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The AM.CO.ZA Sublimation Inks and Products, Surface by Surface: What Takes Sublimation, and the Paper, Press and Attachment for Each

This page started as an October 2023 sublimationinks.co.za post, "The AM.CO.ZA Sublimation Printing Inks and Products". The post said AM.CO.ZA's inks transfer onto "a variety of substrates, from textiles and ceramics to metals and plastics", resist fading after washing, and come with a one-stop range of heat presses, paper, blanks and accessories. This deepened version turns those claims into a practical guide: for each surface you might want to print, whether sublimation works on it, which paper to use, and which AM.CO.ZA press or attachment fits it, with the settings AM.CO.ZA shows in its own videos. Every product is linked, and the original post is kept at the bottom.

Other sublimationinks pages cover other angles: every product family on the AM.CO.ZA sublimation range, mapped, printer and printhead compatibility on buying sublimation ink, what to buy first on low-cost sublimation, getting the same result every time on sublimation on a low budget, done right first time, warranty and spares on affordable sublimation that lasts, bulk orders on the profitable world of sublimation printing, and five starter projects on five sublimation projects.

Facts come from the AM.CO.ZA product data behind buythis.co.za (product JSON on am.im; dump dated up to 2026-10-19) and from AM.CO.ZA's YouTube videos, each named where it is used. Prices change, so check the current price on each linked Buythis page. Stock is not shown here.

Quick answer

Which surfaces take sublimation

Surface Does sublimation work? What AM.CO.ZA's data and videos say
White or light polyester fabric Yes, the main use Paper descriptions name "light colour poly-fabric"; the dye bonds with polyester fibres (Why can you not press onto cotton or natural fibers? (2025-02-12))
Polyester-cotton blends Partly A 60% polyester shirt took far more ink than a 60% cotton one, and the cotton share washes out
Cotton, light Not with sublimation paper Use the L transfer papers for up to 95% cotton (AM.CO.ZA New Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper for Dark and Light, Polyester and Cotton Fabric (2020-03-16))
Cotton, dark Not with sublimation paper Use the dark-fabric transfer paper, which has a white background and is cut out around the design
Dark polyester Not recommended In AM.CO.ZA's paper test, the dark-fabric paper on a dark polyester shirt took up the shirt's dye and the print came out black (MakersLAB.TV S1E7 - Testing Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper on Cotton and Polyester Fabric (2020-03-16))
Coated ceramic and glass mugs Yes The mug presses are described for "compatible coated mugs" and "compatible ceramic and glass mugs"
Coated tiles, plates, metal panels and promotional items Yes, when made for sublimation Ink and paper descriptions name "specially coated products" and "sublimation-compatible hard surfaces, such as coated mugs, tiles and promotional items"
Plain uncoated metal, wood or plastic No The 2023 post listed metals and plastics, but AM.CO.ZA's own product data only claims coated or polymer-coated items, so buy blanks made for sublimation

The short rule: if it is not polyester or poly-coated, sublimation dye has nothing to bond to.

The paper for each surface

Paper Size and weight Use it for How to print
H-PAPER/A4, H-PAPER/A3 A4 or A3, 100 g, 100 sheets per bag Coated hard blanks and light polyester fabric Sublimation ink, mirror image
H-PAPER/ROLL/1520, H-PAPER/ROLL/1600 1,520 mm or 1,600 mm wide, 100 m, 120 g Sportswear, flags, banners, soft signage and décor fabric on roll printers Sublimation ink on a roll-to-roll printer such as F1-1804/SUB, F2-1804/SUB
H-PAPER/A4L, H-PAPER/A3L A4 or A3, 20 sheets per bag Light fabrics with or without cotton, up to 95% cotton Normal inkjet or laser printer, mirror image
H-PAPER/DARK/A4, H-PAPER/DARK/A3 A4 or A3, 20 sheets per bag Dark fabrics with or without cotton, up to 95% cotton Normal inkjet printer, then cut out around the design

The MakersLAB paper test MakersLAB.TV S1E7 - Testing Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper on Cotton and Polyester Fabric (2020-03-16) compared all three types and gave these working settings:

Both transfer papers stretched with the fabric and returned to shape in the test. Treat these as starting points and test on your own blanks.

The press or attachment for each shape

What you are printing AM.CO.ZA press or attachment What the product record says
T-shirts, bags, cushion covers, fabric panels H-PRESS/2938, H-HOBBY/3838C, H-PRESS/3838, H-PRESS/3838C 290 x 380 mm (930 W) or 380 x 380 mm flat platens, swing-away or clamshell
Larger garments and panels H-PRESS/4050, H-PRESS/4060 400 x 500 mm clamshell with sliding base; 400 x 600 mm swing-away, 1,800 W
Flat runs with two stations H-PRESS/4060D, H-PRESS/6080D Twin-station, air-lifting, with crosshair alignment lasers; one item is prepared while the other presses
Standard 320 ml mugs H-HOBBY/MUG, H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO, H-PRESS/MUG 320 W portable (to 210 °C), 280 W one-button automatic (to 200 °C), and a single mug press for ceramic and glass mugs
Mugs five at a time H-PRESS/MUG5 Five mug holders pressed together
Mugs by size on a lock stand H-PRESS/CUP, H-PRESS/MUG240, H-PRESS/MUG320 The lock stand holds a heating pad; 240 ml pad for about 71 mm diameter, 320 ml pad for about 82 mm
Cone-shaped cups H-PRESS/CUP350, H-PRESS/CUP500 Tapered pads for 350 ml and 500 ml cone cups that a cylinder pad cannot press properly
Skinny tumblers and tall drinkware H-HOBBY/TUMBLER, H-PRESS/TUMBLER, H-PRESS/MUG/ALL Up to about 85 mm diameter and 270 mm long; the F270 can also press two standard mugs at once; the MUG/ALL presses automatically
Caps, hats and beanies H-HOBBY/CAP, H-PRESS/CAP, H-PRESS/CAP4 A 310 W cap press with stretcher and 70, 75 and 100 mm pads; a curved pad of about 60 x 125 mm; an advanced press with four interchangeable pads
Round plates H-PRESS/DISK12, H-PRESS/DISK15 120 mm+ disk for plates of 200 mm (8 inch) or more; 150 mm+ disk for 250 mm (10 inch) or more
Sneakers and shoes H-PRESS/SHOE A shoe platen for compatible Heatware multifunction presses
Pens H-PRESS/PEN, H-PRESS/PENS Six pen slots, so six pens per cycle; the silicone six-pen attachment
Shaped items H-HOBBY/3D 800 W, 180 x 205 mm heating pad plus a silicone vacuum chamber for flat and shaped items, up to 220 °C
Lanyards and ribbons H-ROLLER/300/E4 300 mm working width, 4 kW, up to 260 °C
Roll fabric H-ROLLER/1600/E6, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35 1,620 mm, 1,700 mm and 3,200 mm roller presses for sportswear, flags, banners and décor

Keep a non-stick sheet such as H-FABRIC/XXL (PTFE-coated, 500 x 500 mm) between the platen and the work, and a silicone mat such as H-MAT/3838 under it. To hold paper on mugs and tumblers, use a heat-resistant tape such as H-TAPE/THERMAL/T20, a 0.08 mm Teflon-based tape that leaves no residue.

One press for many surfaces: what each multifunction combo includes

These are the attachments named in each product's own title.

Combo Flat press Attachments named
H-HOBBY/M5 290 x 380 mm, 850 W 320 ml mug, cap, plate-pressing sponges
H-HOBBY/P5 250 x 300 mm, 1,000 W portable 320 ml mug, cap, plate-pressing sponges
H-PRESS/MT5 290 x 380 mm, 1,400 W Mug, two plate sizes, cap
H-PRESS/MT6 290 x 380 mm, 1,400 W Two mug pads, two plate sizes, cap
H-PRESS/MT8 290 x 380 mm, 1,400 W All seven 3D shape presses (mugs, plates, cups, caps)
H-PRESS/MT9 290 x 380 mm, 1,400 W All 3D shape presses plus the shoe press
H-PRESS/MT10 290 x 380 mm, 1,400 W All 3D shape presses plus shoe and pen presses
H-PRESS/MT8E, H-PRESS/MT10E 380 x 380 mm, 1,400 W As the MT8 and MT10, with the larger flat press

The MT range's records give a temperature range of 93 °C to 232 °C. Heatware 9 Function Heat Press Function Combo Unit Mug Cap Shoe and T Shirt Press Explained (2018-08-25) and Multi Function Heat Press, Heatware 9 in 1 Combo Function Explained, Mini Series Part 3 Cup and Mug (2018-08-28) show how each attachment mounts, including the lock stand for cylinder and cone cups, where a shank adjusts the press pressure. On the extended models the cap press mounts differently: #SortIT Difference Between Heat Press Combo Extended Version and Standard, How Cap Press Works (2021-02-05) uses the two outer holes on the MT5E and turns the suspension pad 180 degrees so the top and bottom of the cap press line up, and Correct Way Install Cap Press Attachment on Upgraded MT5/MT6/MT8 Multifunctional Heat Press Machine (2025-08-23) covers the upgraded MT5, MT6 and MT8. The shoe press comes with two brackets, four bolts and four wing nuts, tightened by hand (Install Shoe Press (H-PRESS/SHOE) on Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Range (2026-05-07)).

Settings AM.CO.ZA shows, surface by surface

Settings differ between presses, so use these as a starting point, follow the manual for your press, and test on a spare blank.

Surface Setting shown Source
T-shirt on the Hobby M5 flat press 185 °C for 25 seconds, under a Teflon sheet How H-HOBBY M5 Heat Press Combo Press Mugs, Caps, Flat T-Shirt and Plates (2025-05-25)
Cap on the Hobby M5 200 °C for 40 seconds, cold peel How H-HOBBY M5 Heat Press Combo Press Mugs, Caps, Flat T-Shirt and Plates (2025-05-25)
Mug on the Hobby M5 200 °C, pressure adjusted so the mug is held firmly but not too tight How H-HOBBY M5 Heat Press Combo Press Mugs, Caps, Flat T-Shirt and Plates (2025-05-25)
Mug on dial-control mug presses About 200 °C for about 30 seconds How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29)
Mug on the flat-panel automatic press 190 °C (its maximum) for about 30 seconds How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29)
Mug on the standalone mug press 200 °C (392 to 396 °F); the video's timer is set to 200 seconds and starts once temperature is stable Standalone Mug Heat Press Machine Usage Guide, Temperature and Pressure Settings, Function Review (2023-05-14)
Mug on the Hobby automatic mug press Heats to its 200 °C maximum; press when the light turns green Operation Guide for Heatware Hobby Automatic Mug Heat Press, One Button Simple Auto Press (2025-08-03)
Tumbler The customer's manual gave 230 °C for 40 seconds; the customer presses for 30 seconds so it does not burn Tumbler Press Tumbler Water Bottle Heat Press Customized Tumbler Print by Pixie Sparkles (2023-12-07)
White polyester shirt with sublimation paper 200 °C for 90 seconds MakersLAB.TV S1E7 - Testing Sublimation and Heat Transfer Paper on Cotton and Polyester Fabric (2020-03-16)

Two practical notes from the videos. Some presses arrive set to Fahrenheit, so a reading of 200 is 200 °F (about 93 °C): on the cap press, hold the left and right keys together for five seconds to switch to Celsius (Adjust Temperature on Cap Press to Celsius from Fahrenheit to Allow Temperature Setting Below 200 (2026-01-21)), and on the mug presses hold the button for about six seconds (How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29)). For drinkware, remove plastic parts before pressing, wear heat gloves, and secure the paper with heat tape on every edge (Tumbler Press Tumbler Water Bottle Heat Press Customized Tumbler Print by Pixie Sparkles (2023-12-07), Standalone Mug Heat Press Sublimation Printing Machine Usage Tips for Handle to Handle Mug Print (2021-03-22)).

Fabrics: what changes from one polyester to the next

Sublimation Colour Swatch on Matte Acetate, Honeycomb Mesh, Brushed Spandex & Prolite Soft Polyester (2022-04-05) prints a colour swatch on matte acetate, brushed spandex, honeycomb mesh and soft polyester and explains what to watch:

Brushed spandex with some cotton in it was chosen for soft pillowcases in MakersLAB.TV S2E7 - Printing and Sewing Fully 100% Polyester Sublimation Fabric Pillowcases (2020-09-09), which is a reminder that a small cotton share still lowers how much colour stays. For roll fabric, F1-1804D/SUB: AM.CO.ZA Double head Sublimation printers printing rolls of sportswear on H-PAPER/ROLL/1600 sublimation paper in Windhoek Namibia. (2025-04-24) shows double-head printers printing sportswear rolls on H-PAPER/ROLL/1600.

Inks for each kind of printer, and special effects

Ink Size Use
H-INK/COMBO/100 Four 100 ml bottles, CMYK Compatible office and home piezoelectric inkjet printers, including suitable Epson EcoTank models
H-SUBLINOVA/100MK, H-SUBLINOVA/100MC, H-SUBLINOVA/100MM, H-SUBLINOVA/100MY 100 ml per colour SubliNova Smart DT104 refills for compatible printers
H2-INK/COMBO/CMYK Four 1 kg bottles High-volume large-format production
H2-INK/COMBO/NEON 1 kg fluorescent magenta and yellow Prints that glow under ultraviolet light

The 2018 video on this page, Affordable Sublimation Ink for Sublimation Printing from AM CO ZA for Office Inkjet Printer (2018-10-30), makes the original point: sublimation uses four colours, cyan, magenta, yellow and black, and for most applications a normal office printer is good enough. AM.CO.ZA Sublimation Inks: Neon Fluorescent, 6 Colour CMYK/LM/LC & Easy Refill Nozzle for 100ml Ink (2021-07-18) adds that the 100 ml bottles have an easy-pour cap, the 1 litre bottles come in six colours (adding light cyan and light magenta), and neon comes in yellow and magenta.

For special effects, Sublimating with Neon Inks (Fluorescent inks) is very cool! (2025-10-01) pours neon magenta and neon yellow straight into the printer's tanks; the print looks normal in room light and glows under ultraviolet light. Neon Sublimation Ink ICC Colour Profiles by InkRIP Software (2025-11-18) covers colour profiles for neon ink in InkRIP. And Pens with Sublimation Inks Draw on Sublimation Paper, Sublimation Printing Without Printer (2024-10-27) traces a design by hand onto sublimation paper with sublimation pens, then presses it onto a mug; the team reused the same traced sheet four times.

The 2023 claims, checked

2023 claim What AM.CO.ZA's data and videos show
Inks transfer onto textiles, ceramics, metals and plastics True for polyester textiles and for ceramics, metals and plastics that carry a sublimation coating. AM.CO.ZA's product data claims only coated or polymer-coated hard items, so uncoated metal and plastic are not covered.
Prints resist fading, cracking and peeling after washing Supported on polyester: the dye is in the fabric, with no film to crack or peel. On cotton the print washes out in proportion to the cotton content (Why can you not press onto cotton or natural fibers? (2025-02-12)). No wash-test counts are published, so quote none.
A comprehensive one-stop range Supported: the tables above link papers, inks, flat, drinkware, cap, plate, shoe, pen, 3D and roller presses, attachments and accessories, all sold through Buythis.
Exceptional value for money Prices change and are not quoted here; compare current prices on the linked Buythis pages.

FAQ

Can I sublimate onto a cotton T-shirt? Not with sublimation paper; the print washes out of the cotton. Use H-PAPER/A4L or H-PAPER/A3L on light fabric and H-PAPER/DARK/A4 or H-PAPER/DARK/A3 on dark fabric, both rated for up to 95% cotton.

Can I sublimate onto a black polyester shirt? Sublimation dye cannot print lighter than the fabric, and in AM.CO.ZA's paper test the dark-fabric paper failed on dark polyester because the shirt's dye came through. Use white or light polyester for sublimation.

Why does my mug or plate not take the print? Check that it is a sublimation blank with a coating; ordinary ceramics are not coated. Boxes of 36 standard 320 ml sublimation blank mugs are sold as H-PRESS/MUG/36.

Which single machine covers the most surfaces? The H-PRESS/MT10 or H-PRESS/MT10E, which add shoe and pen presses to the flat, mug, cup, plate and cap attachments. For shaped items that no pad fits, look at the H-HOBBY/3D vacuum press.

Do I need a special printer for the L and dark papers? No. Their product records say they print on a normal inkjet printer (the L papers also on a laser printer), not with sublimation ink.

How long does a print take on a mug? It depends on the press: AM.CO.ZA's videos show about 30 seconds at around 200 °C on dial-control mug presses and a longer timer on the standalone press. Follow your press's manual and test.

Where do I get help? AM.CO.ZA publishes setup and fault videos on its YouTube channel, and later videos name showrooms in Sunnyrock (Johannesburg) and Montague Gardens (Cape Town).

Videos

Related pages

Original post (2023, sublimationinks.co.za)

Source: https://sublimationinks.co.za/sublimation-printing-inks-products

In the world of sublimation printing inks, where vibrant designs and lasting impressions are paramount, finding a balance between quality and affordability can often be a challenging task. Enter the AM.CO.ZA and Buythis.co.za range of sublimation printing inks and products – a game-changer for those seeking exceptional results without breaking the bank. In this article, we delve into why the AM.CO.ZA range, for sale via the https://sublimationinks.co.za/shop, stands as the pinnacle of low-budget sublimation solutions.

https://youtu.be/77cPo5KGrP0?si=GuzufsXif7AKimGC

Innovative Formulation for Spectacular Results

AM.CO.ZA's sublimation printing inks are meticulously formulated to provide outstanding colour vibrancy, sharpness, and durability, all while maintaining an attractive price point. These inks have undergone rigorous testing to ensure consistent quality, making them the ideal choice for businesses and individuals operating on a tight budget.

The key to the success of AM.CO.ZA's sublimation inks lies in their innovative formulation. They have been engineered to seamlessly transfer onto a variety of substrates, from textiles and ceramics to metals and plastics, ensuring a high level of versatility that few low-budget options can match. This adaptability opens up a world of creative possibilities for users, making it an excellent investment for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Uncompromised Durability

One of the most compelling reasons to choose the AM.CO.ZA range of Sublimation printing products is the durability they offer. Despite being budget-friendly, these products don't compromise on quality or lifespan. The sublimation inks are designed to withstand the test of time, resisting fading, cracking, and peeling, even after multiple washes or exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

Whether you're creating personalized apparel, home décor items, or promotional materials, the longevity of AM.CO.ZA's sublimation inks ensures that your creations will remain vibrant and captivating, consistently exceeding the expectations of both you and your customers.

Comprehensive Product Range

Beyond the exceptional sublimation inks, AM.CO.ZA offers a comprehensive range of sublimation products that cater to every aspect of the printing process. From heat presses, and sublimation paper to blank substrates and accessories, their product lineup covers all the essentials required for successful sublimation printing.

By providing a one-stop solution for all sublimation needs, AM.CO.ZA simplifies the process of sourcing equipment and materials, saving both time and money. This integrated approach ensures that users can achieve professional-grade results without the need for extensive research or investing in multiple suppliers.

Exceptional Value for Money

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the AM.CO.ZA range is the value it offers. Low-budget sublimation solutions often come with trade-offs, forcing users to compromise on quality or variety. However, AM.CO.ZA's commitment to excellence and affordability means that users can access high-quality sublimation inks and products without straining their budgets.

In a market where subpar products can lead to disappointment and wasted resources, AM.CO.ZA stands out as a beacon of reliability, providing a range of sublimation printing solutions that deliver exceptional value for money. This allows businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative enthusiasts to achieve their desired outcomes without compromising on their vision or financial constraints.

Conclusion

The AM.CO.ZA range of sublimation printing inks and products stands as a testament to the possibility of combining excellence with affordability. By offering innovative formulation, unwavering durability, a comprehensive product range, and exceptional value for money, AM.CO.ZA has carved a niche for itself in the realm of low-budget sublimation solutions.

Whether you're a startup looking to make a mark or an established business seeking cost-effective alternatives, the AM.CO.ZA range empowers you to bring your creative visions to life without compromising on quality. It's a testament to the fact that achieving remarkable sublimation results doesn't have to come at an exorbitant price – and that excellence can indeed be within reach for everyone.

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