Slates

[ATOJAR]

Hi again. Hopefully somebody can help me here.

Does anybody use a 3D sublimation ST3042 machine to subliminate onto slates? Im asking becasue ive had two ST3042 machines break both in a pretty short time. I think its becasue im running the machine to hot at 200c for 8 mins per slate.

As i said anybody else do slates in the ST3042 machine? If so what temp and time setting are you using?

Thanks in advance.

[Curry]

The slate will need a large pressure to print. I don't think the st3042 had the enough pressure to print it. Better to use a flat heat press

[ATOJAR]

So we did try rock slates with our swing arm flat heat press, the results where not anywhere near as good as with a ST3042, these ST3042 are fantastic for the couple of months they work.

Does anybody else here actually print on the rock photo slates? How do you go about it? 3D vacuum heat press? Swing arm flat heat press?

Any info and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Justin]

Flat press, 197c, 500 seconds. Pad in between press and transfer.

[ATOJAR]

Thanks! ... On our heat press only the top plate heats up with the bottom having a layer of sponge, is it best to put the slate in print side up or down? Also when you say pad would this be ok? > https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SILICONE-SPO ... 1438.l2649

Thanks.

[ATOJAR]

Just tried a slate in the swing arm flat press, 200c for 500 seconds under high pressure and print side up, made sure to pre-heat both the slate and membrane for 30 seconds before applying the print, didn't have any "pad" for in-between so has to improvise for now, instead we used a brand new ST3042 silicon membrane we had lying around, turned out really nice.

Ordered one of these > https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SILICONE-SPO ... 1438.l2649 < A4 and 2mm thick.

We will be staying well clear of those ST-3042 3D vacuum heat presses from now on.

Saved us £350.

Thanks.

[Justin]

Sorry, yes, I preheat for 2 mins as well. That sponge looks fine.