Best Methods for Printing on Aluminum Panels: Sublimation vs. DTF

Question:

I have a question I hope you can help with: I’m looking to print on the front of 2mm thick aluminum panels. What printing technology would be best suited for this? I suspect dye sublimation might work but would require prepping the metal first. Is there any technology, like DTF, that could print full-color designs directly onto the metal without extra preparation?

Additionally, do you offer a service where you print DTF sheets for customers using their designs? Thanks for your time!

Answer:

Thank you for contacting us. We hope you will stay tuned with BCH Technologies. Most of all, thank you for your support, especially on our YouTube channel ( https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback helps us improve our skills and deliver valuable information to the community.

Sublimation vs DTF Printing on Aluminum Panels

There are various techniques. The prints are either sublimation, DTF, or UV-DTF printed.

Sublimation Printing: Sublimating to aluminum gets a bad wrap but is just as simple as the other media types, especially when working with pre-coated metal blanks. These blanks are very common and made for sublimation. Find sublimation-ready coated license plate blanks from vendors like Blanks Warehouse (https://blankswarehouse.com). They provide detailed instructions for heating and press time settings and help you troubleshoot any problems.

Sublimation is a printing process that allows you to print full-color images on a coated metal surface. However, sublimation prints tend to fade faster when exposed to elements than DTF or UV prints. You will probably notice fading after about a year.

In reality, another method called DTF (direct-to-film) printing works nicely with aluminum and uncoated blanks. I do not know who is currently selling DTF uncoated aluminum blanks, but the idea behind these is close to sublimating a product but with some significant differences. DTF print is more stays longer compared to sublimation. The process involves printing your design in a film, which is later relocated to the metal panel through heat and pressure. Along with it is the UV-DTF, which has the same idea. However, it has A-B film to peel, I am not a big fan of peeling two films on a large surface area.

DTF prints last longer than sublimation prints when used over time. Sublimation's vibrancy is expected to wear out in a year or two, making DTF a perfect medium for long-lasting prints that require longevity.

DTF Sheets WorkCustomers Print

Correct, we print DTF sheets for customers who provide their artwork. However, there is a $100 per order minimum for this service. If you want to test DTF printing for aluminum panels or any other type of work, please get in touch with us and detail your needs.

Printer issues and technical questions are often resolved through hands-on solutions. We now offer in-house printer diagnostic evaluation and repairs (bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Unfortunately, remote support is not available for individual home service. Due to high demand, these services are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so expect a few weeks before we can get to your printer.

We cannot be the cheapest, so that is when self-help comes in: research online. Your number one destination should be our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies, where you can search for a specific subject. This is simple to do on the channel page using the search icon next to “About.” The YouTube search results may also feature more videos from other channels that would help you out with your particular query.

Once again, thank you for your question; we hope to be of service more on your projects!