How does 'Dye'namic Infusion work?
Once your system is setup, creating a glass tile is a 3 step process. 1.) A digital image is created. 2.) The image is printed on high release paper with ArTainium ink using your Epson 1400 or the Ricoh 7000 with SubliJet ink 3.) The image is pressed on a coated piece of glass or ceramic tile using a heat press. The inks vaporize and the image bonds with the coating, becoming one with the substrate – no seams or bubbles. Top
Can I use any printer?
There are other printers that can work for this process, but we have chosen the Ricoh GX7000 and the Epson 1400. Both printers are durable, have reliable tech support, and offer a range of features. Top
Can I coat the substrates myself?
No. The coating process is very involved. If the coating is poorly applied, the image will not transfer properly. The results will not be good and the substrate will be rendered useless. All substrates sold through Ed Hoy’s are pre-coated. Top
How durable are the pieces?
Very durable. Glass tiles withstand all cold glass techniques, including soldering, patinas, sandblasting and mosaics. Copper foiling is recommended. Lead work should be done with care to prevent scratching. Images are NOT durable in the kiln as they vaporize @ 400 degrees. However, the coating withstands all forms of glues that we have tried, and can add a great depth to your design. The images do not easily scratch. Back splashes should be done with non-sanded grout and will be most durable with a matte or satin finish. Glossy finishes are best for boxes or projects that will have minimal handling.Top
Is this process UV stable?
Not at this time. The substrates and inks do contain UV inhibitors but are not durable enough for outside installations and projects. There are multiple UV deterrents (top coats) on the market, but Ed Hoy’s has not extensively tested them and would not recommend the use of this technique for projects exposed to direct sunlight. Top
What other products can be used with this system?
Dyenamic Infusion offerings continue to grow each year. Our customers have found that this process brings customers to their business that may not have been inclined to visit them before, simply because they can now personalize their art so easily. It also blends perfectly with all other glass techniques so the possibilities are truly limitless. Top
What kind of technical support is offered?
The technique used in ‘Dye’namic Infusion offers extensive technical support both on line and via phone. We have chosen printers that have a proven history of success. Our Set Up Guide and additional technical documentation will take you step by step through the settings needed to succeed. Should further service be needed, please go to Technical Support or contact Steve DuCharme sducharme@edhoy.com 1-800-323-5668. Top
Glass Tile
When printing glass do not reverse or mirror the image. Glass is printed on the back and the image is read right. To maximize vibrancy over saturate the image by tightening the Color Lighting histogram or levels (in Photoshop or other graphicssoftware). This will assist in achieving the most vibrant colors possible on glass. To access the tool Color lighting histogram/Levels open the Enhance > Adjust Lighting > Levels. Use the input and output levels to adjust density, contrast and overall brightness levels. (see image at right) Top
Ceramic Tile
When pressing ceramic tile the best method to quickly cool the tile is to place the tile on a metal rack and place a fan blowing onto the cooling area (Note: a fan is not recommended with glass) This method will help limit the amount of image migration or blurring due to the continued heat present in the tile. Pressing 12x12 tile ceramic tile requires the use of additional time. Please press 12x12 tile with approximately 9-10 min. Tile Instructions link to tile instructions. Top
Image Quality
Image Resolution (DPI): For best results all photos should be at least 300 DPI at 100% printing size. If you start with a small 72 DPI resolution image and increase the overall size, the quality will dramatically degrade as you increase the print size. Ultimately the final quality of your product depends on the use of high resolution images. When scanning images best results will be achieved by scanning at 600 DPI.
Customer Images: When working with customer images always ask for the original image that has the highest resolution. Avoid low quality, low resolution images. „Straight from the camera? images are best. Some pictures simply will not produce good results due to poor quality. Always establish these expectations with your customer and create proofs as needed.
Image Clarity: If your image is printing without satisfactory clarity and sharpness you can increase the image quality by sharpening the image in Photoshop PSE - this function is found in the ‘Enhance’ menuand under the name ‘Auto Sharpen’. For more advance users try ‘Unsharp Mask’. NOTE: Auto Sharpening and the use of the Unsharp Mask should only be done once as excessive changes will cause quality degradation.
Full Bleed: If your image or design is intended to be a full bleed (edge to edge) size the image approximately 1/8” larger to ensure the image covers edge to edge. This will also act as a registration tool for proper placement and alignment of the image onto the tile. When working with an image thatdoes NOT stretch edge to edge you can create registration marks aroundthe edge to visually center the center to the image. A registration guideline or mark can simplybecreated by using the rectangle marquee tool (blue arrow in image at right). Create a frame approx 1/8” larger than your desired project size. After an even selection is made, use the Stroke/Outline selection option (found in the editmenu–yellow arrow in image at right) to create a 2pt line. Thisline is printed and used as a guide to evenly center the image. Caution – this line will transferif heated. Make sure it is outside of the parameters of your finished project.
True Pix Classic Paper: Transfer paper should be kept in a dry location. Moisture that gathers in the paper can cause color shifting, bleeding of the image and uneven colors. If the paper seems to be retaining excessive moisture (Signs of moisture include physical dampness on the paper, curling, tackiness and general unevenness on the paper surface) set the paper on the press for 5 -10 seconds (do not close the press). Top
Maintenance
Bad Ink? All Sawgrass ink is labeled with an “Install By” date which is either two years from the date of manufacture for SubliJet and ArTainium inks. Additionally, the ink performs optimally if used within six months of opening the original packaging. Ink performance after either one of these dates cannot be guaranteed and will require replacement should you experience technical difficulties.
Nozzle Check: Always start your day with a nozzle check. Color problems often can come from the fact that not all the colors are printing. Nozzle checks should be done at least every week on Epson printers.
Maintain and Market your business: Each week you should be printing to keep your system in good running condition. When you have a slow week print your logo and contact info on your test prints and set them aside as the transfers never go “bad”. Later they can be transferred to a substrate and handed out to a prospective client. Never pass the chance to promote your business!
Excessive Head Cleans: Never perform more than 3 head cleans in a row.
If a poor nozzle check persists email or call for support sducharme@edhoy.com or 1-800-323-5668.
Nozzle Cleaning: Another trick to help with poor nozzle checks is to soak the pad (with simple green) where the print head rests while not in use (right side of printer)
1. Press the ink button. The print head will move, adjust and stop.
2. Unplug the printer from the wall outlet.
3. Manually slide the print head to the left
4. Liberally soak the printer pad with simple green
5. Plug and printer back in and turn it on
6. Let the print head soak for 24 hours
7. After 24 hours perform a head clean and nozzle check
8. If the problem persists please contact support
What If I Have Let My Printer Sit for an Extended Period of Time? Please call support for assistance.
Check back often for new tips! Have a tip you discovered? Email that idea to sducharme@edhoy.com. Top
