Thats rightyoull need special sublimation blanks.
What is Sublimation, and What Do you better Decorate Your Mugs?
Sublimation is a process for transferring special infusible inks onto a sublimation substrate.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
This produces durable designs that are food-safe and washable.
So, what can you sublimate onto?
In short, anything with a sublimation layer can be sublimated onto.
The Auto Tumbler Heat Press can handle larger objects up to 8.5cm diameter, like 30oz tumblers—but you need to set the time and temperature manually, and results can be inconsistent.
Typically, this means buying ready-made sublimation blanks (mugs, tumblers, sippy cups, etc.).
These already have a special layer that the infusible inks can transfer onto.
But how do you make a sublimation design?
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Youve got a few options there.
It comes with a backing sheet in just the same way, and youll need to reverse the design.
Alternatively, you’re able to print your own designs, though this isnt a cheap option.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
In practice, this means tumblers from 10oz to 30oz.
That said, its not the end of the world if your object is just short of the minimum.
you could purchase thick silicone sheets that keep your object snug and transfer the heat.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Youll need to increase the heating time slightly to account for this.
Press the on button on the far left to start.
It can get as high as 200C (390F) in three minutes.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
My first stop was a mug and design that Id negatively cut from a sheet of Cricut infusible ink.
The results were mediocre, but to be expected given it was my first ever attempt.
For the most part, it worked OK, but it highlighted some key shortcomings in the process.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Second, a little of the ink leached out into the heat press.
Lesson learned: use some parchment paper to prevent this in future.
I made the design using three different sheets and stuck them all down to be heat-pressed together.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
This time, the flask was small enough in diameter that the press covered it completely.
However, again, it highlighted some flaws in my process and with the machine.
I suspect this was due to poor taping.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
you gotta ensure the design is as flat as possible against the surface.
Larger designs are harder to get right.
I could also see fairly blotchy results and messy patterns from the blank space.
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
Inevitably, some of the ink leeches onto the transfer sheet, which is more obvious with darker inks.
By contrast, the red stamp of my son’s name came out beautifully.
Should You Buy the HTVRont Auto Tumbler Press?
James Bruce / MakeUseOf
The main selling point of theHTVRont Auto Tumbler Presscompared to the leading competitortheCricut Mug Pressis the size.
While the HTVRont Auto Tumbler Press can handle a wider range of larger objects, I had mixed results.
It’s difficult to pin down the issues, though.
Was it a lack of experience, poor materials, or inconsistent heating and pressure from the press?
Or all of the above?
If you only want to press mugs, I’d suggest sticking with a dedicated mug press.
