Hydrographics, also known as water transfer printing, is a process to apply printed designs to 3D surfaces like metal, plastic, and wood. It involves 6 main stages: 1) printing a design on a water-soluble film, 2) priming and base coating the surface, 3) activating the film with chemicals, 4) transferring the print by dipping in water, 5) washing to set the print, and 6) applying a clear top coat to protect the design. It is used to decorate vehicles, helmets, and other items with intricate patterns in a way that is durable and looks integrated into the material.

1. HYDROGRAPHICS
M.Nagarjuna
11071A2425

2. What is Hydrographics?
• Hydrographics also known as Water transfer printing ,
Cubic printing is a method of applying printed designs to
three-dimensional surfaces. The hydrographic process can be
used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, and various other
materials.
• The water transfer printing process is extensively used
to decorate items that range from entire all-terrain
vehicles and car dashboards, to small items like bike
helmets or other automotive trim.

4. Water transfer printing | The Process
• The whole process takes place in 6 stages.
• Stage 1: Film printing
• Stage 2: Primer & Base coating
• Stage 3: Activation
• Stage 4: Ink transfer
• Stage 5: Washing process
• Stage 6: Clear coating

5. Stage 1 : Film printing
• The first step is to prepare a film
of the print , which will later be used
to transfer the design on the surface.
• The film developed contains the
pattern or design according to the
requirement.
• A film printer is used for this
purpose.
• The polyvinyl alcohol film produced
is water soluble.

6. Stage 2 : Primer & Base coating
• The surface to be painted is coated with a layer of primer
initially.
• A primer or undercoat is a preparatory coating put on
materials before painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of
paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides
additional protection for the material being painted.
• After the primer dries up layers of base coating is done on the
surface.
• Base coat determines the color of the surface after the process
is finished.

8. Stage 3 : Activation
• The film is spread evenly on the water using an automatic
unrolling unit.
• An activator chemical is sprayed on the film to dissolve it into
a liquid and activate a bonding agent.
• The film once dissolved leaves a liquefied floating pattern on
the surface.
• Care should be taken while spreading the film on the water
surface.
• The activator chemical should be sprayed evenly throughout
the surface of the film.

10. Stage 4 : Ink Transfer
• The next step is to transfer the print from the water to the
surface.
• For this , the parts are dipped are dipped into the water
either manually or by an automatic dipping arm.
• The print layer along with the polyvinyl alcohol backing then
wraps around and adheres to the part.
• The adhesion is a result of the chemical components of the
activator softening the base coat layer and allowing the ink to
form a bond with it.

11. • One of the most
common causes of a
failure to achieve
adhesion between
the two layers is a
poorly applied
activator. This can
be either too much
activator being
applied or too little

12. Stage 5 : Washing Process
• This step involves washing the dipped parts using the
automatic washing machine.
• The machine washes the printed surface at a preheated
temperature , thus impressing the pattern further.

13. Stage 6 : Clear coating
• In the final process step, the decorated product is
covered with an automotive-grade urethane. This gives
the object a glossy or matte shine, depending on
preference.
• The urethane also acts as a protector from harmful UV
rays and chemicals that may ruin the pattern.
• When the final coat has dried, the object is sanded and
polished to shin

15. This is how the finished parts look