well is get a dehumidifier