Rookie In Need

[rgarner]

Hey all, my very first post here! So, I am pretty good with product design, Photoshop, etc. and now I'm looking to make my own mugs (then tshirts, caps, etc.) in an effort to have better control over my costs and stock quantities.

So, my question... What printer is best for mug heat pressing? And what paper is best used with said printer?

I have found a heat press sold by a company called coralgraph, it allows me to do 5 mugs at once which is ideal.

Any advice here would be wonderful!

[Quinsfan]

Have a good read of this forum and all your questions will be answered. Just don't buy cheap or you will buy twice.

[rgarner]

I did have a good read through, but there are a lot of varying opinions... much debate and no solid answer.

[Quinsfan]

I personally would go for the Ricoh/Sawgrass printer to start.

[rgarner]

Thank you.

I have taken a look at the Ricoh printers, and they do seem to be a common item amongst the forum users here. With that said, there are a lot of cheap Ricoh printers, ranging from £50-£200. My philosophy (with pretty much everything) is ''it is cheap for a reason'', so is there a particular model that you find works better with mugs? Or will these printers work the same with any type of sublimation?

There are also various types which I have found - Dye Sublimation, Geljet Sublimation, etc. and I can't make heads to tails of which one I need.

[rgarner]

It probably makes more sense to tell you what I intend on buying...

Heat Press: Coral Commercial 5 in 1 Press
Printer: Sawgrass SG400 (A4)
Ink: SG400 SubliJet-HD Sublimation Gel Ink
Paper: Instant Dry Paper

From what I gathered reading the posts on the thread, these seemed like the best options, coming in at £700 + mugs (being purchased from Coralgraph & isub-supplies - any discounts for paid members at all?).

Does this look okay to you?

Also, the ink is £175 - are there cheap(er) refills available for the above (I believe they are called CISS systems)?

[Quinsfan]

Have a look at Listawood as they offer 10% discount to members on all products.

[rgarner]

Thank you, I'll take a look. Any comment on my intended purchases and CISS?

[Quinsfan]

The Sawgrass print er is cartridge only and not refillable but the inks last for ages. I would buy separate flat bed with a large enough platten to press multiple items and then a decent mug press. I also doubt you would ever use the plate presses.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

[rgarner]

Thank you for all your help and advice. Has made my life much easier!