CLTT vs Sub

[Rover31]

Hello all still doing tons of research onto what is actually going to work for me So here I am again with another question.

I am trying to get custom graphics (multiple colors) onto either HDPE (white) or acrylic (clear or white or white opaque).
Plastics are 3-5mm in thickness and are flat. Graphics need to have good durability, scratch resistant, etc. as the product is 'handled/used".

I was looking at an A2 or A3 (preferred) flatbed printer using eco-solvent inks as I know that process will work well. The cost is a bit prohibitive as I am a small start up.

I alllllmost pulled the money out to do the diy flatbed thing. 'Cept I couldn't get the A3 printer version I wanted only A2 is available. Still working on that one. In the meantime,

Someone here mentioned sublimation and I thought yeah that could work. I have done a bunch of research into that. Getting the sub prints from an outsource looks awesome cost wise!
I read issues on warping and the heat needed for sub will not work well with HDPE, looks great on acrylic though. I do have concerns about it working on the "thin" 3-5mm thick stuff. Sounds like I would have problems with warping.

Then I read about the CLTT (color laser toner transfer). I sounds simple, easy and lower temps. I can afford the printer they seem less costly. Is it really as simple as it reads or am I missing something?
Do the colors/graphics come out well?
Is warping not an issue?
Durable?
Think it would work for me?

Thanks a bunch for any suggestions!

 

[dgerb]

Generally hdpe is pad or screen printed with the ink made for the plastic, or the base material gets a coating that is friendly with the print process of choice. Looking at your other posts you may be well served getting those press-a-print kits and setting up the pad or screen.

Cltt is just laser toner fused to the media of interest. I doubt the durability is great, and there is no uv rating that I know of.
Why do you need to print directly to the hdpe? What have you prototyped so far after all this research?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Rover31]

I have not prototypes but I do know what the previous owners of the product did do. It was the eco solvent printing with a Neoflex flatbed.
However I am trying to get a bit lower cost and less maintaince that those printers require.
The thought of dye sub or the cltt working is very appealing due to the low start up cost.
I do hope to get the flatbed in the future as business and the dollars improve.
The press a print kits you mention could you explain that? I am not sure what that is.
I have uploaded a pic to show what we are doing.

 

[rossmosh]

Sheets & Rolls | Sublimation Blanks | Johnson Plastics | Johnson Plastics Plus

You need to use sublimation material to sublimate. See if any of those materials will work for you.