Z Corporation Z810 System User Manual

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Z Corporation Z810 System User Manual Manual pdf 68 page image

Z Corporation Z810 System User Manualwww.zcorp-users.com 689.5 WATER TRANSFER PRINTINGWater transfer printing is a process that enables 2D printedpatterns to be applied to three-dimensional objects. The processis suitable for production as well as prototyping. Currently, themost prevalent use of water transfer printing may be in autofinishing. As shown in the picture below, many trim packagesutilize the process to mimic high-end wood finishes on plastic ormetal components. The process is also often used on smallelectronics equipment, decorative items and architectural trim.The process transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object by floating the imageon the surface of a heated water bath and dipping the 3D object, throughthe image, into the bath. A subsequent sealing step with a spraylacquer 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 virtuallyany geometry can be dipped. With proper masking, parts can bedipped from all directions to give a near continuous pattern on everysurface 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 betransferred to the object, however, standard patterns and color combinations prevail at mostservice bureaus. The process is also referred to as: Dip Printing, Immersion Printing, 3D Printing,or Cubic Printing.Process DescriptionPart preparation: Print the chosen part using any Z Corporation plaster series powder. The partshould be infiltrated with cyanoacrylate or epoxy resin. Sand the part prior to dip printing. For animproved finish, the part can be sprayed with a spray-filler (such as Plasti-kote Sandable Primeror Spraila AutoK) and sanded again. Make sure to remove any dust. NOTE: Many servicebureaus capable of water transfer printing will take an infiltrated part and do all of the sanding andfinishing 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 realisticwood grains, carbon fiber patterns, metals and metalics,stone, camouflage and decorative images.