Hydrographics anyone know abit more about it?

[David McDonald]

Hi

From wikipedia:-

Hydrographics or HydroGraphics, also known as immersion printing, water transfer printing, water transfer imaging or cubic printing, is a method of applying printed designs to three-dimensional objects.[1] The hydrographic process can be used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, and various other materials. In the process, the substrate piece to be printed is pre-treated and a base coat material is applied. A polyvinyl alcohol film is gravure-printed with the graphic image to be transferred, and is then floated on the surface of a vat of water.[2] An activator chemical is sprayed on the film to dissolve it into a liquid and activate a bonding agent. The piece is then lowered into the vat, through the floating ink layer, which wraps around and adheres to it.[3] After removing the piece from the water, a top coat is applied to protect the design. With multiple dippings, hydrographics printing can achieve full 360° coverage of the part surface, including small crevices.[4]

I’m non the wiser!!!

Cheers
Macky

[Chris Wool]

a stunning way of applying special prints looked in to it about a year ago bit that put me off was the uk main agent would only help if spending big bucks with them. like special this and that and a spray booth. so he would not supply the prints to have a go with.

it can be done on the cheep but the spraying part is too messy for us. i did meet a guy who built all his own gear and does dash boards for very expensive boats can be fun and profitable.

[Martin Pearson]

Had a look at this same as Chris some time ago now but there was very little if any support for it in the UK. Have a look on the tube as there are loads of videos of it beeing done. One guy even carbon fibred his hand :lol1: :lol1:

Chris did you find out how the prints were done?? What media and inks were used?? One thing that put me off was that I couldn’t see how to set up and print your own stuff and all the available prints were very American.