3D Vacuum Sublimation Phone Case Troubles

Hello everyone,


I need some advice on 3D vacuum sublimation printing on phone cases.

• I'm using this machine Forward A5 Pro https://forwardtools.com/products/fw...-in-drying-box
• Printing on forward compatible phone film sheets (don't know what's different about theirs to anyone elses)
• Hippo sublimation ink in a converted Epson ET-15000
• Single layer 3D sublimation phone cases

I'd say maybe 1 out of 10 prints I've done so far on phone cases have come out looking good. The rest have been botched prints.


I follow the steps to a T:

• I print on the sublimation sheet
• let it dry
• Heat the mould and blank case inside the machine as it's coming up to temperature 130 degrees
• Open the lid when it's ready, quickly place the film, print side down, on the case and mould
• Shut the lid and hit 'transfer start'.
• Wait 300 seconds and remove the case

Sometimes the film isn't properly 'stuck' to the phone case, it either moves, or just gets stuck to the 'ceiling' of the machine and doesn't transfer the print (or more regularly it transfers a little bit but it's very faint).


I feel like the machine isn't getting a good seal on the film. But I'm not sure what else to do. I've attached one image showing the results, usually it is a lot worse than that - barely any of the image transfers at all - (but I couldn't seem to upload any more images for some reason.)
Attachment 7461

I realise I posted in the wrong forum, should have posted in 3D sublimation (apologies - I'm new). Here's another shot of another failed attempt this evening (attached).Attachment 7463

What inks are you using and have you had a specific icc profile supplied/created?

It also sounds like your machine possibly isn't creating a good vacuum seal.

Hi - thanks for the reply.

I'm using Hippo sublimation inks. I've had a couple of prints come out perfectly since I posted. Each time the vacuum transfer shows 50kPa. And the prints that turn out bad, the kPa value is always much lower at 2-5kPa.

I think that means there is likely an issue creating a seal.

Is this something I could overcome or could it point to a defective device? It came from China and I have no idea if it's possible to return it or exchange it yet. I have contacted the original seller to ask.

Could be an issue with the vacuum pump or the seal, supplier should help.

Without a specific icc profile you are on a hiding to nothing. The profile must be made using your inks, media and phone case material, anything different will throw the results out.

Yes sorry I meant to say on the ICC profile I'm just using the standard Epson 'Photo Matte Paper' setting and 'Best quality' with the film I received from the supplier. Not sure what profile I should be using (the colours come out pretty good when the machine works though).

Thanks for the help. Hopefully supplier will come back to me during the week about the seal issue.

Epson matte is usual for sublimation but you must have a specific profile, speak to the machine supplier....they will tell you to speak to the inks supplier.....who will tell you to speak to the media supplier lol.

We had profiles made specifically for our setup many years ago, not an easy thing to source.

Make sure the printed film is bone dry before placing in the machine. We use a small heater to remove any trace of moisture as this will get between the print and case and stop it from sublimating. If you are finding the film is breaking mid process, try adjusting the pre vacuum time so give the film longer to soften before the vacuum kicks in.

Hello, I have let's say the same machine (not same design but same origin).

I have no problem using this machine and have always got perfect results using jigs and cases sold by ProSub. No offense but it appears you use poor quality TPU cases, you should try PC coated ones.

I use Inktec ink and Tredis (by SongJeong) sublimation film, with an Epson Stylus Pro 4800.

At this stage, it's complicated to tell what is the problem here, maybe a bad ICC profile or printing settings (too much or too few ink being laid, I'm no expert).

If you're willing to cover costs, I can send you printed A5 sheets and cases so you can try, and/or send me some of yours so I see if I have same results.

Either way, don't hesitate to PM me.