View Full Version : Printing on hard surface tile?


jeffterm
09-14-2004, 03:00 PM
I want to print on a hard piece of plastic, approximately 4" x 4" square. The material is also approximately 1/4" thick. Does anyone think I could modify an old inkjet printer to feed this through? The material obviously will not flex through the rollers as is but maybe if I remove enough of the case to just slide it in through the rear?....

I have both an old Canon 1000 & a Canon 3000 to disassemble...

Has anyone experimented on something like this? I though I remember reading about someone who did this to print directly onto CD's but can not find it anymore.

or does anyone know where I should be looking?

Thanks
jeff

slp_prlzys
09-14-2004, 03:26 PM
try THIS (http://www.videohelp.com/forum/userguides/179510.php).

I think you'd need a special ink, quick drying ones as media has
special coating for the ink to adhere.

:cheers:

jeffterm
09-15-2004, 10:27 AM
Thanks - thats a good start. Now I'm off to destroy my old printer!! ;-)

I was also thinking I might have an ink "drying" problem - or I might have to adjust my material. This is still in the creation phase so I still have some flexability.

If anyone comes up with any great ideas, please let me know.

Jeff

Ito-Brazil
09-22-2004, 02:06 PM
Hi there. EPSON created a new type of ink. Your Cannon printers are not prepared to use it, because they are not PIEZO. Cannon uses the BUBLE JET technologies, like HP. Thatīs because the Epson ones got blocked-up...

Better search for another print head...

See ya! Ito-Brazil.

c-c-cncboy
10-01-2004, 05:01 PM
There's a new FlatJET from Roland DG that can print on anything up to 150mm thick (some models). It has a vacuum bed and they released new inks. I have seen the results on tile, MDF-board, fluted plastic sign sheet, plastic-faced cork mats etc.
Worth a look to get ideas, cuz you can't afford to buy one!
Regards, Terrence

High Seas
10-01-2004, 05:32 PM
Suppose you considered heat transfer already? Print the image - then heat tx it to the object. Just need to watch the plastic melting... Jim