How much is the press:
At the time it cost me £125 plus vat from mdp supplies.
thanks to olly @ukprintedmugs I have discovered signzworld sell the same press for £89 sometimes reduced to £85 on their eBay store.
It’s exactly the same press!
https://signzworld.co.uk/shop/mug-heat- ... -printing/
Does it work:
Yes very well if used right.
What times and temps should I use:
For mugs: I have it set to 185 *c and 185 sec
For travel mugs and water bottles: 185*c and 45 sec
Pressing a mug:
- Switch on the press and when it reaches set temperature it will beep to say hey i'm ready.
- I insert a mug and close the press.
- As soon as the press is closed the timer will start to countdown.
- The insufferable non stop beeping will start when the timer reaches zero. (if you are using multiple presses this will annoy you)
- Remove mug from press after the 185 sec and dunk it in hot water and shake vigorously to remove the print.
- (If making more mugs just add mug to press as soon as i remove the first mug and close the press no waiting)
I dunk my mugs into hot water (from the hot tap not kettle) leaving the print on the mug and shaking until the paper falls away. Using cool or cold water may give issues with cracking of the mug or coating.
This stops the sublimation process instantly and any issue with blurring on images
Can it do a full mug print:
Yes technically I do full mug prints allowing a gap for the handle Of course. (See images)
Will it cater for other items e.g. water bottles etc:
Yes But as all presses you will need a different element for each different size item.
How much pressure should I use:
Personally I use quite a bit of pressure to ensure a nice snug fit around the mug and paper.
When the handle reaches the half way point it’s starting to get a little tension so when fully closed it’s clamped in. This is down to personal preference though.
What paper and inks do you use:
I use truepix paper and sublinova inks in an epson et2711.
UPDATE: I have now switched to ink experts mug paper (can't remember which one though style lite I think)
What mugs do you use:
I only use Durham 10oz mugs from mdp. I have been through lots of different types of mugs from lots of different sources but the mdp mugs are consistent and good quality.
Not to mention dishwasher safe even on high heat.
Do you pre heat your mugs:
I have started to warm my mugs in hot water and drying before applying the print and pressing.
I had been making some designs where the image ends around 3mm from the base and found some fading around the base.
using hot water got the base of the mug up to around 50*c and worked very well. Although all my other designs do not require warming of the mug.
Have you had problems with this press:
I have had little to no issues with this press apart from a few heating elements that went pop or bubbled as they were heating.
Mdp were or are fantastic with warranty and are more than happy to resolve issues with customers.
Spares:
Elements are very cheap at only £18 +vat from mdp and I always keep two spares as I make a lot of mugs and you can never be to careful.
Taping the design:
I see so many people absolutely plastering their mugs and tumblers with kapton tape (heat tape) there's no need.
I add a small strip to each side of the mug (see below) and the pressure of the press itself holds the design in place so there is really no need for all that tape people.
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Inserting the first mug. I can only add one video here sorry.
Changing mugs
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H_4b6ZwN7Hc%3F
I will update this post as and if needed.
I keep meaning to make a video of setup and use but just haven’t had a chance yet. I will get to it I promise.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]6337[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]6338[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]6339[/ATTACH]
If this post has helped please feel free to click the thanks button or post your question and I will do my best to answer them.
