Wednesday, 30 December 2015

Printing Technology - What it is and How it Can Benefit You and Your Business

No matter what business you are in, you likely have data stored on one or several optical discs. Perhaps you have large files, music, documents, video content, medical images, records or backup data that you have saved and need to distribute. You've already made the wise decision to record this data on a CD, DVD or Blu-ray Dis, thereby ensuring it will last a long time as well as be easily distributed and stored. You've also guaranteed that your data can be read by any computer anywhere in the world. Now you have one more decision to make: how to create a clear and informative label for the disc.
The disc itself has a large surface area to work with, so it makes sense to utilize this exterior. That way, you and the recipient will know the contents of the disc just by looking at it. There are two common means to this end. First, you could use a Sharpie or other soft tipped, permanent marker to write the contents directly on the disc's surface. Permanent markers work quickly and easily, but they stop short of what most professionals expect in business-to-business information transfer.
You could also use one of the many inkjet printers that have the ability to print on specially-coated discs. These printers are inexpensive but have two drawbacks, the first of which is the cost of ink. Most manufacturers sell their printers at a low cost and look to ongoing ink sales for profit. The second disadvantage to inkjet printers is the lack of permanence. Most inks are water-based, and if they get damp or wet, you have a messy problem on your hands.
As a professional, it does not make sense to record and distribute large amounts of data on a disc if the label does not live up to the value of the content. Fortunately there is a third option-one that won't fade, smudge or sell you short. Thermal disc printing is the ideal solution for every disc that needs a clear, reliable and professional label.
This article explains the technology and benefits of thermal disc printing.
INTRODUCTION
Thermal disc printing provides an ideal solution to your disc printing needs. In this paper, we'll answer the two basic questions behind this type of printing:
    What is thermal disc printing? First, we'll address the two basic technologies behind the solution: direct thermal printing and thermal retransfer printing.    What are the benefits? After discussing the two technologies, we'll explain how one thermal printing technology is superior to the other.
WHAT IS THERMAL DISC PRINTING?
There are two different types of thermal printing: direct thermal printing and thermal retransfer printing. Each processes uses heat and pressure to transfer ink from a ribbon to the surface of the disc. Although the processes vary slightly, the results differ significantly. As its name suggests, direct thermal printing transfers ink from an ink ribbon directly to the disc. Through a mix of heat and pressure, the print head transfers wax-based ink from a thermal ink ribbon to the top surface of a disc. The disc itself may or may not be treated with a special top-coating that is optimized for thermal printing.
For more information about 3D Printing,3D Printing Brisbane,3D Printing supplies and 3D Printing Materials please visit my website.

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

3D Printing - Selecting the Best Printing Method for Your Project



The method of 3D printing you choose is governed by some key factors. These are as follows:
    How many 3Ds do you need printed?
    What is the intended use of the end product?
    Is the budget tight for the project?
    What sort of artwork is intended for the discs? Photographic images or block colours?
Once these factors have been considered, you can make a decision about which 3D printing process is most appropriate for your particular project.
Digital 3D Printing
This 3D printing method utilises a printer that employs the same process as an inkjet printer that many home users will be familiar with. In fact, many home printers can be equipped with a 3D printing tray for use with pre-manufactured 3DRs with a printable surface. A company printing 3Ds professionally will most likely be using an inkjet printer that is specifically for the printing of 3Ds. These printers have an auto-loading mechanism enabling the unattended printing of up to 200 3Ds. The printer automatically loads unprinted discs and unloads the finished discs onto separate spindles.
Digital 3D printing using one of these printers is slow but there are no fixed set up costs involved. This is fine if the order quantity of discs is less than 100, or 200 if there is no fixed, imminent deadline for the order.
This method of printing is capable of producing highly professional looking 3Ds as an inkjet printer can print at very high resolutions. The printed surface does need protection though and a layer of clear lacquer needs to be applied to the discs to prevent moisture coming into contact with the ink through handling or exposure to damp environments. This necessity adds significantly to the overall project time. Printable discs are available which have a specially formulated surface that becomes water resistant after printing but they are more expensive than regular printable discs and so a decision has to be made depending upon the urgency of the project; extra expense for water resistant discs or extra time for the application of a layer of clear lacquer?
3D Screen Printing
3D Screen printing is ideal for artwork designs that involve solid areas of colour. Screen printing is carried out using a machine with a rotating bed that has 5 separate stations where a different colour of ink can be applied. The 3Ds can have a base colour applied first over the whole disc area which means that a screen printed 3D design can consist of a total of 6 different colours maximum.The ink used in the 3D screen printing process is UV sensitive and as each colour is applied at a station, the disc moves under a UV lamp as it rotates round to the next station. The UV lamp cures the ink and this only requires a moment of exposure. 
For more information about 3D Scanners,3D Scanners Brisbane,3D Printer maintenance and Creatbot Brisbane please visit my website.