A.

General
A1. What is the Total Solutions Package?

The total solutions package is offered by Jesse J. Heap & Son as a "turnkey" solution geared towards Large Format commercial dye-sublimation printing industrie

The total solution package includes Wasatch SoftRIP TX Software, Epson 9600 or 7600 large format printers, Sublijet Digital transfer inks, Astex Heat Tr guarantees compatibility among the various components of the system.

Additionally, with over 20 years of experience selling and servicing heat transfer presses, Jesse J. Heap & Son, Inc. will provide consulting services, training and i We also have a dye sublimation introduction diagram for those looking for an introduction to the dye sublimation process.

A2. What is the PartnerPlus warranty and success guarantee?

As an authorized dealer of Sublijet digital transfer inks, the total solution package includes Sawgrasses PartnerPlus program -a comprehensive plan to fully guara warranty when used with Sublijet inks. Sawgrass is a Certied Epson Service Center - the only sublimation provider that can provide legitimate, full-Epson-autho PartnerPlus is a comprehensive user support program that provides Sublijet transfer owners the following: Real-time product support including: telephone/web/fax based technical and usage support Sophisticated color management software support and application tips Fully product warranty against any Sublijet ink/cartridge performance issues or defects Full support and service of Epson printers under warranty that are used with SubliJet transfer inks. As an Authorized Epson Service Center, Sawgrass System 100% satisfaction guarantee for all Sublijet users.

A3. How can I contact you for more information?

Visit our contact page for email, address, and appropriate phone numbers. The option to request more information online is available through our free catalog request.

A4. Can I use the total solution package to sublimate images onto sports uniforms? (i.e hockey, basketball, baseball, etc)?
The total solution system is perfect for short run customization of apparel and is currently being used extensively to print customized Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, and Hockey uniforms as well as Cyclewear, Leotards, Promotional T-shirts, etc. As long as your uniforms are made from polyester the dye-sublimation process will work. Several of our customers are currently using the Total Solution process to print Hockey and Basketball shirts. We've also found that many owners in the paintball industry have found the total solution system ideal for short-run design customizations of uniforms. Jersey's customized with dye sublimation inks can withstand multiple washes and still maintain their vibrant colors.

A5. Can I use total solution package for sublimation onto glass surfaces?

You can sublimate designs or text onto coated glass. The glass needs to have a polyester coating and coated glass is commercially available. Contact us for further

A6. How does the dye sublimation process compare to screen printing?

Banner Dye-sublimation print on polyester material does not affect the hand of the material and is more desirable than screen printing for Home Furnishing & Wallpaper f Window Treatments (curtains & drapes), chair coverings and sheets and pillow cases. The colors are very vibrant, do not wash out and the process is less messy th

Sublimation is also very popular with sportswear manufacturers- many printed uniforms (cyclewear, soccer, basketball and lacross) on the market today are done v permanent images that will not crack or fade. Also, sublimation infuses the image into the thread of the fabric so that is does not affect the breathability of the gar the garment which affects beathability and the comfort of the athlete.

Dye-sublimation is also cost efcient and very popular for short-run customization of fabrics. Special logos, pictures and designs can easily be created or scanned screen printing which requires lengthy time for preparation of the stencil and assembly of the mesh fabric.

A7. Is dye sublimation suitable for trade show booth backdrops?

Dye-sublimation is often used to produce trade show booth backdrops, banners and tabletops. Polyester coated fabric booth backdrops created using the dye-subli include:

Portability - transporting a fabric booth background is easier, lighter and can result in cost savings on shipping costs. Washable - fabric backdrops can be washed or dry cleaned and tend not to wrinkle as much as vinyl backdrops Higher Quality- vinyl backdrops tend to give of glare while fabric backdrops have a smooth and non-glossy look which is more suitable for pictures and tv s

A8. How does small format sublimation compare to large format sublimation?
Small Format Systems Total startup cost between $2,500 to $6,000 Prints widths of 8.5" wide to 17" wide Ideal for entry to mid level businesses looking for an extremely exible system. Output speeds of up to 120 square feet per hour (laser) 30-40 square feet per hour (inkjet) Large Format Systems Total startup cost between $8000 and $35,000 or greater Print widths of 24" wide to 63" wide Ideal solution for businesses with a specic customization applications that may require short-run productions Output speeds of up to 280 square feet per hour (360 x 540 dpi)

Our total solution package is geared towards large form

A9. What training is offered through the total solution package?

Every system is covered by the Partner Plus Program - this program features: Telephone/Fax/Web Support, Full Product Warranty and Full Printer Support and Se

In addition, Sawgrass offers an comprehensive tech training package which includes a 2 day onsite training session to help you get the package installed and opera

A10. Can the dye sublimation process be used for printing on snowboards?

Yes, customers have successfully used dye sublimation inks to sublimate personalized images onto snowboards. The Epson 9800 is well suited for high volume p also recommended due to their strong UV resistance to fading. Ensure your snowboard topsheet is suitable for sublimation - it should contain a polyester blend which allows the sublimation ink to properly bond.

B. Software
B1. What computer system requirements are required to run the Wasatch SoftRip TX?

Minimum Requirements 1 Ghz CPU 128 MB Ram 20 Gigabytes Hard Drive Windows 2000 or XP Recommended System Requirements Pentium IV 3.06 GHz CPU or faster 256 to 512 MB Ram * 80 Gigabyte or larger Hard Drive Windows 2000 or XP

RAM and CPU speed are the two most important factors in determining productivity with Wasatch Softrip and our total solution package. Wasatch Softrip perform recommended to invest in a Pentium IV 3 GHz or higher in order to gain maximum productivity.

For customers working with larges les (100mb or greater) we recommend 512 MB RAM or higher. With today's low RAM prices and its ease of installation, e

Additionally, for maximum productivity we recommend using a rewire or USB 2.0 connection between your epson printer and computer. This would require a

B2. What Operating System is suggested to run with the Wasatch SoftRip TX?
Windows 2000 or XP Operating Systems are REQUIRED. SoftRIP will not run on a Macintosh.

B3. What is the advantage of using Wasatch SoftRip TX or ErgoSoft with my Large format printer?

Before answering this question we need to rst understand what software like Ergosoft Posterprint or Wasatch Softrip does. RIP (Raster Image Processor) softwar tells the printer how to organize your image - i.e. where and how to place each droplet of ink.

Wasatch SoftRIP & Ergosoft Posterprint prints images much faster then conventional printer drivers. It also provides advances color management tools to accurate ultimately saving on ink costs.

In summary, RIP software like Ergosoft Posterprint or Wasatch Softrip saves time, produces clearer and more accurate pictures, provides a superior output withou For further information on the benets of a RIP view our article on Why RIP?

B4. What support plan is offered with Wasatch SoftRip TX for Textile Printers?
Wasatch offers 90 days free technical support with the purchase of their software. This includes: Toll free technical support Email and Fax Support Unconditional 60-day money back guarantee

B5. How does Wasatch Softrip handle creating variable data graphics (i.e. customized uniforms)

Creating graphics that require changing text or graphics for each individual print can be a time consuming process. The total solution package includes the option create templates for graphics that will automatically insert text or graphics for each print. Read more about the Variable Data Printing option for Sublimation Print This option is ideal for: Sportswear Uniform (basketball, hockey, baseball, etc) Labels Personalized Promotional Materials

B6. What le formats does Wasatch Softrip support?

Wasatch RIP software is compatible with the following PostScript Level 3 EPS TIFF JPG, GIF PNG PSD MrSID BMP PCX PPM PCD TGA DCS2 PDF

B7. What do I need to check to ensure Wasatch is setup for printing?

Ensure the QUEUE PROCESSING ACTIVE box in the upper left hand corner of the main window is checked Ensure all physical connections are connected securely Make sure the correct printer is chosen from the Setup Menu

C. Heat Transfer Presses

C1. How do I choose the right Heat Transfer Press?
Before deciding on which Heat Transfer Press to choose it is rst important to understand the two main types of Heat Transfer Machinery: Type Platen Type Transfer Presses Rotary Drum Transfer Presses Examples Astex model #162/354, 1550PA, 1600, more Astex model #7500, #7616, 7900T, 7300IJ, more

Complete Hierarchy of Astex Heat Transfer Machines Platen presses are often used for printing on individual pieces such as cut apparel parts, T-shirts, sports apparel, tote bags, etc. Platen presses are also used to print

Rotary Drum Transfer Machines are often used to print fabric continuously (roll to roll) and to print large fabric parts such as signs and banners which may be too parts. Drum machines are more productive than platen machines for sublimation printing on cut apparel parts and are therefore used when production volume is h Choose the right Heat Transfer Printing Press depends on a number of factors: 1) Types of Product being printed 2) Print Size 3) Production Requirements

If you wish to print full coverage on 60" wide yard goods a Rotary Drum Heat Transfer machine is required. T-shirts, mugs, wood or tile are best printed on a plat requirements often dictate which type of machine is used. Banners and soft signage are often printed on a rotary drum machine. Use our heat transfer press search to help narrow your heat transfer printing choices based on your printing production needs. Let us know your application and we will be happy to recommend the right machine for your particular needs. See our Introduction Guide to Heat Transfer Machines for further reading.

C2. What's the difference between a Rotary Drum Heat press verses Platen Heat presses?

Platen presses are often used for printing on individual pieces such as cut apparel parts, T-shirts, sports apparel, tote bags, etc. Platen presses are also used to print

Rotary Drum Heat Presses are often used to print fabric continuously (roll to roll) and to print large fabric parts such as signs and banners which may be too large Drum machines are more productive than platen machines for sublimation printing on cut apparel parts and are therefore used when production volume is high. D

C3. What are the typical life cycles of the heat transfer press heating elements and how difcult are they to replace?

The electric heating elements are not very hard to change. The side of the heat transfer drum opens up and the element cage assembly slides out. Generally speaki

How long the elements last depends on how often the machine is used. Generally speaking we expect elements to last about 3 to 5 years with normal use of 8 hour

C4. Are there any special considerations as to where the machine should be installed in our production plant?

We recommend that the machine not be located right against a wall. Room is needed around the machine for servicing and for removing of the element cage. Fou back for unloading. The press should also be located where there are no noticeable drafts which can affect its proper operation.

No special venting is required as Dye-sublimation fumes are non -toxic. However, many but not all of our customers do put a hood over the machine and vent to t

C5. Which heat transfer presses are capable of adhering a high vision reective strip to clothing?
Reective tape is often attached to garments with a platen type heat transfer press. The following machines are typically used in this process: Heat Press 1112 Heat Press 162-354 Heat Press 1238 Heat Press 1350PM

C6. Which heat transfer machines are best suited for printing on t-shirts?
For T-shirt printing we recommend the following machines:

ELI-600 Manual 16" X 20" swing away press with interchangeable platens and an optional cap attachment EL-800 Manual 20" X 28" transfer machine with front load reciprocating sliding drawer. 1350PM 16" X 20" air operates swing away with two button close. 1550PA 16" X 20" foot pedal operated model with dual bottom platens All our Heat presses are industrial grade and have 220 volt single phase electrical requirements except the #ELI-600 which is 120 vold. All heat presses have dig shirt printing.

C7. What are the advantages of using a rotary Drum Heat Transfer Press?

Rotary Drum Heat Presses are typically more efcient then their platen counterparts. These types of presses eliminate the need for registration marks and garment the machine with the graphic facing up. The cut parts are placed down onto the paper as it is fed into the machine. This is a much more efcient way to run the wo These advantages make Rotary Drum Presses ideal for production factories looking to operate efciently in a lean manufactuering environment.

C8. What sort of service do you offer for the heat transfer presses? Are replacement parts readily available?

We have been selling and servicing Astex's line of Heat Transfer presses for 25 years. We offer phone and email support and if necessary can supply on-site techn problems we haven't already seen.

C9. Which heat presses do you recommend for sublimation printing for cyclewear?
The following machines are more often used to print cycle wear. Model #354 Model 7536 or Model 7548

All paper transfers are The transfers are aligned with the cut All fabric after images are sublimated laid out. fabric pieces onto fabric The printed paper with the various parts of the cycle shirt (front , back and sleeves) is layed down on the heat press input conveyor with the printed graphic facing The transfer paper and printed parts are separated automatically and the nished printed parts exit out the back of the machine.

C10. I sublimate images on tote bags - which press is suitable for my business?

The heat press recommendation realy depends on your production load and specications. Generally speaking for low production rates we recommend the Model platen #1550-PA.

C12. I want to print onto poly-lycra but I'm concerned about stretching the goods too much when they pass through the heat press?

We have customers successfully running lycra without any stretching- the 7360IJ is well-suited for this application. It should be noted however, that there is some of the cluth on the re-winder being too strong. A skilled operator can recognize these problems and adjust accordingly. We also will offer to run samples at our shop through the heat press to ensure quality results.

D. Ink Jet Printers

D1. What are the advantages of Epson's Piezo Printheads?

Epsons Piezo electric printheads are well-suited for reproducing photographs. They are specially designed to vary the size of the ink droplet to produce a more ph activation. Epson Piezo electric printhead are equipped in Epson's large format line of prints and Mimaki's JV4 printer series.

Piezo Electric Print heads vary the size of the ink droplet.

D2. What are the main differences between the Epson 9600 & Epson 7600?
The major difference between the Epson 7600 & Epson 9600 are their paper sizes. The Epson 7600 has a maximum paper width of 24" while the Epson 9600 has

The differences in paper width also translate into differences in sizes. The Epson 7600 dimensions are 43.3"(W) x 22"(H) x 22.5"(D) while the Epson 9600 is 63.9 The Epson 9600 also includes an optional automatic take-up reel for long unattended print runs. This accessory is not available for the Epson 7600.

D3. What are the print speeds for the Epson 7600 and Epson 9600?
The print speed will vary depending on the print mode being used. The variation ranges from 8 ft2/hr to a maximum of 192 ft2/hr. "Production quality" prints are ~ 87 ft2/hr. "Better then photo lab quality" prints are ~16ft2/hr

D4. Will the Epson Printer Software properly monitor ink levels when the Sawgrass Inks cartridges are installed?

Yes. When the sawgrass ink cartridges are installed you will get all the same functionality as you would with normal ink cartridges. This includes the ability to mo

D5. What print speeds can be expected for the Mimaki JV4 Printers(JV4-130, JV4-160 & JV4-180)?

There are several different factors that affect print speeds - the most important is the printers conguration settings. Below we list Mimaki's manufacturer's rate sp DPI 360 x 360 360 x 540 360 x 720 720 x 720 1440 x 720 Printer Mode Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Square Feet Per Hour Output 252 178 138 100 100 26

1440 x 1440 Standard

D6. Can I switch between dye sublimation inks and regular inks using my epson printer?

It's not recommended to switch continuously between dye sublimation inks and regular inks - most dye sublimation printers have a printer dedicated to sublimatio When switching, it's important to perform cleaning maintenance between the ink changeover. Refer to your epson manual for cleaning procedures.

D7. What connections do the Epson Printers support and which one do you recommend using?

The EPSON 7600 and 9600 support 4 different connections - rewire, usb, ethernet, and parallel, while the Epson 7800 and 9800 supports rewire, usb and ehtern optional connections that incur additional costs. For a detailed explanation of each connection interface and our recommendations see our epson connections detail section.

D8. What maintenance procedures are recommended for my Epson Printer?

It's important that you protect your ink delivery system from dirt, air and other foreign objects: Keep the covered closed if you are using cartridges Regular nozzle checks. We recommend setting a regular schedule. Clean paper delivery system Check expiration date of ink Store your printer in a low humidity environment. We cannot stress this enough. Customers have experience clogging and banding when trying to print in factories without proper temperature controls. Recommended Temperatures: Supported Operating Conditions: 65 - 80F with 40 - 60% relative humidity Optimal Operating Conditions: 68-75 F with 45- 50% relative humidity

Ink Head

D9. How can I increase the drying time of my prints?

Some customers, especially those printing with the Mimaki JV4 have found the need for a faster way to dry ink for greater production efciency. We offer a infrar

D10. What printers are supported by Sawgrass's Sublijet and Artainium brand inks?
Epson 7000/9000 Epson 7600/9600 Epson 7800/9800 Mimaki JV4 Roland Hi-Fi Jet Pro Roland Pro II

E. Sublimation Inks
E1. What type of paper is recommended to use with the Epson 7600/9600 and Sublijet transfer inks?

Quality sublimation paper is an important part of producing a quality end product. Not all paper is created equally. Sawgrass Technologies has tested their ink on a 24" to 96" and lengths of 110ft to 250ft per roll. The paper is recommended for use with Epson, Roland, Mutoh, and Mimaki line of large format printers.

PAPER TIP: It's important to keep your transfer paper in a low humidity environment. We recommend keeping the paper in its original packaging until it's ready

PRINTER TIP: The Epson printers offer much improved full coverage printing capabilities versus their predecessors. Nevertheless it's usually prudent to gure t

E2. What are the supported substrates/materials that Sublijet Sublimation Inks can be used on?

Sublijet digital transfer inks can be used on a wide range of substrates. Sublijet has the capacity to print onto any polyester coated surface that can withstand press carpets, metal, plastic, and more. See sublimation tips section for more information on substrate preparation.

E3. What ink cartridge sizes are available for Sublijet digital transfer inks when equipped with the Epson 7600 or 9600 printers?
Sublijet digital transfer inks are available in 220ml size for the Epson Style Pro 9600 and 7600.

An approved Bulk Rell System is also available for the Epson 7600/9600, Epson 7800/9800 and Mimaki JV4. Bulk ink systems reduce costs, provide stable

E4. How do Sublijet Inks work?

Sublijet digital transfer inks for ink jet printers use specially formulated heat-sensitive inks that are patented by Sawgrass Technologies.

Sublijet inks are used in a two step process. The inks are rst transferred in a non-sublimated (or inactive) state to standard paper using a compatible Epson Stylus

Unlike traditional dye sub transfers, Sublijet inks produce a "rst generation" print. A "rst generation" print means the inks are only sublimated once during th substrate. The rst sublimation occurs when the image is transferred to special heat transfer paper using a dye sub printer. The printed image is then re-sublimated

"First generation" prints are advantageous in that they produce a more vibrant, photo quality image for use on a wider range of substrates than "second generat

E5. Can I use sublimation inks on darker substrates/materials?

Sublimations inks generally do not transfer well to darker type materials. Sublimation inks use dye to permeate the material and typically transfer better to lighter

E6. Will sublimation work on cotton surfaces?

The sublimation inks are designed to bond to any polymer coated material, and will NOT bond to cotton surfaces. There are polymer sprays available that allow su cotton.

E7. How can I gure out how much ink I will need for my production requirements?
Jesse J. Heap & Son, Inc can give you an estimate on ink usage with the following information:

Length and Width of item that will be printed on Number of items planned to print per week With this information we can give you a detailed estimate of ink consumption, recommended heat press size, and printer model recommendation. Furthermore, we traditional cartridge ink delivery.

E8. How do I setup the 'Long life' bulk ink system?

Details on setting up your bulk ink system for the Epson 7600/9600 are available in our bulk ink instructions section.

E9. Can I sublimate on blended fabric with polyester and cotton? How much polyester is required?

We are often asked this question from clients in the home furnishing industry as they often require to sublimate onto furniture with fabric that is part polyester and minimum we recommend a blend of 60% polyester - or in other words the majority of the fabric should include polyester.

E10. How much area does one liter of ink cover?

Approximately 1000 square feet, however keep in mind results may vary depending on RIP software, printer conguration settings and ink coverage area.

To estimate bulk ink costs use our bulk ink calculator which will help quantify your ink savings when switching from a cartridge based delivery system to a bulk i

E11. How resistant are the sublimation inks to UV fading?

Like any decorated products, direct sunlight will cause sublimated products to fade over time. Factors that affect fading are temperature and weather - for example

With that being said, the ArTainium2UV+ inks are specially designed for longer UV resistance. The inks greater resistance is partly due to the inks formulation pr vibrant color output - read more in sublimation ink section.

F. Wide Format Digital Dryer

F1.How should I position the heater in relation to the printer?

Generally speaking, we have found that placing the dryer heating element approximately 3" to 4" away from the printer to ensure optimal operation. The heating e adjust the dryer to its optimal location. Important: Ensure the media is does not come into contact with the heating element.

F2. How do I determine what level to set the heater at for my substrates?

The digital dryer heater has a "power stat" controller which adjusts the intensity of the heat. Depending on the printer speed, type of media, room conditions (espe

We recommend running some test runs to nd your optimal settings.Once your optimal settings have been determined, it helps to create a quick reference chart ne

F3. I use heat sensitive substrates, how can I regulate the heat output of the digital dryer? F4. What is the maximum heat output from the digital ink dryer?

The digital ink dryer includes an optional auto shut-off. The Auto Shut Off monitors the temperature of the substrate and will turn off the dryer when the temperat

The element face of the Digi Dri can reach 375 degrees F. The measured temperature at the back side of the substrate, when the dryer is 4" from the face, is less th