The Hidden Danger In Metal Sublimation Tumblers

By JG Electronics | 16 September 2024 |
Metal Sublimation Tumblers

Did you know that metal sublimation tumblers could be hiding a dangerous secret? While these stylish and customizable drinkware items are popular for their durability and aesthetic look, not all tumblers are created equal. Some may pose hidden health risks that many users are unaware of.

As a business that specializes in selling blank metal sublimation tumblers, it’s crucial to be aware of the hidden dangers that could affect the quality and safety of the products. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the potential hazards associated with certain types of metal sublimation tumblers and provide you with essential information to ensure you are offering the safest and highest quality products to your clients. Stay informed and protect your business by understanding what to look out for.

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How To Sublimate On Metal Sublimation Tumblers?

Let's first explain what metal sublimation means.  It is a printing process that involves transferring dye onto metal surfaces using heat. This technique allows for vibrant, high-resolution images to be permanently embedded into the metal, creating durable and visually appealing designs.

The process begins with printing the desired image onto a special sublimation paper using sublimation inks. The printed paper is then placed onto the metal surface, and both are subjected to high heat and pressure in a heat press.

The heat causes the dye to turn into gas and bond with the metal at a molecular level, resulting in a long-lasting and scratch-resistant finish. Metal sublimation is commonly used for creating customized drinkware, such as tumblers and mugs, as well as other personalized items.

There are two main grades of stainless steel

  • Lower grade (SS201):

    This grade rusts unless pre-treated. It is often used in products where cost is a significant factor, but it requires additional coatings or treatments to prevent rust and corrosion.

  • High grade (SS304):

    This grade doesn’t rust and is naturally more expensive. It is highly resistant to corrosion and is commonly used in food and beverage applications due to its durability and safety.

Most of our products are made from SS304 grade stainless steel. However, to offer a variety of price points and accommodate all customers, we also provide some products made from treated SS201.

Uncovering the hidden dangers in metal sublimation tumblers.

The 3 grades of stainless steel sublimation tumblers

  • SS201 Grade (Untreated):

    These are the cheapest and most commonly sold to countries like South Africa, India, and similar jurisdictions that don’t have stringent safety checks. They are extremely dangerous because they start to rust on the inside if any acidic drink is put into them. Acidic drinks include fruit juices, beer, wine, mixed drinks, and water (if the pH is < 7).

  • SS201 Grade (Coated):

    These are mid-priced and have a polyurethane coating on the inside (similar to the coating used on mugs) to prevent the liquid from coming into direct contact with the metal, thus preventing rust. These are safe to use. When we purchase SS201 grade, we insist on coated versions and test them thoroughly. We’ve had to scrap merchandise that failed the test and absorb the loss.

  • SS304 Grade:

    The most expensive (this is what we predominantly sell). They are matte silver on the outside (unless they have a white coating). There are no rust issues, and they are absolutely food safe. This is the stainless steel grade used in food production machinery.

How do you the customer know which grade you are buying?

For determining the grade of the item, consider its magnetic properties. Even a slight magnetic attraction indicates a lower grade. Additionally, examine the outer and inner colors. If the outer color appears shiny and there is a noticeable difference in color compared to the inner color, it indicates a lower grade.

On the other hand, if the outer color is a matte silver (assuming the metal is visible and not covered by white), it signifies the highest grade.

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Understanding The Key Differences Between Stainless Steel 304 and 201

Composition:

SS201 has a high metal content with a bright exterior and a darker sheen, making it prone to rust. In contrast, SS304 contains more chromium, has a matte finish, and is resistant to rust.

Corrosion Resistance:

SS201 has relatively low nickel content and high manganese content, making it cheaper than SS304 but more susceptible to rust when exposed to acidic environments (pH < 7). This susceptibility is due to the lower nickel content, which is crucial for corrosion resistance. SS201 is often used in less demanding applications where cost is a significant factor.

In contrast, SS304 contains higher levels of chromium and nickel, which significantly enhance its resistance to corrosion and oxidation. The chromium forms a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface, which prevents further surface corrosion and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal’s internal structure.

Additionally, SS304’s higher nickel content improves its resistance to acidic and chloride environments, making it ideal for use in food processing, chemical containers, and marine environments. However, these enhanced properties come at a higher cost, reflecting the increased price of the raw materials used in SS304.

Mechanical Properties:

SS201 stainless steel is harder than SS304, which gives it a higher tensile strength. However, this increased hardness comes at the cost of reduced toughness, making SS201 more susceptible to metal fatigue and cracking under stress. SS304, on the other hand, has a better balance of strength and ductility, providing greater resistance to impact and deformation.

This makes SS304 more suitable for applications where durability and longevity are critical.

Experience the Difference with JG Electronics

At JG Electronics, we are committed to providing only the highest quality products to our customers. While our prices may sometimes appear higher than those of our competitors, this is a reflection of the superior quality and safety of our products.

We believe that investing in premium materials, such as SS304 grade stainless steel, ensures that you receive durable, reliable, and safe products that stand the test of time. By choosing JG Electronics, you are choosing peace of mind and exceptional value.

We invite you to experience the difference that quality makes and join our many satisfied customers who trust us for their sublimation needs.

Shop Our High-Quality Metal Sublimation Tumblers

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