Full Version: Wraps vs. Press
From: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#11]
4 Mar 2007
To: ALL
I've actually been a lurking member for quite a while now, Chuck. There really is quite a lot of useful information there. But I never stop with just one source ;-) And I do agree with you that "cheap" is not an option when it comes to tools....used from someone other than a manufacturer (with a warranty) is out of the question. From whom did you buy your Novachrome press?
The speed is not that critical to us. We sell the sublimated mugs
for $8 so usually only do under 20 at a time.
The efficiency is important to us, logojohn. And while mugs sound like a precarious business because of breakage, we could easily face 1,000 units in a single order if we offer the product. The real question is, which solution is best over time with the same or better quality results.
Mick....your wraps are among those we are looking at. The dssi folks seem to really rave at the quality. Have you considered a special offer for the members here at EE? (angel)
Excellent post, Gary....are you using a small convection oven in the shop or is it possible to use a full-size standard electric oven?
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#12]
4 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#11] 4 Mar 2007
Go to the top of this page and click on "Special Deals". Then scroll down to the Cactus banner. Mick gives EE members a 10% discount.
From: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#13]
4 Mar 2007
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#12] 4 Mar 2007
From: precisionlaser [#14]
4 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#13] 4 Mar 2007
Doc,
I visited a company on Friday that does a lot of mugs. Their set up was a gang of Epson C86s/Artainium Ink Bulk Systems/mug wraps and several (about 12 if I remember correctly) Hamilton-Beach convection ovens. I discussed this set up with them, and they said that the multiple C86s were a lot cheaper than a larger printer and gave them critical backup when one unit fails. I asked them why not use a conveyor oven and again they had a good response: backup and convenience...apparently a conveyor oven takes up a lot of space and takes a while to heat up to the correct temp.
I've also spoken to other "grey beards" in the business and all of them are unanimous: if you're going to do volume, use wraps and ovens.
For what it's worth...
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15]
4 Mar 2007
To: Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE) [#9] 4 Mar 2007
Gary,
With a press and a satellite, one could do the same quantity of mugs in 60 minutes......including prep.......
What an interesting discussion this has become.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#16]
4 Mar 2007
To: precisionlaser [#14] 4 Mar 2007
I wonder if they are the same ones that steered me to the mug press? ( insert devious laugh here).
For what it's worth...
Your experience is worth a lot Mark. Keep it up.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#17]
4 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#1] 4 Mar 2007
Jim,
It will be interesting to hear about your ultimate decision.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
4 Mar 2007
To: ALL
Don't forget that there's opportunity in wraps for objects other than coffee mugs:
http://laserreproductions.com/heatwrap.html
From: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#19]
4 Mar 2007
To: precisionlaser [#14] 4 Mar 2007
Sounds like quite an operation, Mark! Unfortunately I don't have the room for all that additional equipment....but I do like the sound of their oven-of-choice. A quick Google found the unit at Walmart for under $80! Judging by the size of it, I'm guessing about 4 mugs will fit in it at once....correct?
EDITED: 4 Mar 2007 by GREAT_ATLANTIC
From: precisionlaser [#20]
4 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#19] 4 Mar 2007
From: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#21]
4 Mar 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15] 4 Mar 2007
This setup runs about $1,200 Chuck? Might be able to make that happen if (...and that's a big if) a large order were placed. But Murphy's Law could also put me firmly in the hole if we were to rely on 5-10 mugs at a shot, particularly with a new market for us.
EDITED: 4 Mar 2007 by GREAT_ATLANTIC
From: Mick [#22]
4 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#11] 4 Mar 2007
EDITED: 4 Mar 2007 by MICK
From: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#23]
4 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18] 4 Mar 2007
Do you use a press in your sublimation business, David?
Pretty interesting to see that other sizes of wraps/products are available.
From: Mick [#24]
4 Mar 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15] 4 Mar 2007
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#25]
4 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#23] 4 Mar 2007
I don't do many mugs. Mostly plates for award plaques and name badges.
When I do press mugs, I have carte blanche at a friend's shop who owns a Novachrome Mug Pro. Older model, with less top to bottom coverage than the newer model, but it's a very nice press.
I try to keep the image area to about 2.875" tall, which is ample for most applications.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#26]
4 Mar 2007
To: Mick [#22] 4 Mar 2007
Get out the wet noodle, but throughout the ARA show I never did lay eyes upon the SmartPress.
Any pictures?
From: Mick [#27]
4 Mar 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#26] 4 Mar 2007
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#28]
4 Mar 2007
To: Mick [#24] 4 Mar 2007
Mick,
You have a good point.
From: Laser Image (LASER_IMAGE) [#29]
4 Mar 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15] 4 Mar 2007
You are right but you are working for the entire 60 minutes, non-stop, and are getting nothing else done in the mean time. I, on the other hand, have the whole time the mugs are cooking to work on other projects. I can make twice as much money in the same amount of time.
And, if I had 4 sets of wraps and two ovens I could do a gazillion times more mugs than you could with your press.
Best of all, my 4 sets of wraps and two ovens only cost me $360 - how much was your satellite again? :)
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30]
4 Mar 2007
To: Doc (GREAT_ATLANTIC) [#21] 4 Mar 2007
That is correct Jim. But if you truly are looking at the potential for a 1000 mug order..........
I can see that Ed and myself very well may be in the minority as this thread progresses, and I DO know there are lots of folks that have more experience than I, and ultimately it is a decision based upon personal preference......but the press, while more expensive just seems so much less cumbersome to *me*. Plus it has less of a foot print on your workspace than an oven.
Ok, I believe that has added up to about 6 cents now. I'm still offering change if you want it. :B
Show messages: 1-10 11-30 31-48