Using your CraftDragon® ImPress
© CraftDragon
®
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Using your CraftDragon® ImPress
DO’S AND DON’TS to achieve the best printing results
DO
Ÿ
Use the make-ready mat when hot foil stamping onto paper or card.
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Ensure that the make-ready mat is completely clean and free from debris as this can effect the resulting print.
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Work on a solid stable surface.
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Work in an area with a stable ambient temperature (any fluctuation in room temperature can affect results)
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Make sure the die is correctly positioned in the channel ie., pushed in as far as possible.
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Ensure that the die is orientated the correct way up before stamping.
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Test the die is heated thoroughly by doing a test print before proceeding to final work.
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Preferably use the centre channel of the Imp to insert a single die.
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Use a positioning mat (available from www.craftdragon.com) to easily align and hold your work in place.
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Use substrates that are high quality, preferably smooth, even and flat.
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The ImPress will print on some textured or ‘dry’ materials, but these should be thoroughly tested before using for actual projects.
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Test for:
1.
Correct temperature - If the temperature is too high or low the final image may be affected.
2.
Dwell time - If the dwell time is too long or short the resulting image may be affected.
(If bleeding occurs due to excess heat or dwell time the excess foil may be removed with a finishing brush.)
Ÿ
Store dies correctly as follows
1.
keep the dies stored in dry conditions to avoid degradation of the metal
2.
shim between dies when storing to avoid scratching of the printing surface
3.
if any pitting does occur the die surface can be lightly sanded with extremely fine sand paper (or flour paper) although this
may shorten the life of the die.
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Keep foils on the roll to avoid creasing or tearing as this will affect the resulting print.
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Store foils in dry conditions.
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Keep the CraftDragon® ImPress clean by following the relevant section in the instruction manual.
DON’T
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Bring Press handle too sharply as this can cause bounce and result in a double image or cause damage to the ImPress.
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Allow the arms of the press to spring back too quickly.
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Put undue strain on the arms of the press.
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Use a damaged or dirty make ready mat. If the make ready mat is damaged by inadvertently foiling or ink stamping onto it, further prints
may be affected.
