[george1948]

Hello,
Why can't i sublimate closer to handle on cups.
is it a cheap mug press? SC Cutter combo. I just don't like to print so far away from the handles, looks cheap..
See photo. looks like one side just don't get the heat it should. Maybe a defective press? I am new to cup sublimation, maybe that is just the way it is???
Do all the cup press do such, I have seen some mugs at stores with the same type of space from the handle, BUT I would like to be different, and get as close to the handle as I can..
Customers don't know the difference but I do.
THanks
George

 

[Archaga]

I've seen them printed close to the handle. Maybe it is a cheap press. Perhaps it needs slightly more pressure?
If you can't afford one of the more expensive presses, get yourself a wrap for ~$30 and see if you get better results.

 

[george1948]

Thanks, Cant get any tighter. I tried to tighten it more then broke the handle on the mug, so had to back off.

 

[binki]

Mug wraps will get you closer

 

[george1948]

What temps and times do you all use, I see mostly 400 F and 140 seconds. I have also seen less heat and more time.?

 

[lben]

Wraps won't get you much closer. There is a gap where the handle is. The only way you could do a tighter print would be if you got one of those vacuum sublimation presses. Otherwise you will have the gap. It's just the way it is no matter how expensive your mug press is, there is no way to do the part inside where the handle is.

 

[Archaga]

Wraps won't get you much closer. There is a gap where the handle is. The only way you could do a tighter print would be if you got one of those vacuum sublimation presses. Otherwise you will have the gap. It's just the way it is no matter how expensive your mug press is, there is no way to do the part inside where the handle is.

Maybe not right next to the handle. But the problem is on the right side of the handles, his prints starts fading way too far away. The left side of the handle seems to sublimate just fine.

 

[lben]

Then he should use wraps or keep his images away from where the temp on the press starts to drop off.

 

[binki]

+1 on the press being cold on the edge. Pressure around also. The wraps won't have that problem.

 

[cleggy]

I print hundreds of mugs using this method. The bottom line is that you cant't print closer to the handle.
It may help to reduce the width of your print slightly so you get a clean line rather than a blurred line that is caused by the heat dropping off at the edge of the element. Also, when you put the mugs in the press make sure they are aligned so that the paper is covered by the element. If they are slightly misaligned then you will get a blurred edge.
Hop this helps.

 

[george1948]

Thanks all, good comments, will tall into consideration. Practice makes perfect, it just cost money..

 

[BRC]

You need to center the handle between the two sides of the heating element. The reason it is closer on the one side is because it isn't centered. Shorten the transfer a little and center the mug and it will be fine.