3D Printer alternative for phone cases

[tristan]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum and am looking to produce some phone cases.
I have taken a look at the Sun Fly sublimated transparent phone cases (polyglass) and wondered with a mould, could you potentially press them with (a bit of trial and error) a standard heat press?
From the initial glance, you can use the same sublimation paper as if you were printing mugs or shirts.
I don't want to print the sides of the cases, more the flat face.

Do you think this idea is achievable?

Many thanks

Tristan

[webtrekker]

By mould, I assume you mean the metal pucks used in vacuum pressing? I've no experience with this, but if you already own a flat press then I'd certainly experiment with the idea. As long as you used the puck I would think distortion would be minimal. You'd need to find the minimum possible temps and times.

[tristan]

Yes the pucks sorry,
Thank you for your opinion on it, i shall indeed experiment

[socialgiraffe]

Why not print on a transparent case that use a metal insert?

Surely that will give you the same effect almost?

[tristan]

I would like the background to be transparent, the trend it seems is that people like the colour of their phones (Especially iPhones) but would like a case.

[socialgiraffe]

I would like the background to be transparent, the trend it seems is that people like the colour of their phones (Especially iPhones) but would like a case.

Fair enough, I think you are going to struggle to achieve what you want to achieve. The puck needs to be very hot before printing and the cases are designed to shrink when pressing.

You will probably end up spending more on blanks than it would be to purchase a small 3D heat press and do them properly

[tristan]

From what i understand, doesn't the puck heat up and transfer the heat into the substrate where the vacuum, seals the artwork to it? Which is why the pucks need to be very hot?

[socialgiraffe]

From what i understand, doesn't the puck heat up and transfer the heat into the substrate where the vacuum, seals the artwork to it? Which is why the pucks need to be very hot?

Ish, the puck needs to be very hot so that when the item and paper are placed in the vacuum oven they stay at the required temp. If the puck was too cold it would draw the heat in and subsequently mess with the ambient temperature.

Like you say, its worth giving it a go, but I am thinking direct heat on one area could be problematic for the plastic cases

[malkram]

I think you are better off buying a cheap 3D press like ST-2030 and use jigs. I used this press myself and can tell it works very good with paper.

[NT5.2]

Would anyone know if these transparent cases work with film in the ST-3042 Machine?