Mugs not printing correctly (pics included)

[cardman]

tried everythign just cant seem to get it any better

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/img5582s.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/img5585z.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/img5586c.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/img5588u.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/img5589o.jpg/


the cups im using do not have any branding on the box - just says Birmingham (made in china) on the box
The paper im using is Transfer Paper for dye sublimation printing 120 grams A4 (the make is called SIGNAL)
Printing using epson s22
and the mugpress i uploaded a pic so u can see which one i have (the expres)

(sorry wrong section - meant to post in printer problems section)

[Andrew]

What time and temp are you on. Looks like not enough heat getting to the mug as you can see the element marks. The rounded marks at the top also indicate that mug might not be positioned in far enough to the press. Extra heat and/or time will create a bolder more complete image but might be trial and error with your specific press. Which press are you using? The element could also be another factor to take into account if it is spreading heat evenly.

[cardman]

xpres mugpress - check pic 5

also i leave mug in for 300 secs at 200degress

for the mug express there is a whgite stone - do i sit the cup on top of this stone ???

[Andrew]

Temp should be more than enough and both should probably be lower which now leads to the question..... how much pressure is placed on the mug when clamp is closed?

[Andrew]

That image 5 shows the temp at 38c? Do you let the press get upto temp before putting a mug or try and start printing from cold?

[Andrew]

Is the white stone fixed in? Never used 1 of those presses. How far up does the mug go when sat on it? Seems strange to have stone that absorbs heat rather than a rubber stopper or something. Certainly looks like the mugs have been printed up to high to me from the pics. The curve faded bit is the end of the heat source.

[cardman]

white stone is not fixed it can be moved
as for pressure i cant tighten it any more - put it this way i cannot even rotate the cup once i put handle down as its that tight
i also let the machine get upto temp before i put cup in

just cant figure out why they not sticking to cups kk
i mean if u look at the actual print then id say it cant be print quality as some is coming out kk

[Andrew]

Try it without the stone and centre the mug into the element so you have equal gap top and bottom. The mug handle should be secure and not slack as you have done. Parts of the mug have printed fine so you need to eliminate other possible issues like positioning before looking at the element itself. When you do get print problems is it in a consistant area of the mug. Have you tried turning the mug upside down etc to see if it changes?

[cardman]

no never tried turning mug upside down at all

will try that and post a pic when done

cheers

[sarahjayne]

Try it without the stone and centre the mug into the element so you have equal gap top and bottom. The mug handle should be secure and not slack as you have done. Parts of the mug have printed fine so you need to eliminate other possible issues like positioning before looking at the element itself. When you do get print problems is it in a consistant area of the mug. Have you tried turning the mug upside down etc to see if it changes?

good answer. I'd assume the stone is interfering with the heat and shouldn't be in there at all.