04 Jul ABS PRINT  (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

First, you are might be wondering what is meant by ABS material? ABS means Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is part of the thermoplastic polymers family, it is actually a common thermoplastic polymer. As its name implies, ABS is created from Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene polymers. It is a material commonly used in personal or household 3D printing, which is done using primarily FDM or FFF 3D printers. This common thermoplastic material is popular because it is easy to use with a desktop 3D printer, but also because it has some great material properties. From ABS properties to ABS applications, we’ll see all the advantages and disadvantages of this material.

What are ABS plastic’s properties?

ABS is lightweight and has good impact strength; it is abrasion resistant and affordable. Moreover, ABS polymers withstand a lot of chemical formulas. The glass transition temperature of ABS plastic is 105°C (221°F), making it ideal for use in relatively safe machines that are easy to operate (the safety of household machines is important).

ABS material has a low melting point, which makes it a material that is not really adapted to high heat situations. However, this low melting point makes ABS easy to machine with desktop 3D printers, or during an injection molding process.

What are the benefits of ABS material?

ABS properties are numerous. The material has good impact resistance, as well as a good structural stiffness. Its resistance to high and low temperatures and its great electrical insulation properties can also be mentioned.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is used by 3D FDM or FFF printers and comes in the form of a long filament wound around a spool. Operating the 3D printer is fairly simple: the ABS strand is guided into an extrusion head or extruder that heats the ABS plastic to its melting point in order to liquefy it. Once liquefied, the material is deposited layer by layer on a printing platform (which may or may not be heated). By using such a simple manufacturing process, creating plastic products becomes quite easy.

09 May How to print -Sublimation Lanyard

2. Printing onto Sublimation Paper:

To print a sublimation lanyard from a PDF file, you’ll need a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, a heat press, and the design file. First, prepare your PDF design in a graphic design ensure to put it in size of lanyard polyester material, either 36 by 0.9 or 42 by 0.9, the size is determine if you are producing a clip or pin lanyard. Software and make sure it’s properly sized and mirrored for the lanyard. Then, print the design onto sublimation paper using your sublimation printer. After printing, carefully position the paper on the lanyard material (usually polyester) and transfer the design using a heat press, then can proceed to sowing either clip or pin lanyard preferable by choice.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Prepare Your Design:

Choose your design:Design the artwork you want on the lanyard using graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. 

Sizing: Ensure the design is appropriately sized for the lanyard. For example, a 20mm lanyard requires a 25mm width design with a 3mm bleed area on each side, with essential elements within a 15mm height for safe printing. 

Bleed:Add a 3mm bleed area on all sides of your design. This helps prevent white edges on the finished lanyard. 

Mirror Image:Sublimation printing requires mirroring the image, so it will be correctly transferred to the lanyard. 

2. Printing onto Sublimation Paper:

Sublimation printer: Use a printer specifically designed for sublimation.

Sublimation paper: Load the printer with special sublimation transfer paper.

Print: Print your mirrored design onto the sublimation paper. 

3. Transferring the Design:

Lanyard material: Ensure the lanyard material is polyester, as it’s compatible with sublimation printing. 

Positioning: Align the printed sublimation paper on the lanyard, ensuring the design is placed correctly. 

Heat press: Securely position the lanyard and paper in a heat press machine. 

Heat transfer: Set the heat press to the appropriate temperature and time for the lanyard material and sublimation process. 

Cooling: After the heat transfer, let the lanyard cool down before removing the transfer paper. 

4. Final Touches:

Inspect the print: Ensure the design is crisp and vibran

Carefully remove the transfer paper: You should see the design transferred onto the lanyard material.

For more specific instructions and tips, check out the images of our sublimation lanyard for proper guideline and visual.

30 Apr How to make -Acrylic Frame

Are you looking to add an artistic touch to your home or workspace? An acrylic frame is an ideal way to present compelling artwork, photographs, inspirational quotes, or favorite cartoons all while adding a contemporary feel to any décor.

Step 1: Choose the Photo

The first step in making your acrylic frame with cut-to-size acrylic is choosing the photo. Photograph and order a high resolution and high quality image from a professional printer. Make sure the photo and your cut-to-size acrylic are the same measurements.

Step 2: Prepare the Acrylic

When preparing the cut-to-size acrylic, first place painter’s tape on the front and the back of the piece and leave it on so it doesn’t get scratched. This will help identify where the drill holes need to go. Ensure the holes on both acrylic pieces of the cut-to-size acrylic line up and the hardware can go into the four holes you have created. If not, with caution, drill and modify as needed.

Step 3: Clean the Acrylic

Once the hardware is on and the drilling is complete you will need to clean the acrylic pieces with a non-abrasive cloth to remove any debris and dust. Also, as a precaution to not scratch or damage the acrylic pieces, use a blow dryer to dust off any small pieces that may remain on it from the machining. Microfiber cloths, mild soap, and water is recommended when caring for the cut-to-size acrylic sheets.

Mini wooden Acrylic Frame