Z Corporation Z 406 User Manual download pdf (Page 59)

Z406 System User Manual Z Corporation

www.zcorp-users.com 59

6.5 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.

Priming: Z Corp. parts should be primed and painted in a base

color (e.g. brown for parts which are to be printed in a wood grain

decor).

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Z Corporation Z 406 User Manual Page 59