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Photo Imaging Process Description |
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Photo Imaging is a patented process which was developed in Italy approximately 10 years ago by Decoral Systems.
The process involves the physical reaction between special inks and a polyurethane or polyester powder coating. Under controlled conditions of heat and pressure, photographic images are absorbed directly into the powder coating.
The process is known as sublimation and comprises two stages. First, a polyurethane or polyester powder coating is applied to aluminium or steel. This is similar to standard powder coating however in this case a slightly thicker coating is applied and the curing time is longer. |
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The second stage involves wrapping the powder coated aluminium or steel in film with the photographic image printed onto it, such as wood grain or marble.
The film is welded along one side to form a, open ended 'bag' around the section, which is then transferred into a frame with vacuum nozzles at each end, extracting the air from the 'bag' so the film is in direct contact with the powder coating.
When the frame is loaded it is transferred into an oven and the powder coated metal is heated to 200 degrees Celcius, at which point the sublimation inks are fully absorbed into the powder coating, transferring the photographic image to the aluminium. The inks penetrate the full depth of the powder coating, creating a beautiful and durable finish.
Below is an illustration of the sublimation process. |
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