Been reading quietly here for a long time and don't post much but am looking for some advice.
We have an Epson 4880 Hybrid System.
I've been messing with dye sub on performance shirts for a little bit and solved my ghosting issues (Krylon Easy-Tack and not allowing the press to auto release) but now want to tackle a few other issues.
We have 2 Phoenix Auto Release press from imprintables.
I'm trying to figure out how to relate PSI to the numbered pressure settings. In other words, if Sawgrass for the SublijetIQ says 400 degrees for 45 seconds at 40psi... what does that translate into the press numbers. A 2, 3, 4 or?
I noticed at 3 I am still getting some of the "box" effect around the graphic.
Also, what's the right temp/dwell time. I just did a shirt and the fabric ended up scorched (light brown) at the recommended settings. How low can you drop the temp or should you keep it at 400 and drop the press time?
Just looking for some advice before I go ruining 6 bucks a pop t-shirts!
You can raise the image by using a t pad it or something like it, that will eliminate your box problem and help with the scorch, if we could find out the brand name of your shirts that are scorching could help, as far as the pressure maybe someone here knows but I would contact tech support to find out, hope this helps
I was able to pretty much eliminate the yellowing by backing off the pressure/temp and time but am worried things won't hold as they should. Tried 390 degrees (instead of 400) for 30 (instead of 45) seconds and a pressure of only 1 on my phoenix (when my gut tells me we should at least be at at a 3 or 4). I have never ever pressed anything with pressure that low though.
In the end, this design will probably go on Vapor Apparels BASIC T 100% SPUN POLY SUBLIMATION T-SHIRT as I found a vendor selling them for $4.50 in quantity. Anyone have experience with them and how do they compare with the hanes soft link?
I have never used the vapor apparells, but have heard great things about them. It sounds like you my increase your profits using them. I think your gut is right, the temp and time sound a little low to me. The ink nedds to be at 400 degress to really activate to a gas and permiate the substrate to its fullest. I wish you the best of luck and lest us know how you like the new shirts. ...... JB
I was told from Hotronix that each number is equal to 10 psi. So, 40 psi would equal 4 on the digital display. However, each press can be slightly different and you need to do some testing. I would suggest getting some ployester fabric from the fabric store to do your testing. It is a lot cheaper to use and will give you some things to start with and save some money before you start using the expensive shirts.
I would be less worried about the time and temperature and more worried about the pressure. If there is not enough pressure, then the colors can start to blend together when the ink converts from a solid to a gas. The guys at Vapor Apparel have already addressed this issue with creating a heat resistant foam. Here is a link - The Vapor Foam kit. The foam will allow you to increase the pressure and still not get the press lines.
i use both hanes and vapor. vapor is more expensive and a little thinner than hanes..but vapor offers more colors and styles than hanes. the colors are slightly more vibrant on vapors...but thats something you only notice if you compare the two side by side. you found them at a very good price. any chance you might share the name of that vendor with us? )
i use both hanes and vapor. vapor is more expensive and a little thinner than hanes..but vapor offers more colors and styles than hanes. the colors are slightly more vibrant on vapors...but thats something you only notice if you compare the two side by side. you found them at a very good price. any chance you might share the name of that vendor with us? )
Sure, jotopaper.com is the original company I saw it at - though when I called them, seemed like they didn't sell a ton of them though they had plenty for the job I am doing if I needed them. Didn't go into much more detail.
I had to get a bunch more supplies so I ended up going with Paper Ranch (thepaperranch.com) who had pretty good pricing on the Vapor Apparel and is actually having things drop shipped from the vapor factory. The only slight drawback is that I had to order in multiples of 6 - but that wasn't too much of an issue as my order was for 180. I just rounded each size up and decided to keep some on stock.
Ask to talk with Andrew at Paper Ranch. He's a real good guy and has treated us right. We purchased our Epson 4880 from him and are real pleased with the responsiveness and service.
Advice For New Dye Sub Printer 
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