is it possible to print onto vinyl using a A4 Ink jet print?

[Karl Williams]

Not sure if i’m right here mate, but there is a system call dye sublimation that runs through A4 printers. Victory design I think are the people to talk to. I’m pretty sure they do this.

Karl.

[Kevin Fryer]

Thanks Karl grest news do you Know If i need to us dif kind of vinyl

[Karl Williams]

I don’t sorry Kevin. I don’t get involved with this as I have a JV3 which meets my needs for the work I do.
Karl.

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[Kevin Fryer]

Hi Karl.Not at the mo.
not sure about printing will be leasing unit maybe in a year.

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[Michael Potter]

Hi Kevin
As I am really very new to this the answer may not be exactly correct but there is a section towards the bottom of the opening page for Dye Sub.
you need an Epsom printer as the way the ink is delivered is different to other ink jets you also need special inks and a heat press of some sort.
I haven’t been able to print on to standard vinyl using an ink jet as the ink does not penetrate into the vinyl.
You can get a polypropylene type vinyl that has a different coating. I have cut pieces of that into a4 sizes and run them through an ordinary printer.
We used the resultant prints on a table top out side durability isn’t good unless you laminate etc.
as I said I am fairly new to this so if somebody can correct what I have said we will both learn.
Cheers Mike 😀

[James Martin]

I print with my epson all in one onto inkjet vinyl.

You can get it in white and transparent.

The printing on the white looks great and with registration marks you can contour cut on your plotter.
the transparent I have tried looks rubbish and the lazer cant read the registration marks.

the ink in my printer is ultradurabrite ink which is suppost to last for 75 years 😕 but I coat with acrylic to protect it.
I printed stickers for a cyclists helmet three months ago and he said they are still ok but thats the only feedback I have.

I’m still looking into the whole thing.

May as well become master of a small machine before you try and move up to something industrial is my philosophy.

[Kevin Fryer]

Thanks Michael/James have to look into this as this would help with small images as and when needed until I can afford large printer cutter.Lets hope we get some more replies to learn from, have to speak to victory designs see what they come up with. 😮

[Martin Pearson]

Michael, Dye sublimation is a process used by some people for transferring images on to different types of substrate like "T" shirts, mugs, coasters, etc etc….
The image is printed onto a dye sub paper and then transfered onto the substrate by using a heat press. You wouldn’t be able to put an image onto vinyl this way as you wouldn’t be able to put vinyl in a head press!!

James, I would be very careful what work you do with your printer for customers at the moment as even ultrabright inks don’t last in direct sunlight. The 75 years they claim is for prints kept under very specific conditions. I know the stuff for the cyclists helmet is for charity and someone you know and I am glad to hear it is still going after 3 months but if I were you I would try doing some of your own experiments. Print a few images, laminate them and put them somewhere outside where they are in direct sunlight all the time. I am sure your friends cycling helmet is only exposed to UV from the sun for quite short periods of time as it will probably be kept indoor most of the time.
I tried some experiments with different types of ink a couple of years ago and none of them lasted very long at all when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time even after lamination with a good quality UV laminate. The reds are the first colour to start to show signs of fading but the other colours arent that far behind.

At the moment the best way to ensure you don’t have problems with any printed work in my opinion is to buy it in from someone who has the proper equipment to do this sort of work, build that side of your business using someone else to print for you until you have enough work to make it worth your while investing in a printer yourself.

[James Martin]

Martin is right, I woudn’t do anything with this medium for anyone without them knowing they were part of an experiment.

Could have some uses though, and its a good way to cut your print and cut teeth.

[Jeff_Brown]

I print onto ink jet vinyl using my Epsom 7600 using archival inks. Then coat using frog juice, if it is for outside use.

[Kate Griffiths]

I know that one of the OKI printers can print direct onto vinyl, as well as the number plate reflective, and acetate etc. We used to sell them a few years ago, I think Tennant Plastics may still do?

Hope this helps

Kate x