Fixing the Ink
After printing, the T-shirt is processed in a heat press or
oven to fix the ink.
Precautions when Fixing the Ink
❏
If you use a heat press with a T-shirt (media) that
has printing near the seams such as the sleeves,
fixing may not be performed correctly as ink is not
heated sufficiently due to the difference of levels in
the seams.
We recommend placing a heat-resistant fabric
above and below the T-shirt and applying pressure
as shown below to reduce the difference in levels.
❏
When ink is fixed to polyester T-shirts by using a
heat press, the heat press can be soiled with ink due
to the properties of the fabric. Clean the heat press if
necessary.
❏
If the ink is not fixed sufficiently, colors may come
out in the wash or when rubbing against something.
❏
If the T-shirts (media) have plastic buttons or
zippers, we recommend that you first confirm
whether or not they will be damaged before using
the heat-press.
Fix conditions
The conditions required for fixing differ depending on
the type of fabric and the device for fixing ink.
Use the following values as a guide. The optimum
conditions vary depending on the type of fabric or the
device for fixing ink, and the amount of ink.
For cotton T-shirts
Heat press
Temperature
Time
Pressure
*1
170 ˚C
45 seconds
*2
4.2 N/cm
2
*1
The optimum conditions vary depending on the
type of heat press such as the manual adjustment
type. Be sure to test the ink fixing result in advance
to find the right pressure.
*2
Images larger than A4 that have White ink may
take longer than 45 seconds to dry. Try extending
the time up to 90 seconds while checking if the ink
is dry.
Oven
Because the optimum conditions vary depending on the
oven, test and check the ink fixing result in advance to
determine the temperature and duration.
Type of Oven
Temperature
Time
Batch type
160 ˚C
3.5 to 5
minutes
*2
Conveyor type
160 ˚C
*1
3.5 to 4.5
minutes
*2
*1
Temperature of the fixing surface of the T-shirt.
Not the internal temperature. If the surface of the
T-shirt exceeds 180 ˚C, the T-shirt and the print
surface may change color.
*2
Images that have White ink require the maximum
fixing time (batch type: 5 mins., conveyor type: 4.5
mins.).
For polyester T-shirts
Due to the characteristics of polyester T-shirts, the
fabric may be discolored due to the heat applied during
fixing. Also, if fixing is performed at too high a
temperature, for too long, or under too much pressure,
the printed color may be too thin or traces of the heat
press may remain on the fabric. Be sure to test the ink
fixing result in advance to determine the right
conditions.
SC-F3000 Series User's Guide
Basic Printing
72
