Full Version: Info on OEM Laser Sub.
From: JHayes55 [#1]
16 Nov 2005
To: ALL
After reading all that I can on the subject of OEM tones used with special papers for laser sublimation, my head is swimming. I need to ask a few questions. First let me give you back ground and what I think I have done thus far.
First I should say that when we bought our business we inherited an Apple laser printer- LaserWrighterII - (cartriage type) that we used laser toner in. Some of you may know the this antique - Toner was purchased from ICON Imaging. You switched the toner cartriage each time you wanted a different color - main use was black. We used this mainly for plaques subbing onto metal (gold and silver aluminum). The old horse need to be shot - and the Apple that runs it is on - it's last leg as well - and I for one will not be calling the Vet.
Secondly we started Dye-Sub with a Epson 3000 about 5 1/2 years ago - and so far she is still in the race (although I would like to shoot it sometimes). We do mugs, unisub plaques, FRP, ceramics - but no clothing, nor do we want to do clothing.
What we are considering is a new FULL COLOR laser to come to the modern age. We still do a lot of school plaques (sports mainly) with gold and silver aluminum.
I had looked hard at purchasing a HP4550 and sub toners but, as I have read and read on this subject I have about decided that using the special papers (like JBL Graphics sells for OEM toners) might be a better path to follow.
I have read every message I can find both here and on the DSSI website
about these new color lasers - now I have questions.
Is anyone here actually doing this? OEM toner using special paper for laser sub? How is it going? What issue should I look for.
What laser should I consider? Keep in mind I will not be doing shirts or any of that type of work - mainly plaques (hard materials)
The laser printer would also be used for office use, (brochures ect) -I don't think I would need any sort of wide format.
I think the type of laser printer is my biggest question??
What paper are you using? I have looked at JBL paper but I am not sure what else is out there.
Doing the types of products I do - with this OEM toners and special paper
can I still place photos on mugs and Christmas ornaments and get good results ? If so is there any good reason for keeping up with the Dye-sub
and my old 3000.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Sorry for the length - I been wanting to ask this for weeks.
Joe
EDITED: 16 Nov 2005 by JHAYES55
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2]
16 Nov 2005
To: JHayes55 [#1] 17 Nov 2005
I use the Konica/Minolta color printer and the special paper for items.
It works well on the coated engraving brass/aluminum. It works well on wood, and acrylic. [Once you have your temp and dwell settings right, different for each substrate.]
It is difficult to do glass, especially over 3" x 3". Glass needs not to be handled after the transfer, you can scratch off the toner with your fingernail. You have the same problem with the good sublimation coatings.
Mugs?? Shirts???
It is wonderful on acrylic. Not only pictures, but plaques. Think in full color, even the background, like marbleized backgrounds. If you need white letters, coat the back with acrylic latex primer after imaging. [A sheet of paper almost works, but not good enough.]
Laser toner is instantly dissoluble using lacquer thinner.
From: Geezer (ERNIE) [#3]
16 Nov 2005
To: JHayes55 [#1] 17 Nov 2005
Joe
I have been using OEM laser toner for about 5 weeks now. I'm very satisfied with the results on hard substrates especially on tiles and Unisub aluminum.
Have you been following my testing reports on DSSI? They might answer some of yur questions.
One thing for sure with OEM toners: No clogs, no nozzle checks, no head cleanings >> I've retired my epson 850, 980 (2) C-82's and my 3000.
Tiles at 19 cents from Home Depot produce great images and color over multiple tiles for murals is consistant.
Ernie
Edit: I'm using JBL Graphics papers; SG for soft goods and HG for hard goods.
EDITED: 16 Nov 2005 by ERNIE
From: JHayes55 [#4]
17 Nov 2005
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2] 17 Nov 2005
Harvey
What model Konica/Minolta do you have?
If you were buying today what laser printer would you look at ?
What paper?
Thank You so much for the info - it really helps.
From: JHayes55 [#5]
17 Nov 2005
To: Geezer (ERNIE) [#3] 17 Nov 2005
Erine
I have been reading threads on DSSI - some times it seems hard for me to keep up with both of the forums. Give me a thread number or title and I will be sure that its one of the ones I am following.
Which printer did you buy - would you suggest it or any others?
Glad to here of other people jumping in on this process.
Thank you for responce and the info.
From: Geezer (ERNIE) [#6]
17 Nov 2005
To: JHayes55 [#5] 17 Nov 2005
Joe
On the DSSI forum you will find two folders:
Dye Sub Toners
Color Laser Transfers
These are the ones you want to follow for the latest updates.
Ernie
Edit: I bought a Samsung CLP510
EDITED: 17 Nov 2005 by ERNIE
From: trophyman (MIKEBERGER) [#7]
17 Nov 2005
To: JHayes55 [#4] 17 Nov 2005
When I first mentioned that Sublimation toner was available for the Konica-Minolta 2300 color laser printer that I have. I seam to remember Harvey saying that he had the 2400 which is the current version. I get our paper from Airwaves, they are a supplier of transfer paper for Screen Printers.
1-800-hot-peel
http://airwavesinc.com
EDITED: 17 Nov 2005 by MIKEBERGER
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#8]
17 Nov 2005
To: ALL
I am just starting a run of Xmas Ornaments using the OEM toner system. A full color cute angel of a girl, cut out along the edges and room for engraving at the bottom. Now to see if they sell.
Does anyone have a drawing, not photo, of a cherubic boy that I can use as a boy angel? That would finish it up.
From: JHayes55 [#9]
17 Nov 2005
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#8] 17 Nov 2005
Harvey
What substrate are you doing this on?
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#10]
17 Nov 2005
To: JHayes55 [#9] 18 Nov 2005
1/8" clear acrylic.
Cannot do that with dye-sub!!!
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#11]
19 Nov 2005
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2] 19 Nov 2005
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#12]
19 Nov 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#11] 19 Nov 2005
Sublimation cannot do acrylic, too high a temperature needed.
Going from memory I use 280*F and 40 seconds using a 1/16" green silicon pad. The 1/4" brick red pad needs about 90-120 seconds. Medium to light pressure.
Be sure that the heat press is accurate, even 15* too high will have an effect on the surface of the acrylic, 30* will melt the surface enough to leave severe impressions of the texture of the pad.
You can probably do it at a far lower temperature with a longer time, just enough to get the surface of the acrylic to about 160*, the average melting and bonding temp of the laser toner.
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#13]
19 Nov 2005
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#12] 19 Nov 2005
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#14]
20 Nov 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#13] 20 Nov 2005
John,
I have someone sending me a sample of an acrylic piece that had an image heat pressed on it using OEM toners and a special release paper. The company has developed their own paper. They are not reselling something that is already on the market.
I will give you my impression and have the manufacturer share more details here on the forum.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15]
20 Nov 2005
To: JHayes55 [#1] 21 Nov 2005
Thanks Joe! Thanks a lot!!!!
Now I must go do battle with my wife over sublimation equipment again. You have me thinking, and you know how dangerous THAT can be. Sheesh....the products, the market, the toy......er I mean TOOLS!!!!!
Thanks a bunch........ :D
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#16]
20 Nov 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#14] 20 Nov 2005
From: JHayes55 [#17]
21 Nov 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#14] 21 Nov 2005
David
I have someone who is sending me the same thing - they too developed there own paper. I bet were talking about the same person. We should pm or email and compare notes. One thing for sure I am liking what and see and hear about this process.
From: JHayes55 [#18]
21 Nov 2005
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15] 21 Nov 2005
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#19]
21 Nov 2005
To: JHayes55 [#18] 21 Nov 2005
Joe,
Let me know what you finally decide upon as far as equipment.