PixMax™ Mug Sublimation Pressing

Machine Instruction Manual

Adjustable
press handle
Mug press pads
Control unit

Control unit
interface

On/off and
Mug press stand
reset switch

Electrical cable
attachment

About The PixMax Mug Sublimation Pressing Machine

The mug sublimation pressing machine enables you to transfer a design or a photo on to various
mugs of different shapes and sizes. The flexibility of the machine enables the user to produce
products of high quality at a quicker rate and a lower cost. It also takes up less space and is easy to
interchange the various mug presses meaning that manufacturing can be done in a relatively small
space with less effort.

The features that come with the mug sublimation pressing machine are as follows:

- 11oz detachable mug press pad which can be interchanged with other mug press pads
- Mug press stand
- Control unit
- Adjustable pressure handle
 Control Unit Settings

- To set the preliminary temperature: Press the MODE KEY once and the set indication light will
come on. Press the “<” or “>” keys to set the preliminary
temperature. This will maintain the temperature so that it’s
quicker for continuous work and prevent the pad from burning
while idle.

- To set the target temperature: Press the MODE KEY twice and
the temperature indication light will come on. Press the “<” or
“>” keys to set the target temperature. The target

temperature is the temperature that is required to undertake Figure 1: The control unit interface
the subliminal pressing process.

- To set the heat press time: Press the MODE KEY three times and the time indication light will
come on. Press the “<” or “>” keys to set the max heat press time.

- To set it to operation mode: Press MODE KEY four times and the machine will go into the ready
state. (Fig. 1.)

Attention:

- The preliminary temperature setting range is 200-380 degrees; the maximum temperature
setting range is 200-430 degrees.

- The target heat press time setting range is 0-999 seconds.

- The machine has the function of temperature setting self-locking, so if the preliminary
temperature is 340 degrees, the machine will control the target temperature range between
340-430 degrees automatically. Conversely, if the target temperature is set at 250 degrees, then
the machine will control the preliminary temperature between 200-250 degrees.
 Safety Advice

This section outlines the basic operation and preparation of the cap press machine and how to use it
safely.

1. Before you use this machine, please check whether the power supply conforms to the rated
voltage of the machine. There should be a reliable protective ground wire for the top core.

2. If you need to replace any heat press parts, it is essential to remove the plug from the
socket first. When replacing the top of the heat press when it is still hot please use insulated
gloves.

3. After using the press, if you do not intend to use it again for a while then switch off the
power. Please ensure the white Teflon heat pad covers are on at all times to prevent damage.

4. Whilst using the heat press, avoid touching the heating components to prevent burns.

5. Whilst using, avoid touching the pressure spring to prevent possible injury.

6. Please do not exceed the locking limits of the press handle as this may cause damage.

7. Do not let children use the machine, regardless of supervision and/or whether the machine
is in use or not.

8. When switching between heating components, you should power off first before switching
the plugs into the socket of the control box.
 Printing Instructions

These instructions are generic to all of the mug sublimation press products and are important in
ensuring that the product images are correctly designed and printed before being developed in
the pressing stage. Please follow the step by step instructions.

1. Firstly, create or acquire the design that you wish to print on to

the product. Any design or word processing software can be used to
achieve this. Ensure that all boundaries and sizes are catered to fit
the product and that the images are manipulated to your desire. This
may include colour correction, cropping, transforming etc. (Fig. 2.)

Figure 2: Design creation

2. Once this has been done and ready to print, set the print option
to mirror the image or design (if the product requires it). You will
find this option in the “Printer Settings” menu on the “Page Layout”
tab. This is vitally important in ensuring that your design sublimates
onto the product correctly. (Fig. 3.)

3. If using the CISS system ensure it is fully functioning within your

Epson printer. This can be done by printing a test of your design on
regular plain paper. If you are happy with the quality of the print

then move onto the next step. If you are not happy with the quality Figure 3: Mirror image
of the print then check your printer maintenance options. Note: The
colour depth of sublimation ink on regular paper will be less than that on
sublimation paper.

4. Load the PixMax high quality sublimation paper into the Epson printer with
the whitest/ brightest side facing frontwards and print the design. Note: This is
important to ensure that the design will transfer onto the product correctly in
the pressing stage. (Fig. 4.)
Figure 4: Sublimation paper

5. Once the image has printed, trim the sublimation paper around the image
so it fits properly when wrapped around the product. (Fig. 5.)
correct printing side

Figure 5: Trimming the image

 Installing and Using the Mug Press

Mug press components and requirements:

The following are the standard components that are required to use the mug
press (Fig. 6.).

- The mug sublimation press pad.

- The mug sublimation press stand.
- The control unit.
- The mug press electrical cable.
- White Teflon heat protective pad covers.
Figure 6: Mug press components

The following are the required products needed for the mug sublimation.

- A white or light coloured polymer coated mug

- High quality sublimation paper
- Sublimation ink and CISS (if you are not using a sublimation printer).
- Heat resistant tape.

Installing the mug press

To insert the mug press pad attachment to the stand, ensure the pad is cold and simply place it in
position on the circular metal sheet. There is no need to secure it in as it should just sit in position.
Ensure the control box is plugged in and insert the plug from the white cable on the mug press into
the socket on the side of the control box. Make sure the notch in the plug lines up with the notch on
the socket and screw the metal cap surrounding
the plug into place to secure the connection
(Fig. 7.). Press the on/off switch to begin
operation. Note: Ensure the correct pad is
installed for the size and type of mug. Figure 7: Inserting the electrical cable plug into the control box and
securing

Mug Sublimation Instructions

1. Place the image facing onto the mug in the position that you require. Ensure
that the image is in direct contact with the mug and that the blank side of the
paper is facing outwards. Smooth the image down as much as possible so that it is
in full contact with the polymer coated mug.
Figure 8: Taping the
image to the mug.

2. Tape the image onto the mug using the heat resistant tape on all sides
ensuring there are no creases and that the entire area of paper is in full contact with the mug
(Fig. 8.). Note: This is important to prevent the paper from scorching the mug.

3. Switch on the control unit (Fig. 9.) and adjust the settings for the
preliminary and target temperatures and the time settings. These will vary
depending on whether you want to do a fast press or a slow press. See
below for recommended settings.

Figure 9: On/ off switch

 Installing and Using the Mug Press

4. Adjust the pressure by tightening or loosening the bolt that inserts into the lever. Loosening
the bolt will increase pressure whilst tightening with decrease pressure
(Fig. 10.)

5. To do a fast press allow the temperature to heat up to the required

temperature, insert the polymer mug into the press and close it using the Figure 10: Pressure
lever to ensure there is a good even pressure on the mug. The machine adjustment bolt

will beep when it reaches the preliminary temperature, however once the
mug is inserted the press will cool down slightly. Wait until the
temperature rises back up to the preliminary temperature where it will
beep again. Once it beeps, press the “□” button on the control unit to Figure 11: Control box controls
begin the timer. Fast pressing is useful for a one off press where the
machine will not be idle after use. (Fig. 11. & 12.)

6. To do a slow press ensure the control unit is switched/turned off.

Insert the polymer mug into the press and close it using the lever.
Turn the press on and allow it to heat up to the preliminary
temperature. The machine will beep when it reaches the preliminary Figure 12: Mug press open and closed
temperature signalling that the “□” button needs to be pressed. The
temperature will then continue rising until it reaches the target temperature. The timer will
automatically start when the target temperature has been reached. Slow pressing is useful for
batch productions where the press may be idle or at high temperatures for long periods of time.
(Fig 11. & 12.)

7. Once the timer has counted down to “000” the machine will beep to alert you that the mug
is ready. Press the “□” button to stop the process. In a slow press the temperature will drop back
to the preliminary temperature value allowing the machine to idle. In a fast press it is advisable
to turn off the machine or set the preliminary temperature to 200 °F so that the press does not
burn. Release the mug press using the lever and remove the mug by the
handle. Caution: Mug will be extremely hot.

8. Immediately dip the mug with the sublimation paper still attached into
a bowl of room temperature water and allow it to cool down. Once cool,
remove the sublimation paper and heat resistant tape to reveal the
finished product. (Fig. 13.) Figure 13: Dip mug into water
 Installing and Using the Mug Press

Recommended settings:
The recommended values for the temperature and time settings shown on the digital display are
guidelines only and may vary depending on the requirements. Please check the charts below.

Fast Press:

Temperature: (preliminary and target) 310 °F

Time: 120 Seconds

Slow Press:

Temperature: (preliminary/ target) 200 °F / 330 °F

Time: 30 Seconds
 Sublimation Troubleshooting Guide

The troubleshooting guide aims to provide solutions to any problems that may arise with the quality
of the sublimation print on the product. In most cases these can be solved by adjusting the
temperature and time settings. Please consult the chart below if you feel you are experiencing
difficulties with the print.

Problem Reason Solution

The colour of the design is light The pressure is too low, the Ensure there is a firm, even
or faded. temperature is too low or the pressure on the product.
time is too short. Increase the temperature
incrementally by 10 °F and/or
the time incrementally by 10
seconds until the desired result
has been found.
The design has become The time is too long and has Shorten the time incrementally
indistinct. caused the ink to diffuse. by 10 seconds until the design
becomes clear and sharp.
The design has no lustre. The pressure is too high or the Relieve the pressure but ensure
temperature is too high. that it is still firmly holding the
product. Decrease the
temperature in 10 °F
increments.
Part of the design has become The heat printing area or the Ensure that the pressure is
indistinct. heat is inconsistent. even on the product and that
the sublimation paper is
entirely flat against the
product.
The design is scarred/broken. The heat printing time is too Decrease the time in 10 second
long. increments until the image is
full and clear.
The depth of colour on the The pressure or the surface is Ensure the pressure is even on
design is uneven. not even. the product; ensure the surface
is even.
The paper sticks to the product. The temperature is too high or Lower the temperature in
the surface of the product is increments of 10 °F. Ensure
low quality. that the surface of the product
is appropriate for pressing.
There is browning/ yellow The paper has burned out Reduce the temperature in
staining around and/or on the slightly and scorched the increments of 10 °F until the
image. product. browning stops. If the image
then looks washed out,
increase the time in increments
of 10 seconds.