HP 365, Vinyl is Bubbling Up During Printing

[JamesLam]

I am printing on 3.2 vinyl and I noticed today that there are air pockets forming between the vinyl and the release liner. This doesn't seem to be affecting the printing and the bubbles are not causing any strikes or scuffing.

The original curing temp is 220 F. I have knocked it back to 200F and it seems to be working itself out.

Any thoughts?

 

[JamesLam]

Well no, it didn't work it self out, if anything it got worse and there are a few scuffs from the print head.

The stock is part of a batch that has been in our shop for about 6 months, so in a pretty consistent environment. The first roll went swimmingly. But this second roll, not so well.

 

[balstestrat]

6 months is old already taking into account all the time it took to get there.

I say it's the substrate. If it's worked before there's really no other reason.

 

[JBurton]

I'd be checking batch numbers between the two cores. I think balstestrat is right, one was 6 months old when you got it, one was fresh off the boat.

 

[guillermo]

Do a test print for consistency and heat, that is my opinion, I have used material that it has been stored for a few years, since 2020, General formulations wall and floor graphic adhesive vinyl and (lucky me) have not had any problems. and best, some graphics, still in place.

 

[JamesLam]

Checked and they are from the same batch. Everything during the print process was the same.

I suppose I could have interrupted the print, fed some through past the bubbling and restarted the job. Isn't hindsight a beauty?

Anyway, I have a few more rolls to output but from a newer/different batch. fingers crossed.