GUIDE TO LARGE FORMAT PRINTING April 2018
Table of Contents Introduction 3 Panels 4 Preparing the Image 7 Software for Printing 7 Printers 8 Colour Management 9 Heat Press 10 SEFA presses 11 Substrates 13 The Company 23 Technical Portal 24 Website 25 Contact 26 2
Introduction is the leading brand of rigid sublimation print media. Through dye-sublimation, images are infused into specially coated surfaces to provide the most durable, longest lasting print medium on the market today. There are a wide range of substrates ideal for everything from the highest quality fine art printing, for home decor, to multiple interior design usages. We are a manufacturing company. We are not a photo lab or a printer. In our manufacturing process, we coat the plates with a multi-layer coating which enables the sublimation process. We sell these panels to photo labs, printers, design companies, e- commerce gift companies around the world. They produce the final prints. 3
Panels HD panels bring a new high quality level with a supervibrant color range and an almost 3 dimensional luminescence that far exceeds UV direct printing and is much better than classic photo prints with or without acrylic top panels. 100% water resistant and with an unbelievably hard coating, they are exceptionally durable - scratch, fire and chemical resistant. They are also lightweight for shipping and easy to hang. prints will last a lifetime without fading (Wilhelm Imaging Research). 4
Simple Steps to Sublimate 1 2 3 4 The first step in the dyesublimation process is to select or to create a digital image for printing. Printers use a dye-based ink formulated specifically for the sublimation process and apply images onto transfer paper that is designed for hard surface products. Once printed, the transfer and blank substrate are paired and placed into a press that applies heat and pressure. During the short time in the press, the inks move from the transfer paper and are infused into the coating on the panel. The end result is a product with the most vivid image reproduction, exceptional detail and extreme durability. 5
Heat Press This graphic shows the different layers used in the heat press when sublimating 6
Preparing the Image This is done in exactly the same way as for all other photo printing processes, typically using Photoshop. For large format printing, all the usual parameters are used regarding profile (preferably Adobe RGB), image size and dpi. If printing direct from Photoshop the image will need to be mirrored. If using a RIP software this will be handled in the RIP. Software for Printing We strongly recommend the use of a RIP (Raster Image Processor) software. The RIP provides greater color management control and easier printing set up than using a software such as Adobe Photoshop. Our recommended RIP for sublimation purposes is: Wasatch SoftRip, which has been specially developed for Sublimation printing 7
Printers Epson SureColor SC-F6200 4-color Epson SureColor SC-F7200 4-color 44inch 112cm 64inch 164cm Sawgrass VJ-628 25inch 63cm 8-color Mutoh VJ-1638WX 8-color 64inch 164cm The printer can be purchased at best available terms from a local reseller. The reseller can also supply the correct inks and paper. 8
Colour Management The color management process is exactly the same as for other large format printing. The only difference is that the test chart is printed onto the paper and then transferred to the panel. The output panel is measured to create the ICC profile. The temperature of the heat press, and the time in the heat press have an effect on the color, which is why these parameters must always be consistent. Colour Management Hardware and Software We recommend the use of a X-Rite i1pro2 Spectrophotometer with i1publish Pro2 software. We can supply these or they can be purchased from your local X-Rite dealer. If you already have color management equipment, we do advise using the new i1pro2 hardware for the best results. 9
Heat Press This is a critical part of the process. It requires a flat bed press with absolutely equal and consistent heat distribution across the plates. We recommend the French made SEFA presses. We have worked closely with SEFA to develop presses ideally suited to media. The SEFA press has a very solid construction ensuring even distribution of heat and pressure. 10
SEFA Presses for Large Format SLIDE SUBLIMAX Model Press size Power Weight SLIDE 850 800 x 500mm 4.5kW 225kg SLIDE 1250 1200 x 500mm 7.5kW 250kg SLIDE 1280 1200 x 800mm 12kW 300kg SUBLI 1510 1500 x 1000mm 18.5kW 900kg SUBLIMAX 1812 1800 x 1200mm 30kW 1100kg SUBLIMAXI 2513 2500 x 1300mm 36kW 1500kg The SUBLI, SUBLIMAX and SUBLIMAXI have two tables allowing the next print to be prepared in advance. A 3-phase 400V electricity supply and air compressor is required for the larger presses. 11
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Substrates HD Metal substrates are 1.2mm aluminium panels. They are coated with a special multi-layer receptive coating at our factory in Louisville KY, USA. The panels are shipped with a peeloff protective coating. There are many pre-cut standard sizes available. We also offer MDF, Hardboard, Steel and Phenolic substrates. Our larger customers often buy full panels and cut them to size using either a CNC router or circular saw system. The advantage of a router is being able to cut round corners and custom shapes. A router must be able to cut 1.2mm aluminium using highfrequency spindle cutting tools. A circular saw system must be very solid and have a special aluminium cutting blade. Full panels are sized 1244 x 2155mm and are packed 75 sheets to one shipping case. Mixed surface cases can be shipped. 13
White Aluminum Prints An extremely popular choice for users seeking a vibrant and sleek alternative to traditional printing materials. Available in: Gloss Semi-Gloss (Satin) Matte 14
Silver Aluminum Prints The silver base option allows the natural finish of the aluminum to appear through imagesand provides a unique look. Available in: Gloss Semi-Gloss (Satin) Matte 15
EXT Aluminum Prints Art and photography can now be taken outdoors with EXT. Available in: White Gloss 16
White Wood Prints Wood prints offer the same crisp, clean image reproduction as metal prints, but with atraditional look and feel. Available in: Gloss 17
Natural Wood Prints The low gloss coating and wood grainof natural wood prints give images a warm and natural appearance. Available in: Semi-Gloss (Satin) 18
19 MR-MDF (Moisture-Resistant Medium-Density Fiberboard) Used for durable table tops, MR-MDF provides high image quality while reducing the appearance of scratches and smudges. Available in: Gloss 19
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The Company is the global manufacturer of premium print media, supplying high quality blank substrates for a variety of applications that require superb image quality and durability. All coatings and substrates are made in the USA with manufacturing and fabrication done in Louisville, KY. With additional locations in Belgium, Dubai and Australia, serves its global customer base and provides products to more than 80 countries. is an extension of Universal Woods, the world s leading manufacturer of rigid surface sublimatable product. It is also a sister brand to Unisub, which provides the highest quality custom sublimatable products. 23
Technical Support - FAQ - Videos Our dedicated support portal is available at www.starttosublimate.com 24
Website for Europe/Middle East/Africa Our EMEA web site in 6 languages is available at www.chromaluxe.eu 25
Universal Woods Inc Louisville, Kentucky USA info@chromaluxe.com Universal Woods EMEA Boom 2850 Belgium marketing.emea@chromaluxe.com UW MEA Logistics Centre Dubai United Arab Emirates marketing.emea@chromaluxe.com Universal Woods AU West Pymble, New South Wales Australia info@chromaluxe.com www.chromaluxe.eu is a globally registered trademark of Universal Woods, Inc. 2018 26
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