Hi there! Considering making tumblers, mugs, and glass cans but unsure about the best equipment? I'm here to help you compare the Tumbler Press and Sublimation Oven to make the decision easier. Let's dive in!
Sublimation Basics
As you can imagine, sublimation can open a whole new world of crafting possibilities. Whether you're a hobby crafter or a small business owner, sublimation is a technique worth considering. Before we explore the different ways to sublimate mugs, tumblers, and more with either the Tumbler Press or a Sublimation Oven, let's go over the basics.
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What Is Sublimation?
Sublimation is a printing process that involves transferring dye onto materials such as fabric, metal, ceramic, and more. This method uses heat and pressure to convert the solid dye into a gas without passing through a liquid state, allowing the dye to penetrate the material's surface for a permanent, vibrant design.
Sublimation Essentials
We use the Epson F1070 Hybrid Printer (DTG & DTF) along with Epson Sublimation Ink and Sawgrass Inks. For paper, I prefer the A-Sub brand, which delivers the most vibrant colors and excellent ink release. Additionally, you'll need Joto Imaging Supplies Heat Tape, butcher paper to protect your presses, and a good heat-resistant glove.
Heat Press
Now that we have gone over the basics of sublimation, let’s explore a couple of options you have for making rigid substrates. To sublimate fabric, you’ll need a heat press. Check out this post for a fun tie-dye technique with sublimation. Also, check out my review of the CraftExpress Elite Pro Tumbler Heat Press and Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press - Single Station Includes 7 Elements for some excellent heat press options.
Tumbler Press or Sublimation Oven – Which is Best?
Now that we have the Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press, and ISmart Convection Oven. We can provide a comprehensive comparison between the Tumbler Press and the Sublimation Oven.
Tumbler Press
The tumbler press is a popular choice for sublimating tumblers and more in the crafting world. Let’s go over the specifications of the Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press:
Features:
- Power and Voltage: The tumbler press machine is 600 W, 110 V.
- Temperature Range: 0-482°F.
- Time Range: 0-999 seconds.
- Versatile Heat Press Attachments: This press comes with 7 different heat press attachments, making it highly versatile.
- 30 OZ Heat Press Attachment: Ideal for sublimating 11 oz or 15 oz ceramic mugs (2 at a time) and various sizes of straight sublimation tumblers. Diameter range: 2.83-3.43 inches.
- Slim Heat Press Attachment: Perfect for sublimating 17 oz and 20 oz straight glass tumblers, 13 oz glass cans (2 at a time), 12 oz kids tumblers, and 17 oz cola-shaped sublimation water bottles. Diameter range: 2.36-2.8 inches.
- Easy to Use: The Joto Digital Tumbler Mug Press is an integrated machine without an extra control box. It’s easy to use, replace the heater, portable, and requires only a small workspace.
Sublimation Oven
The sublimation oven is a fantastic choice for crafting enthusiasts looking to sublimate a variety of items. Let’s explore the features of the iSmart Sublimation Oven available at Joto Imaging Supplies:
Features:
- Power and Voltage: The iSmart Sublimation Oven operates at 1300 W, 110 V.
- Temperature Range: The oven provides a temperature range from 0-446°F, allowing for precise control over the sublimation process.
- Time Range: With a time range of 0-999 seconds, you can customize the duration for different sublimation projects.
- Large Capacity: This sublimation oven can accommodate multiple items simultaneously, making it highly efficient for bulk sublimation projects.
- Even Heat Distribution: Convection technology ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving flawless sublimation prints without any hot spots.
- Versatile Applications: Ideal for sublimating mugs, tumblers, plates, and other curved or irregularly shaped items that may not fit in traditional heat presses.
- Easy to Use: The iSmart Sublimation Oven is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and easy-to-follow instructions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced crafters.
Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison between the products in the Convection Oven category and the Tumbler Press category from Joto Imaging Supplies:
Convection Ovens
Convection ovens are versatile tools for sublimating a variety of items, including mugs and tumblers, using hot air circulation for even heat distribution and high-quality results. They can accommodate multiple items at once, increasing productivity, and feature user-friendly digital controls. Ideal for businesses needing to sublimate various shapes and sizes of blanks, convection ovens ensure consistent, high-quality prints and offer greater flexibility in product offerings.
Tumbler Presses
Tumbler presses are specialized for sublimating on tumblers and mugs, using a clamp mechanism for precise heat and pressure. They feature multiple heating elements for various sizes, a digital interface for accurate settings, and a compact design for limited workspace. Ideal for businesses focusing on mugs and tumblers, these presses ensure high-quality results, are easy to use, affordable, and space-efficient. However, they are limited to mugs and tumblers and can only process one item at a time.
Conclusion
When choosing between convection ovens and tumbler presses, consider your business needs. Convection ovens offer versatility and can handle various sublimation products, making them ideal for higher volume production and diverse product offerings. On the other hand, tumbler presses are perfect for specialized, high-quality sublimation on mugs and tumblers, offering ease of use, affordability, and space efficiency. Choose a convection oven for broader capabilities and productivity, or a tumbler press for focused, efficient sublimation on specific items.
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Feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions below!