Both the sublimation tumblers and epoxy tumblers are popular in the market. You may feel confused when making a choice between them. This article will help you select the one that is most suitable for your business by comparing them in several aspects.
What Is The Sublimation Tumbler?
The sublimation tumbler is a customized product, it enables the permanent printing of images and photos on the surface of the tumbler through the thermal sublimation transfer process. It is usually made of stainless steel and has a special polymer coating on the surface.
What Is The Epoxy Tumbler?
The epoxy tumbler is always made of stainless steel and has a layer of epoxy resin coating on its surface, which may be mixed with glitter, decals, and so on. Glass or plastic bases are rarely used because they have some problems with adhesion and durability.
Differences Between Sublimation Tumblers And Epoxy Tumblers
Below is an analysis of the differences between sublimation tumblers and epoxy tumblers from several perspectives.
Appearance
Sublimation tumblers can integrate patterns into the tumbler body coating through thermal sublimation, which can present clear patterns.
Epoxy resin tumblers are treated with a layer of epoxy resin coating, and the patterns are applied to the surface of the tumbler. When choosing the epoxy tumbler, you will find that there is an obvious thick resin coating on the surface, which makes the tumbler look very distinctive and has strong decorative properties.
But compared with sublimation tumblers, epoxy resin tumblers don’t look so simple. If you want to take the standardized brand line, and prefer the product that looks simple and has no added bulk, the sublimation tumbler is a better choice. The surfaces of these tumblers are flat and look modern and simple.
Durability
The epoxy resin on the surface of some low-quality epoxy tumblers may turn yellow over time. The appearance may also be influenced if exposed to a humid environment for a long time. And scratches may occur during daily friction.
The sublimation tumbler would be a better choice if your customers are those who use tumblers frequently. The patterns on sublimation tumblers are embedded into the layer and are not easy to fade or be slightly scratched compared with epoxy tumblers.
Production Process
Making sublimation tumblers usually involves several stable steps, and these steps are highly automated. You generally don’t have to worry about the quality varying.
Epoxy tumblers in the production process are highly dependent on humans. This determines that the epoxy tumblers’ production efficiency is low. And product quality may be influenced by temperature and humidity. So for bulk production, it’s not a good choice.
If you want a shorter production time, sublimation tumblers will usually be more suitable for you. The unit time is shorter than that of the epoxy tumbler, but expansion requires multiple hot presses.
Cost And Profit
The main costs of sublimation tumblers include the cost of the tumbler body and the energy consumption of the hot press machine. The material cost is stable, and due to the highly automated production process, the failure rate is lower.
The sublimation tumbler would be better for you if you want to adopt the strategy of low profit but sell more.
In terms of premium margin, epoxy tumblers perform better. Its cost includes the tumbler body, resin, decorative materials, and so on. The material types are more diverse, and the cost fluctuates greatly. It can be priced higher by highlighting the aspect of manual production. But it should be noted that epoxy tumblers may be influenced by humidity, and you may bear the hidden costs caused by unstable product quality.
Customization
The customization of the sublimation tumbler is a digital heat transfer customization method. It can change the design efficiently. It is particularly suitable for large-scale uniform designs.
When you choose the sublimation tumbler, you can customize high-definition photos and complex patterns.
The epoxy tumbler would be better for you if you are looking for a more distinctive product, targeting the personalized market. Epoxy tumblers’ customization is of the handcrafted decoration type, it can customize the sequins, stickers, or 3D decorations. It can make the tumblers look more distinctive.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a comparison table between them. You can refer to it and make an appropriate choice.
| Comparison perspective | Surface Finish | Durability | Production Speed | Cost |
| Sublimation tumbler | Smooth and flat | More scratch-resistant | Fast | Lower cost, stable profit |
| Epoxy tumbler | Thick glossy coating | May yellow over time | Slow | Higher cost, higher price |
The sublimation tumbler is a good choice if you are seeking stable profits and prefer large-scale efficient customization. And if you want your product to be more unique and want to enter the personalized handmade market, then it is recommended that you choose the epoxy tumbler.
FAQ
Which Tumbler Type Is Better For Beginners In The Custom Drinkware Business?
For beginners in the custom drinkware business, the sublimation tumbler is always more suitable.
The sublimation tumbler has a high degree of automation, which can help beginners effectively expand the order size.
Compared with the sublimation tumbler, the epoxy tumbler relies on human effort, requires a longer production time, and is more sensitive to environmental conditions. It is difficult for beginners to manage them.
Are Epoxy Tumblers Safe For Long-term Use?
Under normal circumstances, epoxy tumblers are safe for external decorative use, but they must be made of high-quality epoxy resin that meets food safety standards and must be manufactured correctly and fully cured.
Can Sublimation Tumblers Be Customized In Small Quantities?
Yes, the sublimation tumbler can be customized in small quantities because this process is digital and does not require any changes to the molds. Small-batch customization can reduce inventory risks and make product testing easier.
Which Tumbler Type Is More Profitable For Wholesale Businesses?
For wholesale businesses, the sublimation tumbler is more profitable. Because it can be produced in large quantities efficiently and has stable product quality, it is easier to plan inventory and bring stable profits. And although epoxy tumblers have a larger margin of profit, they are not suitable for large-scale production.
Is It Possible To Combine Sublimation Printing With Epoxy Coating?
Yes. The common combination method is to first apply sublimation printing, and then add epoxy resin as a decoration or protective layer after the sublimation process is completed.
This makes the tumblers more visually appealing, but it requires a more complex production process, longer production time, and higher production costs.
Final Thought
Knowing the differences between sublimation and epoxy tumblers makes it easier to pick the right one for your business. Kreat is an experienced tumbler manufacturer. If you want to know more about custom tumblers, just contact us at any time!
Answer All Your Questions
