5 way mug press issues!

[jase1985]

Hi folks, it might be worth mentioning before describing my problem that I'm quite new to sublimation printing, it's been about 6 months since I started.
I've been making mugs amongst other things during this time, I've had some teething issues but have generally been getting on ok, especially since using decent quality sub paper (trupix). My mug press is not a well branded one but recently decide to upgrade for a multiple mug press.
I've just purchased a 5 way mug press and I'm having a few issues...


It's a second hand press so I don't expect it to be amazing, there's also a fault with the middle press which does not heat at all. However, I'm not bothered about that for the moment. The issue is poor results from all presses. When I received it it was set at 195 degrees over 180 seconds. I've tried varying the times and temps but can't seem o get consistent results.
On some occasions I've had good results and then had to dunk the mug else the image continues to blur but the resulting mug still isn't great
Often the black doesn't transfer properly and has to stay on for longer for it to transfer which then ruins the rest of the image.
I use a very firm pressure an have wasted loads of mugs on this new press. I'm using coralgraph double coated 11oz mugs. The ink is not sawgrass, I'm not sure what it is but I use an Epson sx130 printer.


Any support to this issue would be greatly appreciated, can't think how many times I've cycled the web before posting here to find a solution.

[viccar]

you have tried using different times temp although the original setting seems fine.
Have you tried increasing pressure a bit?

[Justin]

If its one of the cheaper Chinese 5 mug presses I tried one and sent it back very quickly, it was useless. You'll need to know what your ink is to enable consistency when you run out. You'd also need to have a suitable ICC profile. We can't support non Sawgrass approved inks on here I'm afraid so you're on your own unless the supplier is willing to help.

What paper are you using? This also makes a significant difference.

I suspect your issues may well be with this press, especially as you say one of the blankets isn't even working.

[socialgiraffe]

if it is one similar to those sold by Sunfly (for example) then throw it away. That is what I did with mine, total rubbish.

If it is one sold by HeatpressUK then give them a call on Monday as they should be able to help.

I have one of their five at a time press and using trupix I do the following:

set temp to 180 and time to 240

put mug in press

press button to get to temp, when it beeps press the button and allow to count down.

When finished take the mugs out and put new ones in and press the button to reach temp and press again when temp is reached.

[jase1985]

Thanks for the responses, the ink isn't anything expensive I don't think and certainly not sawgrass! Is there a way to convert to sawgrass or another decent sub ink? The paper I'm using is trupix. So what is decent press going to cost me and where from? I'll try to upload a photo of it, maybe someone will recognise it???

[Justin]

Printer, personally I would try and convert, makes more sense to buy another if you're going down the supported route as this is a low outlay when bought with the inks.

[socialgiraffe]

if you want a five at a time then the only one I know of that is a good machine is from www.heatpressuk.com

However you may want to look at the oven route. I have never tried the oven route but have often looked at the mug oven sold by Serigraf

Many members on here also use a halogen oven. They will be in a far better position to advise you on these but from what I understand they are pretty cheap and work well.

[jase1985]

heatpressuk certainly aren't cheap, however, you obviously get what you pay for! I don't think ovens are the right route for me at the moment but is something I will perhaps look in to in the future thanks socialgiraffe.
If anyone has tips/info on converting it would be greatly appreciated along with any information on best prices for the ink. I'm obviously using something chinese tat, it says INKPIU on the bottle and that's all I can see.
I seem to having some success with the 5 way press now by altering the temperature to 175 degrees over 240 seconds but have only ran a few tests off so time will tell with that one.
thanks for ths ongoing support