Thermal cups and mugs, popularly known as "Stanley style," have dominated the Brazilian market. They keep drinks cold for hours and have become a coveted item. For the sublimator, this is a golden opportunity: it's a high-value-added product that brings excellent profit margins.
But sublimating metal thermal products requires technique. Unlike ceramic, metal conducts heat differently, and the conical shape of some models requires specific equipment. Here's how to do it perfectly.
What equipment to use?
1. Cylindrical Press
If the thermal cup is perfectly straight (cylindrical) and fits your heating element, you can use the press.
- Time and Temperature: Generally 180ºC to 190ºC for about 100 to 120 seconds.
- Attention: As metal cools the heating element quickly, the press may take time to recover temperature. The bottom of the cup is usually thicker, requiring care not to leave the artwork light at the edges.
2. Sublimation Oven (The best option)
For conical cups, with curves, or for making 360º prints (which go all the way around the cup), a sublimation oven is mandatory.
- How to do it: You tape the paper with heat tape, cover the cup with a heat-shrink film, and use a heat gun to make the plastic vacuum-seal to the cup.
- Time and Temperature: In the oven, we generally use 180ºC to 190ºC for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Advantage: Heat enters evenly, ensuring perfect colors on any cup shape.
The secret: Cup Quality
It's no use having the best technique if the cup isn't good. There are many cheap thermal cups on the market that don't hold temperature (they don't have a vacuum-insulated double wall) or have a terrible quality coating that peels off after the first wash or leaves the print dull.
If you're going to sell a premium product, deliver premium quality. At Outside, we work with LiVE's line of thermal cups and bottles, which guarantee:
- Real thermal insulation (vacuum-insulated double wall).
- Perfect coating (resin) that brilliantly accepts ink and doesn't peel.
- Impeccable stainless steel finish.
How to sell more?
Offer personalization with the customer's name by laser (if you have the machine) or via sublimation on white or silver cups. Create designs focused on teams, professions, wedding godparents, and high-level corporate gifts.
Visit the Outside website, get your LiVE thermal cups, and start making high profits with the most desired product of the moment!
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