Sublimation Station

Print a photo or design with the sublimation ink printer, then transfer to mugs, hats, clothing and more with a heat press!

Printer, lap top, mug press, hat press, and automatic heat press.

Description

This station is the ultimate destination for customizing, personalizing, and gift giving! You can print digital photos, digital art, or designs and heat press them onto a wide variety of items: shirts, hats, mugs, coasters, puzzles and more!

Reservation time: 1 hour

Note: You may make one reservation per day.

Make a Reservation

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer

The Epson SureColor F170 dye-sublimation printer uses dye-sublimation ink to print high resolution images with strong color saturation and high contrast. The printer has a maximum resolution of 1200 x 600 dpi and can print on standard letter sized sublimation paper. The Epson SureColor can print from various applications such as the Windows Photo app and Adobe programs- no additional software is required!

HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine

The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press is a programmable heat press with a 15"x15" bed and accepts materials up to 1 inch thick. The press has adjustable heat, pressure, and press time functions. This press is suitable for both sublimation and heat transfer vinyl (iron-on vinyl).

Cricut Mug Press

The Cricut Mug Press uses heat and pressure to transfer Cricut Infusible Ink and sublimation designs onto compatible mugs. Mugs must have smooth, straight sides, be 11 - 16 oz, with a diameter between 3.2 inches-3.4 inches. Be sure to choose mug blanks that are poly-coated for sublimation.

Cricut Hat Press

The Cricut Hat Press is a heat press designed specifically for hats. The heat plate is a curved 5" x 3" surface that works with the Cricut Hat Pressing form on most hats. Works on heat transfer vinyl (iron-on vinyl), Infusible Ink, and sublimation.

Requirements

We Provide

Online safety training
Internet connected laptop
Letter sized sublimation paper for purchase, limit 5 sheets per visit.
Limited supply of sublimation bag blanks for purchase, limit 1 per visit.

You Must Bring

A digital photo file or design to print on a USB or online storage method
Sublimation blanks (see Acceptable Materials for more information)

Required Forms and Tutorials

Makerspace Registration Packet
Makerspace Safety Orientation
Heat Press Safety Training
If you are also planning on using the Cricut to cut out Infusible Ink or iron-on for your project, you must complete Smart Cutting Machine Safety Training

Software and File Creation

The Epson SureColor works just like a normal printer, you can print from any program!
For best results place your sized photo or design in a 8.5"x11" document, this will keep the design size you set. We recommend using Canva to size your design.
The Epson SureColor will automatically reverse your image for you. You do not need to manually reverse.

Acceptable Materials

Sublimation transfer works best on synthetic materials, polyester produces the best results.
Fabric items should be at least 65% polyester, but the higher the percentage the better. Please note, sublimation will not work at all on 100% cotton. If you have a cotton or other natural fiber item you would like to customize, heat transfer vinyl (iron on vinyl) is another option for your project!
Sublimation blanks are items that have been treated with a special poly coating to make them work for sublimation. Some options include ceramic mugs and tiles, puzzles, aluminum sheets and pet tags, mouse pads, and more! When searching at your favorite online store or visiting a local craft store use the word "sublimation" to find the correct materials.
Sublimation ink is transparent, sublimation works best on white or light colored items.
Make sure you are always checking that your blanks are sublimation compatible!
You can purchase 5 sheets of sublimation paper per visit, this includes the cost of sublimation ink. You can not bring in your own paper for this printer.