If you are a graphic designer, how would you like to spend less time cleaning and printing your sublimation inkjet printer?
I will show you how to clean a sublimation printer for the best result possible.
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to clean your sublimation printer like a pro!
Materials Needed To Clean The Sublimation Printer
Sublimation printers use sublimation inks which are also called heat transfer inks. Inks that use sublimation require heat to transfer to fabrics.
The printer needs materials to work with these inks, including sublimation paper, ribbon and heat press plates.
- Sublimation Paper
The sublimation paper is specially designed to handle the heat to print onto the fabric. It is available in a variety of colours and sizes.
The paper comes in sheets which are attached to make a roll. The rolls can be cut into smaller pieces.
- Ribbon
The ribbon is a thin plastic that wraps around the paper roll. It is used to separate each colour from one another.
It has small holes that will allow the ink to pass through.
- Heat Press Plate
The heat press plate is the main component that makes the sublimation printer work. It is made of aluminium or steel and is heated up to 200°C (400°F).
The heat press plate contains several holes that will hold the paper roll and the ribbon.
The heat press plate applies heat to the ribbon and the paper. When the heat is used, the ink will melt and be transferred onto the fabric.
How To Clean The Sublimation Printer? Step By Step
A sublimation printer uses sublimation ink when heated, allowing it to transfer directly onto fabrics.
Sublimation printers can create a wide variety of items, including clothing, scarves, blankets, bags, etc.
However, they can be a bit of a mess to work with. Ink builds up on the printer head and the printer’s print rollers.
If not cleaned regularly, the printer can begin to fail. Here are some tips on how to clean a sublimation printer.
Step 1: Clean the printhead
Sublimation printers have a head that prints onto the fabric. This head must be cleaned regularly to ensure that it works properly.
- Remove the paper from the rollers and place it in the waste bin.
- Remove the rollers from the printer.
- Insert a soft brush into the ink reservoir.
- Using a soft brush, gently clean the ink reservoir until it is clear.
- Clean the ink reservoir as needed throughout the year.
Step 2: Clean The Rollers
- Remove the rollers from the printer.
- Using a soft brush, gently clean the roller nubs until they are clear.
- Clean the rollers as needed throughout the year.
Step 3: Clean The Print Rollers
- To clean the print rollers, you will need to remove them from the printer.
- Please place them in a bucket of water to soak for 30 minutes.
- After the rollers have soaked, place them in the sink and rinse thoroughly.
- Rinse them again with clean water and dry them with a clean towel.
Why Is My Sublimation Print Blurry?
Sublimation prints can sometimes be blurry because the ink is not transferred evenly to the fabric. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including the fabric’s texture, the print’s design, and the sublimation process itself.
We have a few tips to help you avoid this issue:
- Make sure that your sublimation printer is set up correctly and calibrated.
- If you are using a heat press, make sure that you do not press too hard or too long.
- Try printing your fabric on a piece of a different fabric (or even paper) to see if it improves the print.
If you are having trouble with a particular print, try switching the fabric around or printing it on a different type of fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my sublimation print look faded?
When sublimating, the heat of the printer converts the material from a solid to a gas. This gas is at a lower pressure than the surrounding air and is forced out of the nozzle at a higher pressure.
How do you clean a Sawgrass sublimation printer?
The Sawgrass sublimation printers come with a cleaning kit that includes a brush, cleaning solution, and a cloth. To clean the printer, remove the cartridge and clean the print head and the ink cartridge with the brush and cleaning solution. Wipe the print head and the ink cartridge with the cloth.
How do you clean Swawgrass rollers?
To clean Sawgrass rollers, first, remove any debris or dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Then, pour a small amount of dishwashing soap into a bucket and fill it with warm water. Submerge the rollers in soapy water and scrub them with a stiff brush.
How do you clean Sawgrass nozzles?
Hot water and a soft-bristled brush should be enough to clean Sawgrass nozzles.
Conclusion
Sublimation printing is an advanced form where the ink is heated to the point of sublimation, meaning it turns into a gas and escapes from the surface.
This is an excellent printing method because it gives you a high-quality finish.
Cleaning sublimation printers are not much different from cleaning other printers. I recommend using a soft cloth and warm water to clean your sublimation printer.