iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner Upgrade Kit Instructions

Specifically for the iColor® 540 & 550 System

The ® is just one of the many specialty cartridge sets that can be used in the iColor® 540 &
550 Digital Color + White Transfer Media Printers. Instantly transform your iColor printer into a dye sublimation printer. The
upgrade kit consists of 4 toner cartridges (CMYK). Simply remove and store the standard cartridges and swap with the dye
sublimation kit to instantly print and sublimate on coated materials.

Operating on the same application principles as standard ink sublimation systems, you must press onto white or light colored,
100% polyester or sublimation coated materials for best results. 50/50 cotton / poly blends may also be used for a lighter,
vintage look. There is no white overprint or spot print option with sublimation, only CMYK prints are possible.

The ® has several unique advantages suited for a production environment:

1) Vastly faster print speeds: 26 pages per minute vs 34 pages per hour for ink (photo mode) (100 times faster!)
2) No clogged heads resulting from non-use. Toner based systems do not have this maintenance issue.
3) Longer expiration period
4) Approximately 10 times the yield as compared to starter ink rated at 350 pages.
5) Use regular, good quality copy paper instead of costly sublimation paper.

Please follow the steps below for the installation of the ® :

1. With the power off, open the lid of your iColor® printer and remove the standard toner cartridges. They should be stored in
a cool, dark place and in their original drum covers if possible. Never expose the drum to light for more than a few minutes.
Be careful not to scratch or touch the drum surface or print quality could be severely affected.

2. Locate the black toner cartridge and open the box. Remove the drum cover from the bottom
of the cartridge. Install the black toner cartridge into the front slot of your iColor® printer. Refer
to the user’s manual for your printer for further information regarding cartridge installation.

6. Repeat step 2 for the yellow, magenta and cyan cartridges.

7. The cartridges should be installed in CMYK configuration, where the black is in the front,
followed by yellow, magenta and cyan in the rear.

8. Once all of the cartridges have been installed, power on your iColor® printer. You are now
ready to print.

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Whenever not in use, be sure to store the Dye Sublimation cartridges in a dark, safe place with their plastic drum covers.
Prolonged exposure to light is detrimental to the OPC drum cylinder. The recommended range for the temp and humidity is
40% RH to 70% RH, temp 59 to 77°F / 25°C.

1. If printing from the iColor® ProRIP Software, be sure to import your image into the CMYK queue and mirror print.
Under the job tab, select the desired media setting from the media type drop down menu, depending on the graphic
being printed.
a. For vector graphics or ‘cartoon-like’ images, choose ‘Sublimation Toner – Vibrant Colors’. This setting allows
the prints to press as vividly as possible, as it is not necessary to use the ICC profile.
b. For graphics like photographs (especially for skintones) which require more accurate color representation,
choose ‘Sublimation Toner – Accurate Colors’. This selection employs the use of a custom ICC profile which is
already integrated into the ProRIP for your convenience. Pressed images will have more accurate colors, but
will not be as vibrant.

2. If printing photographic type images requiring accurate colors from the iColor® TransferRIP Software, or from
Photoshop, CorelDraw and other software capable of utilizing standard ICC profiles, a stand alone profile must be
installed (provided upon request from your iColor dealer). Save the profile to a specific folder on your computer.
Navigate to the file, right click and install.

3. When printing from programs other than the iColor® ProRIP or TransferRIP Software, Color Handling should be set
to allow your specific software package to handle colors. For example, in Photoshop set to ‘Photoshop Manages
Color’. Make sure you set the print driver to ‘No Color Matching’ under ‘Color Management’ and ‘High Quality’ under
‘Job Options’. Be sure to mirror print and select the proper ICC profile before printing (if desired).

4. When printing black as part of your image, be sure to set the color to 100% K in your design software. Printing
composite blacks is not recommended and will not produce rich blacks. Note that some file formats, such as PNG,
cannot reproduce true black because they are saved as RGB images. Choose a file format such as PDF or TIFF to
preserve a CMYK file format for best results. You can also import your image into the RIP software and change the
black elements to 100% K.

5. Place your media into the desired tray of your iColor® printer and print your image. High quality copy paper is
suggested (Inkjet dye sublimation media will not work as well). The printed image may appear light and have
imprecise colors. Do not judge the quality of the print until you press the image - it will look correct when pressed to
the substrate after the sublimation process.

6. Cover the transfer with copy paper instead of kraft paper, as the image will sublimate upwards and transfer to it. For
most applications, press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure. The duration of the press depends on the type and
thickness of the substrate used, usually between 60 – 120 seconds. Longer press duration increases color density.
Quickly cool the substrate to stop the sublimation process – not doing so could result in a ghosting effect or a lighter
final result. The use of STC9 solution or SubliClean sheets will be needed for most hard surfaces, to remove
transferred toner residue. Refer to instructions below for suggested press times and peeling method:

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1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen. It is also recommended to warm up the glass substrate for best results.
2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Do not mirror print for this application.
3) Place the substrate on the lower platen of the press (white backer face up). Align the printed image to the substrate
with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). You can tape the paper to the substrate or lower platen
for additional stability.
4) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets.
5) Press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure for 420 seconds (7 mins).
6) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel).
7) Cool substrate as quickly as possible.
8) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen.

2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
3) Place the substrate on the lower platen of the press (coated side face up). Align the printed image to the substrate
with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). You can tape the paper to the substrate or lower platen
for additional stability.
4) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets.
5) Press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure for 60 seconds.
6) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel).
7) Cool substrate as quickly as possible.
8) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen.

2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
3) Place the substrate on the lower platen of the press (coated side face up). Align the printed image to the substrate
with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). You can tape the paper to the substrate or lower platen
for additional stability.
4) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets, and then a silicon pad.
5) Press at 380°F / 193°C with medium pressure for 90 seconds.
6) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel).
7) Cool substrate as quickly as possible.
8) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen.

2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
3) Place the substrate on the lower platen of the press (coated side face up). Align the printed image to the substrate
with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). It is suggested you wrap the transfer around the
substrate and tape it securely. This will allow the edges of the substrate to accept the transfer as well.
4) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets.
5) Press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure for 540 seconds (9 mins).
6) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel).
7) Cool substrate as quickly as possible.
8) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

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1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen.
2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
3) Place the substrate on the lower platen of the press (coated side face up). Align the printed image to the substrate
with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). You can tape the paper to the substrate or lower platen
for additional stability.
4) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets.
5) Press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure for 60 seconds.
6) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel).
7) Cool substrate as quickly as possible.
8) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen.

2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
3) Place the substrate on the lower platen of the press (coated side face up). Align the printed image to the substrate
with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). You can tape the paper to the substrate or lower platen
for additional stability.
4) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets and a silicon pad.
5) For full color images: Press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure for 120 seconds.
a. For 100% black test only - Press at 430°F / 221°C with low pressure for 20 seconds
b. For 100% black images and graphics - Press at 430°F / 221°C with low pressure for 60 seconds
6) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel).
7) Cool substrate as quickly as possible.
8) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen.

2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
3) Place the substrate on the lower platen of the press (coated side face up). Align the printed image to the substrate
with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). You can tape the paper to the substrate or lower platen
for additional stability.
4) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets.
5) Press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure for 150 - 180 seconds.
6) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel). Dunk into warm water to stop the sublimation process.
7) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

1) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
2) Trim the image and align to the mug. Use heat resistant tape and hold in place. Be sure not to tape over any part of
the image or defects will result.
3) Place the mug into the mug press and press at 380°F / 193°C with medium pressure for 150 - 180 seconds.
4) Open the press slowly and peel immediately (hot peel). Dunk into warm water to stop the sublimation process.
5) If necessary, clean excess toner residue with STC9 solution, or use a SubliClean sheet during the pressing stage.

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 1) Close the press to preheat the lower platen.
2) Print the image using the iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner kit. Mirror Print.
3) THREAD the shirt or textile onto the lower platen of the press. Failure to thread the textile will cause the image to
sublimate onto the back of the textile.
4) Align the printed image to the substrate with the printed image on top (image facing the substrate). You can tape the
substrate to the printed transfer for additional stability.
5) Cover the transfer with copy paper or blow off sheets.
6) Press at 380°F / 193°C with low pressure for 60 - 90 seconds for full color images and up to 120 seconds for solid
100% K images (more time yields darker results).
7) Open the press slowly, peel immediately and cool the substrate as quickly as possible.
8) STC9 solution or SubliClean is NOT used for textile transfers.

For most hard surfaces, the use of UniNet SubliClean film will prevent toner residue from transferring to the substrate durin g
the pressing process. SubliClean is available in rolls, and is used in between the substrate and the printed transfer.

1) Peel and cut a piece of SubliClean slightly larger than the size of the substrate.
2) Lay it flat on the substrate, then cover with the printed transfer sheet.
3) Press as stated in the above instructions.
4) When using SubliClean, all hot peels now become warm peels. Otherwise, it will not peel away cleanly.
5) Not for use on fabrics or garments.
6) The result will be a brighter, glossier image on your substrate.

Instead of SubliClean, the use of STC9 cleaning solution will remove any toner residue that may have transferred.

1) After the image has been pressed and peeled - Pour a small amount of the solution onto the completed substrate
and rub with a paper towel. The residue will come off rather easily.
2) Once finished, be sure to wash off the cleaner from the substrate with soap and water before using. Not for use on
fabrics or garments.
3) The result will be a brighter, glossier image on your substrate.

Be sure to order SubliClean or a bottle of STC9 with your Dye Sublimation kit if you plan to work with hard surfaces!

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Some substrates may require more or less press time and/or varying pressure depending on the material used.

When pressing, a longer press duration will result in deeper and denser colors. Some testing may be required to achieve the
desired result. Pressing for too long maycause an overexposed look. If more vibrant colors are desired, do not use the ICC
profile. The profile is designed for photo-realistic images. To obtain the stand alone ICC Profile, contact your iColor dealer.

For textiles and Tshirts, the use of a threadable heat press is required, otherwise the image could sublimate onto the other
side of the textile.

In order to stop the sublimation process on ceramics, you must dunk the substrate in water or the image may start to blur
and spread as the gasses rise. For other hard surfaces and textiles, it is suggested to quickly cool the substrate after peeling
away the transfer. Do this by air cooling, or placing the textile on a cold surface such as stone or metal to retain color
vibrancy.

Overbled images can sublimate onto the plates of the heat press, so the use of copy paper below and above your project is
recommended to protect the plates of your heat press. Use of upper and lower covers is also suggested.

If you are using tape to secure your image to the substrate, make sure the tape is not covering any part of the transfer, as that
will lead to inconsistent results. Heat resistant tape is suggested.

To see video instructions for iColor® Dye Sublimation Toner, visit www.icolorprint.com/video

®
®

® ® - Colors that were once unachievable are now within reach using iColor® FluoToner. This
ground-breaking toner technology allows users to create graphics that glow brightly under UV light. Use on everything from
textiles and hard surfaces, to banners, labels and signage to create unique and memorable items.

® ® - Absolute® White Toner allows users to create vibrant, bright white images on clear and dark
substrates. With UniNet’s patented Double White technology, a double layer of white is applied, producing rich image quality
for applications such as cosmetics and beverage labels and more!

® ® - Absolute® Clear Toner is an advanced toner technology that enables spot satin gloss finishes.
Users can flood an entire page for sheen and protection with a varnish effect, or use a spot application to make specific
elements stand out. Using this transparent effect creates depth and contrast to further enhance the quality of printed output
for use on invitations, product labels, menus, promotional materials, brochures, flyers, wine tags and more. Clear toner is also
used in conjunction with the iColor Glitter Adhesive media , when pressing onto a variety of light and dark garments and
fabrics, with a glitter effect.

® ® - UniNet security toner contains special RF fragments which can be read by a special reader
to confirm authenticity. Most commonly used as a yellow cartridge, simply print a portion of your image in yellow for
increased security and authenticity. The reader is only sold in conjunction with the toner kit and is keyed to a specific
frequency.

August 2019 Revision - A newer version of this manual may be available at www.icolorprint.com/support

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