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smendlik

How hot will I need?

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I’m researching to see what I need to buy to get into the sublimation printing arena.  I have no desire to get into making hats or t-shirts, I only have interest in mugs, travel mugs, dog tags, and coasters.   I’m going to use Cactus wraps and a toaster oven for the mugs.  I’m assuming there is no way to make coasters & dog tags in a toaster oven.  I have seen directions saying to cook the dog tags at 400 degrees and some say 380 degrees.  Looking at the heat presses here at US Cutter there is a huge price difference between cutters maxing out at 399 degrees and presses that can heat up to 400 and above.

 

I guess my real question is will 399 degrees be enough for coasters and dog tags?

 

Thanks,

Steve

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You need 400 degrees somethings can be pressed lower. But make sure you get one that can go higher. If the press isn't going to be on. 12hrs a day or longer pick one up on the big auction site.

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I haven't checked the big auction site yet, good suggestion.  Thanks.  I really only looked at US Cutter and some of the sublimation supply companies and it seems like the economy presses max out at 399 degrees, will 1 degree really be a big deal?

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No wonder I'm getting so confused, some presses are listed as having a max temp. of 399F while some have a max temp of 300 C even though the filter options ony have choices for Fahrenheit.

 

Take for example, both of these show up when I select the filter option of 399 F Max:

 

http://www.uscutter.com/Economy-Clamshell-Heat-Press-9x12  (300 C max)

 

&

 

http://www.uscutter.com/Clamshell-Heat-Press-15-x-15  (399 F max)

 

Now I'm a lot less confused!

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I press between 385 and 400f i even go down to 399 but press 1 or 2 minutes longer if i need to

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I haven't checked the big auction site yet, good suggestion.  Thanks.  I really only looked at US Cutter and some of the sublimation supply companies and it seems like the economy presses max out at 399 degrees, will 1 degree really be a big deal?

 

its not that 1 degree would be a big deal, its that the machine can only go to 399, and if you run it maxed out every time, it will decrease the life expectancy greatly (even though its a you-get-what-you-pay-for piece of equipment)

 

think about it, you dont run your car full throttle everywhere you go, dont run your equipment at full bore and it will last you a while.

 

the ROI on sublimation is very high. I reccomend saving for a good heat press and a seperate mug press. you can make your money back in no time. Remember, Customized items cary a premium becasue they are 1-off items.

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