<p>I'm trying to find a way of applying graphics to my ABS printed parts. </p>

<p>I need a robust method which can produce a decent amount of detail with true color and legible fine text .
I also was hoping to avoid the use of stickers and opt for something that's slightly more permanent. </p>

<p>I was wondering if there are ways in which a vinyl decal or other types of decal material could be pressed into the face of a plastic part and then thermally fuse the two layers together using heat transfer method?</p>

<p>Most of the surfaces I work with would be flat, but there are some parts that are slightly curved and it would be totally amazing if I could somehow apply graphics to those areas as well.</p>

<p>Thanks for any hints</p>

[{'answer_id': 1569, 'author': 'jcoats', 'author_id': 2689, 'author_profile': 'https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/2689', 'pm_score': 2, 'selected': False, 'text': "<p>Industry has for years used a 'pad printer' to put images on complex shapes, like plastic or ceramic travel mugs, etc.</p>\n\n<p>I have observed these, but never used one.  I see no reason why there couldn't be a DIY version made.</p>\n\n<p>Best of luck, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!</p>\n"}, {'answer_id': 2720, 'author': 'StarWind0', 'author_id': 2146, 'author_profile': 'https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/2146', 'pm_score': 1, 'selected': False, 'text': '<p>You really can\'t. That said the only group that has this kind of tech is .. Disney of all companies. That said their tech is good at simple shapes. Nothing more.</p>\n\n<p>I have seen some hydro transfer techniques. However that will not let you position a graphic as it is all done with a stretch transfer material ontop of a water bed. No one has a hand steady enough. </p>\n\n<p>Realistically you either need a high end full color powered base 3d printer, or simple designs that you can apply with you hand, or paint by hand.</p>\n\n<p>Well. Rereading your question... If you just want readable text. Then use a 2+ nozzle printer and print in colors that are contract. IE white model and black text. A lot more work but an order of magnitude cheaper than other options.</p>\n\n<p><a href="http://www.3ders.org/articles/20160503-full-color-3d-models-made-faster-and-cheaper-with-computational-thermoforming.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Disney article</a></p>\n\n<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-2oaSfy8RE" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Hydro transfer video</a></p>\n\n<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/XsAtW.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/XsAtW.jpg" alt=""></a></p>\n'}, {'answer_id': 2896, 'author': 'Chris Thompson', 'author_id': 4483, 'author_profile': 'https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/4483', 'pm_score': 2, 'selected': False, 'text': "<p>I think this will work for you...</p>\n\n<p><strong>Laser Printer Image Transfer:</strong></p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Print reverse image with <strong>color laser printer</strong> on <strong>regular paper.</strong></li>\n<li>Apply Mod Podge or artist arcylic or artist matte gel to the 3d printed surface.  You may need to sand it first to get it nice and smooth.</li>\n<li>Apply same to picture and put picture, face down, onto the surface that you're transferring to.</li>\n<li>Let dry.</li>\n<li>Wash and rub off paper with water.</li>\n<li>Apply protective clear coat...polyurethane or some other waterproof sealer.</li>\n<li>...</li>\n<li>Profit</li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>This method has been popular in the DIY craft world for years so you should be able to google around for more tips.  My wife transferred pictures onto coasters this way...pretty easy.  Also, since paper is flexible, I think this would work on a simple curve.</p>\n\n<p>Hope this helps.  :-)</p>\n"}]
['https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/1547', 'https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com', 'https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/2617/']