guide to large format printing april 2018 · epson surecolor sc-f6200 – 44inch 112cm 4-color...
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GUIDE TO LARGE FORMAT PRINTINGApril 2018
Table of Contents
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Introduction 3ChromaLuxe Panels 4Preparing the Image 7Software for Printing 7Printers 8Colour Management 9Heat Press 10SEFA presses 11Substrates 13The Company 23Technical Portal 24Website 25Contact 26
ChromaLuxe
Introduction
ChromaLuxe is the leading brand of rigid sublimation print media.
Through dye-sublimation, images are infused into specially coatedsurfaces to provide the most durable, longest lasting print mediumon the market today.
There are a wide range of substrates ideal for everything from thehighest quality fine art printing, for home decor, to multiple interiordesign 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-layercoating which enables the sublimation process.
We sell these panels to photo labs, printers, design companies, e-commerce gift companies around the world. They produce thefinal ChromaLuxe prints.
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ChromaLuxe
ChromaLuxe Panels
ChromaLuxe HD panels bring a new high quality level with a super-vibrant color range and an almost 3 dimensional luminescence thatfar exceeds UV direct printing and is much better than classicphoto prints with or without acrylic top panels.
100% water resistant and with an unbelievably hard coating, theyare exceptionally durable - scratch, fire and chemical resistant.They are also lightweight for shipping and easy to hang.
ChromaLuxe prints will last a lifetime without fading (WilhelmImaging Research).
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ChromaLuxe
The first step in the dye-sublimation process is toselect or to create adigital image for printing.
Printers use a dye-based inkformulated specifically forthe sublimation process andapply images onto transferpaper that is designed forhard surface products.
Once printed, the transfer and blanksubstrate are paired and placed intoa press that applies heat andpressure. During the short time in thepress, the inks move from thetransfer paper and are infused intothe coating on the panel.
The end result is a productwith the most vivid imagereproduction, exceptionaldetail and extremedurability.
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Simple Steps to Sublimate
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Heat PressThis graphic shows the different layers used in the heat press when sublimating
ChromaLuxe
Preparing the Image
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This is done in exactly the same way as for all other photo printingprocesses, typically using Photoshop. For large format printing, all theusual 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 andeasier 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 forSublimation printing
ChromaLuxe
Printers
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Epson SureColor SC-F6200 – 44inch 112cm4-color
Epson SureColor SC-F7200 – 64inch 164cm4-color
Sawgrass VJ-628 25inch 63cm 8-color
Mutoh VJ-1638WX 64inch 164cm8-color
The printer can be purchased at best available terms froma local reseller. The reseller can also supply the correctinks and paper.
ChromaLuxe
Colour Management
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The color management process is exactly the same as for other largeformat printing. The only difference is that the test chart is printedonto the paper and then transferred to the ChromaLuxe panel. Theoutput panel is measured to create the ICC profile.
The temperature of the heat press, and the time in the heat presshave an effect on the color, which is why these parameters mustalways be consistent.
Colour Management Hardware and Software
We recommend the use of a X-Rite i1Pro2 Spectrophotometer withi1Publish 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.
ChromaLuxe
Heat Press
This is a critical part of the process. It requires a flat bed press withabsolutely equal and consistent heat distribution across the plates.
We recommend the French made SEFA presses. We have workedclosely with SEFA to develop presses ideally suited to ChromaLuxemedia. The SEFA press has a very solid construction ensuringeven distribution of heat and pressure.
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ChromaLuxe
SEFA Presses for Large Format
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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.
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ChromaLuxe
Substrates
ChromaLuxe HD Metal substrates are 1.2mm aluminium panels.They are coated with a special multi-layer receptive coating at ourfactory in Louisville KY, USA. The panels are shipped with a peel-off protective coating.
There are many pre-cut standard sizes available. We also offerMDF, Hardboard, Steel and Phenolic substrates.
Our larger customers often buy full panels and cut them to sizeusing either a CNC router or circular saw system. The advantage ofa router is being able to cut round corners and custom shapes.
• A router must be able to cut 1.2mm aluminium using high-frequency spindle cutting tools.
• A circular saw system must be very solid and have a specialaluminium cutting blade.
Full panels are sized 1244 x 2155mm and are packed 75 sheets to one shipping case. Mixed surface cases can be shipped.
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ChromaLuxe
White Aluminum PrintsAn extremely popular choice for usersseeking a vibrant and sleek alternative to traditional printing materials.
Available in:
Gloss Semi-Gloss (Satin) Matte14ChromaLuxe
ChromaLuxe
Silver Aluminum PrintsThe silver base option allows the natural finish of the aluminum to appear through imagesand provides a unique look.
Available in:
Gloss Semi-Gloss (Satin) Matte15ChromaLuxe
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EXT Aluminum PrintsArt and photography can now be taken outdoors with ChromaLuxe EXT.
Available in:
White Gloss16ChromaLuxe
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White Wood PrintsWood prints offer the same crisp, clean image reproduction as metal prints, but with a traditional look and feel.
Available in:
Gloss17ChromaLuxe
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Natural Wood PrintsThe low gloss coating and wood grainof natural wood prints give images a warm and natural appearance.
Available in:
Semi-Gloss (Satin)18ChromaLuxe
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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
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ChromaLuxe
The Company
ChromaLuxe is the global manufacturer of premium print media,supplying high quality blank substrates for a variety of applicationsthat require superb image quality and durability. All coatings andsubstrates are made in the USA with manufacturing andfabrication done in Louisville, KY.
With additional locations in Belgium, Dubai and Australia,ChromaLuxe serves its global customer base and providesproducts to more than 80 countries.
ChromaLuxe is an extension of Universal Woods, the world’sleading manufacturer of rigid surface sublimatable product. It isalso a sister brand to Unisub, which provides the highest qualitycustom sublimatable products.
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ChromaLuxe
Technical Support - FAQ - Videos
Our dedicated support portal is available at
www.starttosublimate.com
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ChromaLuxe
Website for Europe/Middle East/Africa
Our EMEA web site in 6 languages is available at
www.chromaluxe.eu
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ChromaLuxeChromaLuxe is a globally registered trademark of Universal Woods, Inc. © 2018
www.chromaluxe.eu
Universal Woods IncLouisville, [email protected]
Universal WoodsEMEA Boom [email protected]
Universal Woods AUWest Pymble, New South [email protected]
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UW MEA Logistics CentreDubaiUnited Arab [email protected]
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