Problem with press or mugs?

[Cfphoto]

Hi,

i have been having issues with my mug printing recently and wondered if it was a heat press issue or a issue with the mugs.

The last set I did had fading at the bottom end of the mug. I decided to flip the mug upside down and press but the fading still appeared on the same end (bottom) of the mug. This is what is making me think it is more an issue with the coating on the mugs as, surely if it was a press issue then the fading would appear on the other end of the mug rather than the same? Also, occasionally I get coil marks on my mugs.

Anyone ever very had these issues? I got my press and mugs from coralgraph but, tbh, they weren't very helpful. Just told me I needed to adjust the temperature. If I did that then I would overcook the blacks. My temperatures are 180 for 190 seconds. I have went through a tonne of mugs testing different temperatures and trying to turn out a perfect one.

Who would you all recommend if this is a mug issue? Is there any place that send out samples for you to try?

[ArferMo]

It's cold up your way. Have you tried pre warming just the base of the mugs as sometimes in cold weather the thick base of the mug can take so long to warm up that the ink never gets a chance to gas before the middle and top where its thinner are done fine.

[Cfphoto]

I did try this but it didn't appear to make a difference.

[ArferMo]

If that's the case and the fading stays at the mug base which ever way up you put it in the press then it has to be a faulty batch of mugs.

[GoonerGary]

I had a box of Orca coated mugs which had a thicker base and all suffered from fading at the base. As mentioned above, the ambient temperature of your room may have dropped, so bringing your mugs up to a decent room temperature may help too. I did experiment very briefly with heating the base of the mugs with a food grill, but I think it heated all of the mug and overcooked the middle. Changing mugs to my now favoured rhino coated mugs solved the problem.

[Cfphoto]

I will try and heat the base again. Maybe I didn't heat them enough the last time. I know it does sound like that is the issue.

[Benn81]

I've had this issue with all mugs from expensive to the cheapest. I print a lot of mugs in bulk and I found none to be 100% consistent.
I now never print top to bottom and always leave a few mm top and bottom. Every mugs goes on a tepenyaki grill (low setting) and press adjusted accordingly to suit, This eliminates this issue and more importantly money down the drain.

[JMugs]

If in doubt drop your idle temperature to 100 degrees, leave your time and bake temperature as before, now do a mug. The low idle temp allows the heat to penetrate the base as it climbs.

[socialgiraffe]

I've had this issue with all mugs from expensive to the cheapest. I print a lot of mugs in bulk and I found none to be 100% consistent.
I now never print top to bottom and always leave a few mm top and bottom. Every mugs goes on a tepenyaki grill (low setting) and press adjusted accordingly to suit, This eliminates this issue and more importantly money down the drain.

There is something wrong with your kit then.

I have just switched to ovens but prior to this I had been printing using standard mug presses. I have purchased from several sources but mainly from either Listawood or BMS. Both of these suppliers offer consistently good quality mugs. As an example I recently printed a Jamie Cullum mug which was black top to bottom (bleeding off) and as far left and right would allow. Mugs came from BMS and I had one failure which was my error.

[Benn81]

There is something wrong with your kit then.

I have just switched to ovens but prior to this I had been printing using standard mug presses. I have purchased from several sources but mainly from either Listawood or BMS. Both of these suppliers offer consistently good quality mugs. As an example I recently printed a Jamie Cullum mug which was black top to bottom (bleeding off) and as far left and right would allow. Mugs came from BMS and I had one failure which was my error.

No issues with equipment I'm actually really happy. I use BMS equipment & Mugs, Subli Orca and so on...
Tapering of the mugs can be an issue, however when printing 100s of mugs the same colour top to bottom you do notice the differences in the mugs whether its tapering at the bottom or the way the mug is made/put together, i.e you can see slight bulge or lip top or bottom which can be made more noticeable depending on the colour printed on the mug.
This I have found can give opportunity to the customer to complain regardless of your ass covering Ts & Cs. Not every mug made is 'exactly' same and to prevent any inconsistencies with the mug showing I leave a few mm top and bottom.
I have had to many pernickity(sp) customers who are anal about every aspect of the mugs.

To leave a few mm top or bottom was suggested by Kevin from Subli, He pointed out this method and which they also adopt when they print.

The Straightest mugs i've used and use is the
Subli Orca mugs
Bms European mugs

I have no issue printing one or two mugs top to bottom…
but to avoid any possible headaches ill avoid top to bottom printing for bulk orders the same designs/colour

Hats off to those who don't get headaches