Right then, time for the first real job. Yay!

Problem: I'm getting an area that looks basically like the clouds filter in photoshop right in the middle of my plaque. This one area is not getting proper transfer, while the rest of the plaque looks perfect.

So, is it too much pressure, too little pressure, a cold spot in the press, or does something just not like me?

Thanks,
Sei

Your description is not real clear. I assume you are using a white substrate. There are several possible causes for the look you describe.
1. Not enough heat and/or pressure.

2. Not enough time (this is very likely).

3. If it is a unisub aluminum plate, try turning it over and pressing from the other side.

4. While you will get some good answers here - you would probably do better asking on the dssi forum.

It was the time. Thank you. I kept adjusting the pressure and didn't question the time recommendation that came with the sheet.

It's a learning process.

Sei

Sei,

Pardon me for laughing when you said, "It's a learning process".

Truer words were never spoken :-)

The learning curve can be brutal, but you're an astute person and you'll get a handle on it.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Thanks, David. I appreciate your confidence.

There's been a lot to learn over the past few years since I stepped into this industry. Sublimation is just another challenge. I figure I'll have it mastered by March. ;)

And if not, it's always good to know this place is here for answers and support. Honestly, since I don't have anyone here, at the shop, who knows jack about what I do, I don't know what I'd do without Engraving Etc.

Sei

Sei,

You're touching on one of the reasons I enjoy the forum so much.

When I was coming up through the industry, (before the computer age), it was common to have two or three people in a shop, performing pantograph engraving. It was the only way.

The comraderie (and whining, to make each other feel better:) was one of the reasons to show up for work. Everyone working toward one miserable common cause :-)

As the years went by, the computer replaced some of my fellow engravers, to the point where I was the only one left. Still had the great company of the shop owner and his wife, but it wasn't quite the same.

This forum has revived that sense of comraderie (complete with the wonderful whining:) that was lost, those many years ago.

Thank you for being part of the crew:-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

Thank you for providing the venue!

David,

My pleasure. It honestly is.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

I suspect that it is trapped steam. Time will probably help that but leave the center a slight bit fuzzier than the edges.

If it is trapped steam there is a simple cure. With nothing in the press except maybe the lower Teflon sheet, close the press for about ten seconds to heat the lower platen. Open the press and place the transfer, ink side up, on the platen. It may buckle a bit in spots, brush it down with a towel or quickly with your hand. (Ouch if not quick enough.) This will force the moisture out of the transfer rapidly, you may even see a bit of steam. Now do the pressing normally any you will never have a steam problem. (Even in hot sticky weather.)

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Sub Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

To Sei and ALL:
<Honestly, since I don't have anyone here, at the shop, who knows jack about what I do, I don't know what I'd do without Engraving Etc.>

Hey, I know "Jack". He's a contributing member of this forum.

Ed,

You're supposed to say that after about 6 rum and cokes.

Maybe you did :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA