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KODAK PROFESSIONAL: Technical Information Bulletin
How to Transfer an Image to a Mug
  
 

Kodak Professional Ektatherm XtraLife Media

Procedure

Caution: Do not use an image that is printed on Kodak Professional Ektatherm XLS XtraLife Media because the laminate interferes with the adhesion to the mug.

Notes:

  • Do not use a mug that has physical defects, cracks, or coating non-uniformity.

  • Make sure that the print image to be transferred to the mug "mirrors" the subject.

  • If the mug press applies a medium pressure, average transfer time is 3 to 3.5 minutes.

Step 1:

Place the print face down on the mug and secure it with thermally resistant tape. Place the tape on opposite ends of the print.

Step 2:

Place a piece of bond paper on top of the print and secure it with thermally resistant tape. This protects the mug press blanket.

Step 3:

Set the mug press temperature to 375°F (191°C). Wait for the press to reach this temperature.

Step 4:

Slide the mug into the mug press and apply pressure.
Step 5:

After 1.5 minutes, remove the mug from the mug press. Warning: Use oven mitts -- the mug will be hot!
Step 6:

While the mug is hot, remove any trapped air from under the print. Apply pressure at the middle of the print and move outward toward the edges.

Step 7:

Slide the mug into the mug press and heat for an additional 1.5 to 2 minutes.

Step 8:

Remove the mug from the mug press.
Step 9:

Allow the mug to air cool at room temperature.

Note: Mugs cooled by water show a 20-30% density loss and a red color shift in the transferred image.

Step 10:

When the mug is cool, remove the tape.

Tips to Achieve Optimum Results

The transfer process depends on the mug press used. To achieve optimum results:

  • If the transferred image shows low density, increase the transfer time and temperature by small increments.

  • To avoid a density loss or a red color shift in the transferred image, do not increase the transfer time and temperature beyond the optimum time (3 to 3.5 minutes).

  • If the receiver blisters following retransfer, try one or all of the following:

    • lower the temperature

    • shorten the transfer time

    • increase the pressure by small increments


  • When optimum pressure is achieved, the image density will not increase with additional pressure. Do not overtighten the mug blanket!

For best results, we recommend you use high-quality, ceramic mugs. Our testing showed good results from the following supplier:

RPL Supplies, Inc.
141 Lanza Ave, Bldg 3A
Garfield, NJ 07026
Telephone: 800-524-0914
Fax: 973-772-6601
Web site: www.rplsupplies.com

Kodak, Kodak Professional, Ektatherm, and XtraLife are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.

TIB7062

Technical Information Bulletins provide information of limited or specific application. Responsibility for judging the applicability of the information for a specific use rests with the end user.