sublimation on anodized aluminum - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Precision Laser Creations (PIZZAMAN)	11 May 2006
To:	ALL	1 of 7

3806.1
I have a customer who wants to put his logo and some writing on a part that is gold anodized aluminum. I did a couple of samples for him with my laser but he wants it to stand out more. This could be at least a 500 piece order if I get it. My question is can anodized aluminum be sublimated. I don't do sublimation yet but am close to ordering a heat press and printer. An order this size would motivate me to get it right away. Thanks, Tony
EDITED: 12 May 2006 by DGL

From:	UncleSteve	11 May 2006
To:	Precision Laser Creations (PIZZAMAN)	2 of 7

3806.2 In reply to 3806.1
You can get sublimitable anodized aluminum BUT the gold will show through and affect any colors other than a true black... "Genius ain't anything more than elegant common sense." Josh Billings

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	12 May 2006
To:	Precision Laser Creations (PIZZAMAN)	3 of 7

3806.3 In reply to 3806.1

Tony,

Almost any substrate can be coated, to make it sublimation-dye-receptive. There are some self-coating solutions, but your best bet is to have the pieces professionally-coated by companies who specialize in the process.

One such company is Laser Reproductions, located in Chicago.

www.laserreproductions.com

What Steve says is true. Because sublimation dyes are translucent, the color gold, will have an affect on your finished colors, but adjustments can be made to minimize the overriding "yellow" in the image.

Actually, the translucent dye, over gold or silver metal creates a stunning "candy apple" effect, that can't be matched by many processes; which is the reason most of the sublimated plates I use for awards, are done with gold and silver aluminum.

Try it; you'll like it. :-)

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

EDITED: 12 May 2006 by DGL

From:	Mick	12 May 2006
To:	Precision Laser Creations (PIZZAMAN)	4 of 7

3806.4 In reply to 3806.1

Tony
If you can send me a sample of the aluminum I will apply OEM toners on it with a laser printer for you to look at.

Mick Eminger
Cactus Equipment & Supplies
800-440-6847

Mick
Cactus Equipment & Supplies
www.cactus-equipment.com
800-440-6847

EDITED: 12 May 2006 by MICK

From:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	12 May 2006
To:	Precision Laser Creations (PIZZAMAN)	5 of 7

3806.5 In reply to 3806.1

As a follow up to Mick's post.

The paper he sells will do a good color transfer to anodized aluminum. The laser transfer toners are far more opaque than sublimation. The only drawback is that on anodize the color is scratchable by a very heavy application of a fingernail. A thin dome will solve that problem and make the resulting product look like a million bucks. (This I have actually done with fantastic results.)

If you have the heat press, a color laser printer that works with OEM toner and Mick's paper can be had for under $300.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

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

From:	Zonas	16 May 2006
To:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	6 of 7

3806.6 In reply to 3806.5

How long are you pressing and at what temperature with Mick's paper?

I'm thinking about trying this on one of Chewbarka's silver round tags and doming it for the job I was talking to you and Dee about yesterday.

Can't hurt to try, if they don't like it I'll keep looking for a charm they will like.

Zona

From:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	16 May 2006
To:	Zonas	7 of 7

3806.7 In reply to 3806.6
I used 340* and 2 minutes with a pad. Peel warm, cold might pull off thick spots of toner. Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem) Harvey's Tips Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.