Mug press or 3d vacuum machine?

[Cd1986]

Hi all. new member here.

im looking to get into sublimation and I'm wondering what to purchase. I think I will start out with mugs but it make sense to look at phone/tablet cases too as this is such a big market. I was thinking of buying the 3d vacuum package from BMS (http://www.printerowners.co.uk/hardware ... ackage.htm) but after reading the review thread of the machine on this forum, I'm not so sure.

Being able to do 12 mugs at a time sounds great but to get the best use from that machine, I think I should be doing more with it. My only concern is it sounds like a lot of work and time is involved in wrapping the sublimation paper around phone cases. Film is about 10 times the price too.

on the other hand, if I get a mug press instead. I'm restricted to just mugs.

using a flat press for phones is always an option but I think the 3d cases look so much better than the standard ones.

i feel it have hit a dead end here so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance.

[socialgiraffe]

Think about your market and what they are going to purchase.

No one can really say on here whether you should purchase a mug press or a 3d machine as none of us know who you are (especially as you have not introduced yourself )

Once you know what you want to sell then selecting the right kit will be far easier.

[Cd1986]

Thanks for the reply.

sorry, I could have been clearer. I'm looking to produce personalised products with a typographic lead design in the gift market. Peak gifting seasons like valentines, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Xmas will be key. Hence the starting point of mugs and phone cases.

[Kayalana]

Same boat as you, I've settled for buying the mug press and will buy 3D at a later date when I have more funds (although I will be checking up on the reviews etc before I buy that)

If your still asking which one then the reviews can't be that bad? I will wander over and have a look when I get chance

I thought it would save time/space having the 3D machine so it makes more sense (assuming it does its job correctly!) in the long run and the machines don't seem to lose to much of their value as used resale.

[Justin]

2 Mug presses

[pisquee]

If you're doing personalised products, rather than your own set designs, then having single mug presses would seem more economical in terms of initial outlay and space, as this way you can just print a mug with a small press, rather than firing up a big vacuum press for when all you need to do is one mug. It may take a while for you to build up your market enough to justify needing capacity for doing batches of 12, in the mean time you can have a few small presses.
We're churning out 100s of mugs, but with our own set designs, and for a few other designers - no personalisation going on here, and we're still using single presses rather then a vacuum press or oven. When we need more capacity we just buy another press!
If this is a new venture, and you're not sure of the market potential, then you'll want to keep your initial outlay relatively low, while you test the market.

[Rachclegg]

Hello there, my name's Rachael Clegg and I create photographic / arty images. I have mugs made but am very keen to get my own press up and running. However, as a novice, I have no idea which press to start with. I'd like something that produces very clean images on china and fine porcelain.

What would you suggest?

I would be most grateful for your advice. I know nothing about this, sorry.

Thank you!

Rachael