Recommend equipment required to print images onto Iphone cases

[Dee10]

Hi there

I am very new to this business but very excited about it. I am starting with a mug press machine but really want to be able to print onto Iphone cases too. Unfortunately the budget at the minute will not allow for a Heat Press and a Mug Press.

If you wanted to start printing images onto the back of Iphone cases, what sort of Heat Press would I require? I assume it is the same such as a Clam Press that does tee shirts etc but dont want to chance getting a cheap heat press on ebay if it wont do the Iphone covers for me. Also if you have any tips for new starters I would very much appreciate it.

I have a Ricoh Printer with a full set of sublimation inks (or at least I will have tomorrow!) so I want to figure out what else I need regarding the Iphone cases.

I am delighted to have found this forum by accident as it has been very informative. I look forward to hearing from anyone who can advise!

Kind regards

[WorthDoingRight]

Well, it all depends on the iphone case. A lot are just a plastic case with a stick on sublimatable aluminium panel that you press in a swing arm or clamshell press. Some however you actually press directly onto the case which require a 'puck' be inserted into the blank and then you press directly to the case. There are also now vinyl sheets that you press and then peel and stick onto the phone section by section.

The common factor is however the need for a press and if the item is thick you will be better off with a swing arm press than a clamshell due to issues they exhibit with uneven pressure on thicker items.

Anyway Welcome to the forum.

[Dee10]

Thanks for your help on this. I am picking up a Standard Mug Press that can also transfer images onto plates.... is there any chance that would be able to press onto Iphone cases too.... Probably a silly question and one which I will ask when picking the mugpress up tomorrow .... it's too late to get the supplier on the phone now.

Thanks for the advice on the Swing Press too - that's what I'll be aiming for as soon as I can afford it!

[Charlie_]

Welcome Dee I have learnt a lot from this forum indeed.

[Ian M]

Hi Dee, welcome to the forum. An ideal swing away press that you could use for iPhone case plus lots of other items would be one such as this from BMS http://www.printerowners.co.uk/hardw...away-press.htm I have a similar one that is really good & the price is very good too.

[Dave271069]

yes have to agree with Ian that one from BMS looks fine, i bought a cheap chinese one from ebay and its done me good for now but wish i spent a little more for better quality, but to keep it simple any heat press will do phone covers and remember the Galaxy s2 is also a good seller and ipad and ipod cases..

[bms]

Well, it all depends on the iphone case. A lot are just a plastic case with a stick on sublimatable aluminium panel that you press in a swing arm or clamshell press. Some however you actually press directly onto the case which require a 'puck' be inserted into the blank and then you press directly to the case. There are also now vinyl sheets that you press and then peel and stick onto the phone section by section.

The common factor is however the need for a press and if the item is thick you will be better off with a swing arm press than a clamshell due to issues they exhibit with uneven pressure on thicker items.

Anyway Welcome to the forum.

...and I think the 3D options are going to be much more affordable shortly. There is a desktop vacuum 3D machine about to be launched and hopefully we'll have a test machine soon.

[Dee10]

Thanks everyone... I appreciate your help.