Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Hopefully this is the correct forum for this question. I got the idea to print a few of these hockey coasters for the team I coach. I would like to put our organization’s logo in the bottom part of the coaster, and I am guessing a vinyl sticker would work the best. My problem is how do I go about getting the stickers? The way I see it I can do one of the following;
- Purchase a machine/device to print vinyl labels.
- Purchase ink jet paper (like this Avery product) that allows me to print on vinyl stock, and then seal them with something like this.
- Try to find a business to outsource them to.
Being somewhat of a creator now ☺️, I’m not opposed to the first option but I have no idea of where to start. I searched through the forums and see mention of vinyl cutters, is that what I would use to create a vinyl sticker? If you have experience with these machines, can you guide me to a “Prusa like” version to look at?
Option 2 seems to be the easiest/cheapest. Does anyone have experience with this process and would it work? I’m guessing I would have to cut them all out by hand afterwards? Or is that where the “vinyl cutter” comes in to play?
Option 3 seems like it would be the easiest to do, but I have no sourcing info. If someone is aware of a reputable source (Not that it matters but I’m in the US) please let me know.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Best Answer by RandyM9:
Saw an ad today for a site called stickermule.com …
I don’t know anything about them, other than it sounds affordable (based on the ad). Maybe worth a look?
Cheers
Mini+MK3S+XL 5 Tool
How many do you need? It would have to be several thousands to justify buying specialist equipment.
Take a look at these threads and consider another option.
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/prusaslicer/manual-multicolor/
Cheerio,
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
How many do you need? It would have to be several thousands to justify buying specialist equipment.
Take a look at these threads and consider another option.
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/prusaslicer/manual-multicolor/
Cheerio,
Thanks for the links, I’ve actually found those earlier for a different project, and will be experimenting with the “multiple extruders” soon. 😁
For this project the level of detail is too great for the small area. I’m going to have to go with some kind of label, especially with the number of coasters I will be printing. Because it’s a coaster I’m going to have to use a sticker/label that’s robust. I’m imagining it will take some liquid by it’s nature. Spending more time and thinking this through option 2 seems like the best place to start. If that doesn’t work out I’m only out $20 or so.
Mini+MK3S+XL 5 Tool
Do some more prototyping. Vinyl might not be suitable for hot drinks, the glue used likewise. PLA won't take hot drinks well and PETG may not allow the slide/tilt mechanism - experiment with filaments until you find one that meets the functional requirements then look into compatible stickers and glues.
Take a look at the personalised ceramic mugs market - they use heat resistant transfers to decorate to order, is there a hobby level equivalent and does it stick to any printable filaments?
Cheerio,
RE:
Admittedly I never thought about temperature. I’ll run some tests, but my initial research shows first degree burns occurring at 118ºF (47.8ºC). From what I’ve read, the glass transition temperature of PLA is around 140 to 150 degrees F (60 to 65 degrees C). While I will definitely test, I’m thinking PLA would be fine. Otherwise people would be burning themselves on the mug if they are drinking something hot. We’ll see after tomorrow’s morning coffee.
Labels on the other hand 🤷♂️. I ordered the Avery labels and will report back. I’ll test the coasters tonight with cold beer and see if that changes anything. 😉
Mini+MK3S+XL 5 Tool
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Double check your math.
a rare steak has an internal temperature of 120F.
a well done steak is 160F.
Don’t trust forum advice.
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Not sure what you mean @eric-e, I found it here and a few other sites concur. Granted I’m sure there’s some grey area, age, are of the body, etc., but I know it’s recommended not to set hot water tanks higher than 120ºF.
As for the steak you aren’t eating it at that temp. If you did you could burn your mouth. You generally eat it at a few degrees under 120.
Mini+MK3S+XL 5 Tool
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Many PLA's will start to soften at 40c. Parts that are under tension will creep at much lower temps than you would expect. Cant really leave pla parts in a shed or the car on a summer day unless they are small and 'static'.
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
@razor - to your original question. Cricut is probably the best bet for "craft" type cutters. For buying pre-made: can't help to think of Vistaprint (seen too many ads for it); but I am sure there are tons of such services and you can google what is close to you and reviews (and such). It would be cool if you post back once you choose what you are going with and perhaps even pictures of the final product.
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
@razor Have a look at Laser Engravable Plastic.
No need to buy the laser yourself, just find a makerspace in your area.
If you do like buying I can recommend the Muse though...
Just don't invest in the fume extractor, just vent outside (replacement filters are too costly in the long run)
Having problems with bed adhesion every morning...
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Saw an ad today for a site called stickermule.com …
I don’t know anything about them, other than it sounds affordable (based on the ad). Maybe worth a look?
Cheers
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Saw an ad today for a site called stickermule.com …
I don’t know anything about them, other than it sounds affordable (based on the ad). Maybe worth a look?
Cheers
Thank you. I went ahead and placed an order for a sample set. I think these are perfect for what I’m looking for.
As for my test coaster, two morning’s worth of coffee, a few afternoon lattes, and several beers later, the PLA is holding up fine.
Mini+MK3S+XL 5 Tool
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Ok, drumroll…. 🥁
So my top layer on the body is now blue, to match the blue lines in hockey. I drew a red goal line with an ultra-fine Sharpie red marker. Finally I went with Randy’s suggestion and purchased custom die-cut labels from stickermule. The next plan is to print one of these for each player on the team as a Christmas present. I have 19 to make for my son’s team, and I think I’m just going to give some to the coaching staff on my daughter’s team which is another 5.
That’s a lot of printing for my Mini, I hope my MK3S+ arrives soon! 😆
Mini+MK3S+XL 5 Tool
RE: Guidance Needed With Vinyl Stickers
Excellent! Looks terrific!
RE:
Update since Christmas is near... A majority of these were made two at a time on my Mini. The MK3S+ didn't come until late in the game. I've already given quite a few away already to buddies and coaches. Too bad I can't get Prusameters for each one of these. 😂
Mini+MK3S+XL 5 Tool