Recently, I got my hands on the new Auto Tumbler Press from PYD Life, and I’m excited to share my unboxing experience, first impressions, and a full demo using a 30 oz skinny tumbler. Let’s get started!
Disclosure: I received the Press to review and test out. All opinion are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you
Unboxing the PYD Life Auto Tumbler Press
This machine is ideal for anyone into tumbler sublimation, and its features are designed to make the process easier and more efficient. Here’s a breakdown of what comes in the box, how the press operates, and my initial test results.
When I opened the box, the first things I noticed were the user’s manual, a thank-you card, heat-resistant tape, a glove, and the power cord. These accessories, especially the heat-resistant glove, are helpful for safely handling hot items during the sublimation process.
The press itself has a sleek design with a touchscreen control panel and an automatic wrap closure feature. This means the press will close on its own when you initiate the process, saving you from having to manually adjust it for a tight fit around the tumbler. Another feature I appreciate is the automatic shut-off, which kicks in after 30 minutes of inactivity, adding a layer of safety for busy crafters who might get distracted.
See the full unboxing and demo in the video below:
Features of the PYD Life Auto Tumbler Press
This machine comes with a range of features aimed at making sublimation easy and precise:
- Touchscreen Control Panel: Allows for quick temperature and time adjustments.
- Automatic Wrap Closure: Once you press the start button, the machine wraps around the tumbler tightly for an even press.
- Emergency Stop Button: This button halts the machine instantly if you need to stop the press for any reason.
- Automatic Shut-Off: For safety, the machine powers off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity.
The control panel is straightforward. To turn the machine on, simply tap the power button. Adjusting the temperature and time is easy too; just press the corresponding buttons and use the plus or minus controls to set your desired values. For this demo, I set the temperature to 356°F, which I find works well for PYD Life tumblers, and the time to 60 seconds.
Compatible Tumbler Sizes
According to the manual and box, the PYD Life Auto Tumbler Press can handle various tumbler and mug sizes:
- 20 oz and 30 oz skinny tumblers
- Water bottles (standard and kids’ sizes)
- Glass tumblers
- 11 oz and 15 oz ceramic mugs
The diameter range for compatible items is 2.67 inches to 3.43 inches. This versatility makes the press an excellent tool for a range of sublimation projects.
Testing the Press with a 30 oz Skinny Tumbler
For my first test, I used a 30 oz skinny tumbler. The machine promises fast, even heating and vibrant colors without ghosting. To achieve the best results, I printed my design on PYD Life sublimation paper using my Epson F170 printer. The recommended settings were 356°F for 50 seconds, which I decided to try out for this test.
When the press reaches the set temperature, it beeps until you insert the tumbler and press the start button. For larger tumblers, like the 30 oz size, the press will only cover part of the tumbler at once, so you’ll need to rotate it halfway through. I wore the heat-resistant glove included with the machine to handle the tumbler safely during this process.
Supplies Used:
First Results and Adjustments
After the first press, I noticed the print wasn’t as vibrant as I wanted, so I rotated the tumbler and pressed it again for an additional 60 seconds per side. This extra time seemed to help, as the colors became more vivid. I was pleased with the final print, though I did notice a couple of seams where the sublimation paper overlapped.
Tips for Large Tumbler Prints
If you’re using a sublimation printer like mine, which can only handle 8.5” x 11” and 8.5″x14″ paper, you may run into issues when trying to sublimate larger tumblers. To fit the entire design around the 30 oz tumbler, I had to tape two sheets of sublimation paper together. This created seams that were visible on the final product, particularly on one side where the alignment was more challenging. If you have a wide-format printer, you can avoid this issue entirely by printing the design on a single sheet.
Another tip for even heating: I typically use butcher paper to wrap my tumbler to prevent any sublimation ink from getting onto the heat press. However, the instructions did not mention this step, so I decided to skip it. If you’re concerned about ink transferring, consider using butcher paper as an extra layer.
Plans for Future Tests
Since this was my first test with the PYD Life Auto Tumbler Press, I used the largest compatible tumbler size, the 30 oz skinny. Moving forward, I plan to test smaller sizes, like 20 oz tumblers and 11 oz mugs, as they don’t require piecing together sublimation paper. I’m curious to see if the press performs differently with these smaller items. I’ll be sure to share my results as soon as they’re ready.
Final Thoughts on the PYD Life Auto Tumbler Press
The PYD Life Auto Tumbler Press delivers on its promise of convenience and efficiency for sublimation projects. The automatic wrap feature, touchscreen controls, and emergency stop button make it easy and safe to use, even for those new to sublimation. The press heats quickly and provides even pressure for consistent results, which is crucial for high-quality sublimation.
While the 30 oz skinny tumbler required additional pressing time and paper adjustments due to its size, the press itself performed well. I appreciate the clear temperature and time control, allowing me to adjust as needed. The need to rotate the tumbler for full coverage on larger items is manageable and, with a little practice, easy to incorporate into the workflow.
If you have any questions about the PYD Life Auto Tumbler Press or would like me to test a specific tumbler size, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll do my best to accommodate and share my findings with you.
Thank you for following along with my first impressions and demo. Stay tuned for more tests with different sizes, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have suggestions or want to see a particular project with this machine.
Happy Crafting!
Want more info on PYD LIfe products? Check out these other posts…
The Ultimate Guide to the PYD Life 40L Sublimation Oven
PYD Life 2 in 1 Tumbler Press Review
How to Sublimate Acrylic Signs: A Step-by-Step Guide
DIY Stanley Name Tags with Sublimation
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