FARGO electronic HDP700 - Manual (Page 40)

FARGO Electronics Inc.
3-4 HDP700 Series Card Printer
FAIL:
Significant
transfer to tape
PASS:
Very slight
transfer to tape
PASS:
Absolutely NO
transfer to tape
1
2
3
Begin by selecting either "UltraCards-Glossy PVC" (if the
card is glossy) or "HDP Cards-Matte PVC" (if the card has
a buff, matte finish), and print a test card.
Next, apply a strip of ½” (12mm) wide Scotch-type clear
adhesive tape (such as 3M brand 600), at least 2” (50mm)
long, firmly across the surface of the card, pressing out all
air bubbles with a fingertip. Remove the tape by smoothly
and rapidly (approximately 2 inches/second (50mm/sec))
pulling it up at a perpendicular, angle to the card. The IPC
recommends a minimum of three tests for each card type
evaluation.
Visually examine the card and the strip of tape pulled
from the card, to see if any portion of the HDP Film was
removed from the card. (If any residue such as oil or
grease from fingertips is present on the card surface, the
evaluation results may be affected.) If particles of the
printed, transferred HDP Film pull away from the card,
and adhere to the tape, this indicates inadequate adhesion
of the HDP Film to the card, and that increased heat and
dwell times are necessary. Samples 1, 2, and 3 show a
representation of the level of adhesion you should expect.
Sample 1 is an absolute failure and sample 3 is an
absolute pass. Sample 2 shows that very slight transfer to
the tape can be acceptable without sacrificing overall
image durability on matte finish cards.
If the tape test indicates inadequate adhesion, increase the
heat setting by 5 degrees, print another card, and try the
tape test again. Once the temperature has been increased
4 times (20 degrees), reset temperature to default and
increase the dwell time by .5 second. Repeat this until
adequate adhesion. Note that if you are printing to a
matte- surfaced card, it is advantageous to use FARGO's
YMCKH ribbon. This ribbon provides a "Heat Seal" panel
that allows for improved adhesion to non-glossy PVC
surfaces. For best results, be sure that the cards you are
using have a surface roughness (Ra) of 60 micro inches or
less. This information should be available from the card
manufacturer.
Figure 3-1