I received some samples with the sample material and am impressed. All I did so far was a fingernail scratch test. Went to max fingernail pressure with a sharp fingernail and it had no affect on the clear/frosted. Did not have time to test the white. You came up with a really good substrate there, as usual.
Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)
When you finally understand it completely... it changes.
I don't have any pictures here at home. The engraving plastics take a very good full color image. If you e-mail me your address I will send you a sample.
You can take a Unisub FR Plastic name badge that has been sublimated and with a dime rub back and forth across the face of the plastic with a lot of pressure, and not scratch off the image. I have not seen any other process match that test.
Kevin Lumberg
Sublimation Specialist
Johnson Plastics
1-800-869-7800
kevinl@johnsonplastics.com
I have tried all 3 brands of OEM laser paper( standard, not the new white method etc.) with a Konica Minolta 2400W and a cheap hobby press which may me part of the problem with consistent results Will likely get a better one soon.
If I have a large run of something I can ususally find the right temperature and procedure (pad, rotate and repeat, dwell time, peel cool or hot, etc.) But usually requires several test pieces to get the settings exact. Not something I want to use yet for onzie twozies.
Even then it is normal for one or several done exactly the same way in a series to not come out right. (Some or all of the color peels off, doesn't stick or the paper sticks too much or doesn't survive the fingernail durability test.)
There is also the problem of overheating, melting or warping engraving plastic or even thicker acrylic. I have only tried metal a couple times but that doesn't seem foolproof yet either.
It is still a handy tool for some things. It has bailed us out several times when an asi supplier messed up an order at the last minute and we had to figure out plan B.
If there is a sublimation option available like metal, FRP or the limited selection of products, that is my first choice for color marking even if the per piece cost is more. It is much more dependable for even quick onzie twozies and rare that I can't get good results on the first attempt.
Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)