Process of realization of a high quality photoceramics
1.
SCANNING AND GRAPHIC PROCESSING OF THE IMAGE
To achieve excellent results and quality, it is essential to use professional graphics and image processing programs such as Photoshop, of which at least basic knowledge is required.
The images from analogue on paper can be acquired with a good scanner and transformed into digital, or even digitally even from USB media, Mail or from the web, we proceed with the processing and attention to details and colors and when needed for restyling.
Lem Solutions provides its customers with all the necessary equipment, the software, the skills acquired and all the useful supports to carry out the digital ceramic printing work independently from their own laboratory.
2.
PRINTING: PRINTING PROCESS WITH HIGH QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHIC PROFESSIONAL PRINTERS
Scanning, editing with Photoshop and printing with professional printers for photoceramics are the two predominant points for obtaining excellent quality images.
You can get very high quality images but then have a low quality printer and all the work will be wasted.
Lem Solutions with the Lem Ceramic method converts only very high photographic quality printers with high color density ceramic pigments that give real colors, quality and high resistance over time.
Our printers print on special Decal sheets in A4, A3, A3 + SA3 format up to a maximum size of 33 x 140 cm.
All the necessary material is available from us and on our online site.
3.
TREATMENT AND LACQUERING OF DECAL SHEETS
The decal sheets printed with the ceramic photoceramic printer, obtained in the previous steps, can be treated through different methods of applying the ceramic lacquer.
We always recommend the screen printing frame as the best way to obtain the best result, however we leave a wide choice to our customers based on their needs and the number of printed copies.
Here are some possible methods of lacquering the sheets, each with its advantages and disadvantages. During the training and installation phase of our printing systems, at least two of these alternative methods are offered.
Screen printing frame
The first and most common method of lacquering decal sheets results in an extremely resistant, thick and elastic film, carried out with a frame, a doctor blade and the use of liquid ceramic lacquer also containing ceramic flux for superior brilliance.
This is by far the best and cheapest treatment even if it requires thorough and time-consuming cleaning
Spray Can
Recommended only if the quantity of printed sheets is very low and for a quick treatment a very diluted ceramic lacquer can is used and sprayed directly on the decal, this determines a quick treatment but a thin and fragile film, not suitable for large surfaces.
Pre-lacquered ready paper
A further and rapid method consists in printing directly on pre-lacquered decal paper sheets, this method is by far the fastest but also the most expensive, it determines a very robust ceramic decal but also not very suitable for concave or convex surfaces.
Laminator
A system that is almost disappearing and the lacquering of printed sheets through the use of a laminator or laminator requires the use of Cemix lacquered paper; also in this case it is one of the most expensive systems, it determines a very strong ceramic decal but also not very suitable for concave or convex surfaces.
4.
APPLICATION ON CERAMIC OR GLASS SUBSTRATES
Depending on whether you want to apply on ceramic or glass, specific lacquers for ceramic or lacquers for glass can be used.
Once the lacquered sheets are dry, the photoceramic print is ready to be applied to the desired ceramic object.
The sheet cut out with the ceramic print is immersed in a tray of warm water, this makes the surface of the decal soluble and slippery and the film thus obtained is made to slide directly onto the object, using special rubber pads and pressing rubber rollers. the underlying water, after careful drying and drying, the piece is ready for firing.
5.
COOKING THE CERAMIC SURFACE
Our complete printing system also provides for the supply of professional ovens starting from 40 liters up to 100, 150 and more depending on the customer’s needs, each oven has a different absorption and power.
The ceramic support with our printing is introduced and fired at high temperature, this final phase of the ceramic printing process allows the powdered flux dissolved in the liquid lacquer, to melt at about 850 degrees and imprison the ceramic pigments in a glassy layer as well as make them bright and shiny and give long life and protect from bad weather, abrasion and UVA rays for at least 50 years.
