EPSON V7000 UV ink adhesion problem on Plexiglas/PMMA/PERSPEX

[coolpixphotography]

Hello,
We have acquired a year ago an EPSON V700, mainly for having a more affordable price point that our standard plexi-face-mount process (gluing a fineart pigment print on 3mm acrylic front+3mm back)
The EPSON is quite okay, but we have observed that the ink adhesion is quite not optimal on PMMA. The ink cracks mainlty at the edges.
We print reversed/behind the acrylic so we are thinking about using an adhesion promoter, but my supplier tells me that the primer may affect the clarity of the PMMA and render it slightly less transparent.
Do you have any recommendation on how to improve the adhesion of the EPSON UV ink on PMMA ?
We already use isopropyl alcohol to degrease.
As I'm in Europe, best is to be able to find a primer that I can source locally.
Many thanks !
Antoine

 

[White Haus]

Are you pre-cutting pieces then printing, or vice-versa?

 

[coolpixphotography]

Are you pre-cutting pieces then printing, or vice-versa?

We tried different approach:
-Print and then routing with acrylic bits (down and upcut)
-Cut, the print, then diamond polish with a small diamond polishing machine (EF200 )
Both add stress on the ink layer and there is some cracks.
Now trying to cut to size, and apply tape on the edge to prevent the ink to stick to the edges for cosmetic purpose. (or use small pieces of acrylic that we put around the piece to be printed. It eventually gives better results.
However, during transportation, maybe the bubble wrap/packaging touches the edges and ripp off the ink.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

I have had mine for 3 years now. I tend to wipe all of my plastics down with adhesion promoter. I haven't noticed any clarity issues. I have had good luck with the stuff from Supply55, but not sure you can get that there.

 

[Rohit Prasad]

Are you using a digital acrylic?
Digitally printable acrylic should solve the issue if you're printing first then cutting.
Or maybe leave a 1/32” clear border so the router bit doesn’t touch the ink when cutting.

Hello,
We have acquired a year ago an EPSON V700, mainly for having a more affordable price point that our standard plexi-face-mount process (gluing a fineart pigment print on 3mm acrylic front+3mm back)
The EPSON is quite okay, but we have observed that the ink adhesion is quite not optimal on PMMA. The ink cracks mainlty at the edges.
We print reversed/behind the acrylic so we are thinking about using an adhesion promoter, but my supplier tells me that the primer may affect the clarity of the PMMA and render it slightly less transparent.
Do you have any recommendation on how to improve the adhesion of the EPSON UV ink on PMMA ?
We already use isopropyl alcohol to degrease.
As I'm in Europe, best is to be able to find a primer that I can source locally.
Many thanks !
Antoine

 

[coolpixphotography]

Are you using a digital acrylic?
Digitally printable acrylic should solve the issue if you're printing first then cutting.
Or maybe leave a 1/32” clear border so the router bit doesn’t touch the ink when cutting.

Hello,
No standard Acrylic. Printable acrylic is indeed a much better option but not easily available. It's also very expensive.
I believe using a primer would be the way to go.

 

[Rohit Prasad]

Try giving it a 1/32” or 1/16” clear border. That should solve the problem.
But honestly digital is the way to go.