ChromaBlast-R FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for ChromaBlast™ Transfer Solution

 

Who should use ChromaBlast-R Transfer System for the Ricoh GX7000?
This transfer system is for customers who have outgrown their entry-level systems, and require higher production capabilities.  This cost-effective printer will yield immediate dividends through more efficient production, lower ink cost per print and reduced downtime.

 
What is the major advantage of ChromaBlast-R for the Ricoh GX7000 Transfer system?
The ChromaBlast-R driver and color management system combines the reliability of an ink cartridge system and multiple paper sizes with the dependability of a low maintenance printer. 


How is the ChromaBlast-R solution for the Ricoh system different from the solution for the Epson series printers?
Because of the unique nature of Ricoh piezo print head, the ChromaBlast-R ink developed for this printer has a higher viscosity than the ink used in the Epson printers.  This special ink is inappropriate for use in the Epson platform.


 What is the ink configuration of the ChromaBlast-R GX7000 Transfer system?
The ink configuration is CMYK.

 
What is the shelf life of the ChromaBlast-R cartridges for the Ricoh?
The shelf life of the ChromaBlast-R cartridges for the Ricoh is 12 months.


Are these cartridges interchangeable with other ChromaBlast solutions?
No, they are not.

 
What are the recommended paper types?
For superior image quality and the best transfer results, it is recommended that you use only ChromaBlast transfer paper.

Why are colors turning out light and splotchy or the image appears blurred?

  1. Ensure you printed on the correct side of the paper.  The print side is the side without the ChromaBlast logo on it.
  2. Ensure you used a recommended paper.
  3. Ensure you pressed the image with the proper time, temperature and pressure.
  4. Ensure your substrate is designed to accept ChromaBlast transfers.  100% white cotton fabrics are suggested with ChromaBlast ink.  Fabrics outside of that specification (Cotton/Poly blends, 50/50 fabrics) should be tested for adhesion and wash fastness to ensure satisfactory results.
  5. Verify your printer driver settings are correct.


What are the recommended time, temperature and pressure settings for ChromaBlast?
The most critical factors to the quality of ChromaBlast are the heat press settings of time (40 seconds), temperature (375 degrees) and pressure (High, 60psi).

  • Calibrating the heat press is recommended to ensure an accurate temperature, and for this procedure test strips perform more accurately as compared to the use of guns.
  • If after pressing the ChromaBlas hand has a slick or shiney appearance, the pressure is not heavy enough so vary the setting until it becomes more matte.
  • Once the temperature and pressure settings are known to be accurate, experiment with a range of time increments going up and down.  If the paper does not peel off easy and resists removal because the transfer is somewhat tacky, the amount of time in the heat press needs to be increased.


What can I do to reduce the hand with my ChromaBlast transfers?

  • Trim your designs as close as possible, removing any excess paper around the image.
  • Certain brands of shirts do perform better at releasing the hand, so experiment with those made by several high quality shirt manufacturers.
  • It is recommended that ChromaBlast be used with white shirts, but we realize results on other light colors may still be acceptable for some users.  Testing has shown that the hand is more visible when pressed on certain colors.  Differing results have been observed with various manufacturers of light colored shirts as well, so more experimentation may identify the type that suits your quality best.
  • The most critical contributing factors to the hand are the time, temperature and pressure, see above.
  • Be sure to peel the paper backing as quickly as possible after the garment is removed from the heat press.


A printed image has gaps or bands present
Check to make sure all OEM driver firmware has been updated per the OEM driver installation instructions in the PowerDriver R section.  If all nozzles are showing, check the Adjust Print Head Position & Adjust Paper Feed options within the OEM driver to ensure the optimum alignment for correct printing.