Custom Mug and Handled Drinkware Printing

Around the world, one of the most cherished morning rituals is pouring a piping hot cup of coffee. Of course, that excludes those in New England, who famously drink iced coffee all year round. With a hot (or iced) cup of joe serving as such an essential start to the day, it’s no surprise there’s an endless variety of vessels designed to hold it. They’re often treasured souvenirs, too—think about the last diner you visited on a road trip where you just had to take home one of their branded mugs from the gift shop, or that travel mug featuring your favorite franchise.

But have you ever wondered how these mugs are decorated? They can present a printing challenge due to their shape, but specialized solutions like pad printing, dye sublimation, DTF transfers, or even digital printing using high-throw flatbed printers. What handled drinkware applications are out there, and what is the best printer for mugs?

Ceramic Mugs

The timeless mug found in every home, diner, and most breakfast joints is the classic ceramic mug. Dating back to around 3000 BCE and originating from China and Japan, ceramic mugs have stood the test of time. They remain a popular choice for custom printing today, offering a durable and versatile surface for branding.

Watch the X5-T Printer for Mugs

Camp Coffee Mugs

For the seasoned outdoorsman, a camp mug often tells a story through its nicks and dents. In its youth, a camp mug is typically a lightweight, metal (commonly stainless steel) vessel with dappled paint, giving it a rugged, retro look. These mugs make for timeless souvenirs and are a favorite among campers.

Learn More about the S1 UV Ink for Stainless Steel

THE Handled Tumblers

One of the most iconic names in this category is the Stanley Tumbler. While these handled tumblers might not always be hosting 40 ounces of coffee (or maybe they are—no judgment here!), they’ve become wildly popular thanks to clever marketing that taps into the consumer’s subconscious need for supply and demand. Stanley Tumblers originally launched with limited stock in vibrant colors, sparking a sense of urgency among buyers. Since then, they have expanded to include eye-catching patterns and even custom licensed designs, making them both practical and trendy.

Read: Elevating Customization with Extended Throw Printing

Glass Mugs

There’s something undeniably elegant about drinking from a glass mug. Whether it’s a frothy latte or a layered matcha, glass mugs allow you to appreciate the visual appeal of your caffeinated beverage. Their transparent design adds a touch of sophistication to any drink.

Learn more about the DL Series UV Ink for Glass

Travel Insulated Tumblers

Whether you’re commuting, hiking, or simply running errands, travel insulated tumblers are a go-to choice for keeping beverages hot or cold for extended periods. These tumblers are often made of double-walled stainless steel with vacuum insulation, designed to prevent temperature loss and eliminate condensation. They’re available in countless sizes, shapes, and colors, making them highly customizable for branding and personal expression.

Read: How to Print on Handled Drinkware

Choosing the Right UV Printer for Mugs and Handled Drinkware

When it comes to digitally decorating handled drinkware like mugs, traditional UV flatbed printers have been used with some success. These printers excel at printing on flat and slightly curved surfaces by allowing the vessel to rest on the bed instead of rotating like on a cylindrical printer. While standard flatbed printers can print on curved surfaces, the artwork size is typically limited by the proximity of the printhead to the object’s surface.

The X5-T with High Throw Printer offers a game-changing solution to this challenge and is an excellent printer for mugs. With a greater distance between the printhead and the surface of the vessel, the X5-T is designed to achieve larger image sizes on handled drinkware with impressive precision and clarity.

Print area: Full 43.3″ x 24″ (1,100 x 610 mm)
Handled drinkware capacity: Parts up to 19.7″ (500 mm) tall
Coverage: Up to 25% of the curve for mugs and tumblers, and an extended throw distance
Inks: CMYK plus two opaque UV LED-curable whites, with optional varnish for enhanced impact and adhesion

With the proper tooling to hold a bed full of mugs securely in place during the printing process, the X5-T delivers consistent, high-quality results across multiple pieces simultaneously.

This innovation opens up exciting possibilities for customization, branding, and creative design on handled drinkware that was once difficult to decorate digitally. The X5-T High Throw Printer provides a reliable, efficient, and scalable solution for printing bold, vibrant, and durable designs on mugs and other handled drinkware.

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