Image Transfer onto a Range of Standard Materials
Every department needs a fast, good quality colour printer so why not choose one that will not only deal with high quality ‘regular’ paper printing, but will also become the heart of a system so versatile that it can transform project outcomes in just about every area of Design and Technology?
The Technology Explained
Laser Image Transfer (LIT) uses a slightly enhanced colour laser printer to transfer images onto special transfer media. The laser toner itself creates the colour image so no special inks or ‘extras’ are needed. The transfer sheet is then heat-pressed onto almost any ‘regular’ workshop material to create a crisp, permanent image that reproduces all the colour and vibrancy of the original. The TMT OKI printers we supply are all factory-approved in terms of their LIT enhancment so manufacturer’s warranties are unaffected.
LIT/CAM
By integrating LIT and CAD/CAM all sorts of project possibilities emerge. How about LIT-printing onto plywood and then laser-cutting jigsaw puzzles, games or shape-sorter toys? You can either pre-decorate the material, or apply LIT images after the material is cut. The effect will be seen on-screen, on print-outs for the design folder, and on the project itself. So if you want a vacuum formed shell in pink floral pattern (why not) then design the pattern in 2D Design V2, print it onto white HIPS and then form it. The pattern will distort a little as it is vacuum formed but it will stretch smoothly without cracking and, of course, the heat will not affect it.
LIT - A Versatile Solution for Education
For educational use, we believe that LIT has a number of significant advantages for image transfer. LIT and CAD/CAM could be the core technology for a single project, or could enable a range of exciting outcomes all stemming from the same design work in 2D Design V2. Remember that most standard materials you already use will be fine for LIT work and the LIT printer itself can also double as a standard laser printer. For enterprise projects, we supply a range of LIT-ready mouse-mats, mugs, coasters, etc., which will give the ideal raw material.
What about Sublimation?
Sublimation is often the first choice for textiles teachers due to the fact that images tend to be brighter and more durable on textile products. Can’t decide which to buy? TechSoft offer a combined package for LIT and Sublimation.
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