Z
Corporation
Z810
System
User
Manual
www.zcorp-users.com
68
9.5 WATER TRANSFER PRINTING
Water transfer printing is a process that enables 2D printed
patterns to be applied to three-dimensional objects. The process
is suitable for production as well as prototyping. Currently, the
most prevalent use of water transfer printing may be in auto
finishing. As shown in the picture below, many trim packages
utilize the process to mimic high-end wood finishes on plastic or
metal components. The process is also often used on small
electronics equipment, decorative items and architectural trim.
The process transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object by floating the image
on the surface of a heated water bath and dipping the 3D object, through
the image, into the bath. A subsequent sealing step with a spray
lacquer gives the part durability with a wide range of surface finishes.
Any part that can be primed and spray-painted can be dipped.
Equipment manufacturers, such as Dips ‘n’ Pieces, claim that virtually
any geometry can be dipped. With proper masking, parts can be
dipped from all directions to give a near continuous pattern on every
surface of a part.
There is some equipment to purchase and set-up to be able to perform this printing process in-
house, however there are several service bureaus that will dip parts for a fee. Any image can be
transferred to the object, however, standard patterns and color combinations prevail at most
service bureaus. The process is also referred to as: Dip Printing, Immersion Printing, 3D Printing,
or Cubic Printing.
Process Description
Part preparation: Print the chosen part using any Z Corporation plaster series powder. The part
should be infiltrated with cyanoacrylate or epoxy resin. Sand the part prior to dip printing. For an
improved finish, the part can be sprayed with a spray-filler (such as Plasti-kote Sandable Primer
or Spraila AutoK) and sanded again. Make sure to remove any dust. NOTE: Many service
bureaus capable of water transfer printing will take an infiltrated part and do all of the sanding and
finishing for you - included in the fee.
Film Printing:
The decor or pattern is printed on a special, high-molecular, water-soluble film.
Any image can be printed. Common images include realistic
wood grains, carbon fiber patterns, metals and metalics,
stone, camouflage and decorative images.