Adkins vs George Knight vs 3D Vacuum Press

[gazfocus]

We have been printing sublimation mugs for 3 years now, and do on average 1,000 mugs a month. We currently have a few Galaxy Mug Press Pro v2's but struggle with full bleed prints so are looking at upgrading.

I know 3D Vacuum Presses and Ovens are typically best for getting closer to the handles but I'm really torn as to what to do.

So, I know of Adkins and George Knight. The Adkins Studio Twin Mug Press is about £730 and the George Knight DK3 Single Mug Press is not much less. In comparison a 3D Vacuum Press is about £350.

So, which would you go for and why?

[webtrekker]

A halogen oven is only £25 - £50 and the silicone wraps are about £5 each from ebay, so why not give it a go, if only to reject this method. I get good, full area prints with my oven.

[gazfocus]

A halogen oven is only £25 - £50 and the silicone wraps are about £5 each from ebay, so why not give it a go, if only to reject this method. I get good, full area prints with my oven.

There's a thought. how many do you manage at once and how long do they take?

[webtrekker]

To be honest, being retired now, I don't sell a lot of mugs. I normally do 1 or 2 at a time, but the oven can hold 4. One mug takes 9 minutes and about 12 minutes for two. I find it's important not to wrinkle the edge of the silicone wraps when standing the mug on the wire rack, so I use jubilee clips laid on their sides to stand the mugs on.

[gazfocus]

Thanks, I'll look into it...might have to get a few ovens if they take that long though

[Justin]

We bought a £300 oven and wraps from China, around £3 each. We cook 24 at a time in around 15 mins. Full wrap and closer to the handle.

[gazfocus]

We bought a £300 oven and wraps from China, around £3 each. We cook 24 at a time in around 15 mins. Full wrap and closer to the handle.

Hi Justin,
is it a regular kitchen oven? What make/model?

thanks

[Justin]

https://www.catering-appliance.com/bliz ... gL-h_D_BwE

[gazfocus]

https://www.catering-appliance.com/bliz ... gL-h_D_BwE

Thabks Justin, appreciate that. Will look into it.

[gazfocus]

https://www.catering-appliance.com/bliz ... gL-h_D_BwE

Out of interest Justin, what time/temp settings do you use?

I just tried two mugs in an oven (not bought one yet but just testing in our old kitchen oven before it gets binned). Did 220 degrees for 15 minutes. Both mugs were all black, and looked burnt when they came out but the bottoms of one mug wasn’t done properly but one was. After cooling, they look more black but still slightly burnt I think.