SINGLE HEATING PLATEN DOUBLE-SIDED SUBLIMATION PRINTING PROCESS AND APPARATUS

摘要

A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more sides of a product simultaneously using a single heating platen are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the transfer media onto a substrate. A product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus manipulates the transfer media to substantially surround the product and place at least one image onto each side of the product to be sublimated. A single heating platen then engages the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured, using a control, to sublimate opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

主权项

1. A method for sublimating images on a product, comprising:
printing one or more images identified by a customer for the product on a transfer media; positioning the transfer media on a substrate; positioning at least one product onto the transfer media; manipulating the transfer media to substantially surround the product, wherein at least one printed image is positioned onto each side of the product to be sublimated; configuring a single thermal cycle for a single heating platen such that the images will be sublimated substantially simultaneously onto each side of the product in a single thermal cycle; moving the single heating platen into contact with the transfer media; and sublimating at least one image from the transfer media to each side of the product using the configured single thermal cycle of the single heating platen.