For those seeking large quantities or custom specifications, buying directly from an OEM/ODM manufacturer like watersytumbler is an excellent option. As an experienced manufacturer in the stainless steel drinkware industry, we specializes in producing high-quality sublimation-ready tumblers. These tumblers are made from premium materials such as 18/8 stainless steel and come pre-coated with a polymer layer designed to bond with sublimation ink, ensuring long-lasting, vibrant prints.

By purchasing directly from manufacturers, businesses and brands can access wholesale pricing and customization services. At watersytumbler, for example, we offer a wide range of customization options, including various sizes, shapes, handle types, lids, and finishes to meet specific project requirements. Additionally, we provide Pantone color matching and branding options like laser engraving or screen printing, which allow for further personalization beyond sublimation.

Advantages of Buying from OEM/ODM Manufacturers:

• Customization: Full control over design, size, shape, and branding.
• Bulk Pricing: Cost-effective for larger orders.
• High-Quality Materials: Premium-grade stainless steel and coatings for optimal sublimation results.
• Certifications: Our products meet international standards (FDA, LFGB, etc.), ensuring safety and durability.

Sublimation printing transfers vibrant, full-color designs onto a specially coated tumbler using heat and pressure, resulting in durable, high-quality images that won’t fade.

1. Create Your Design

Sublimation works best with high-resolution, digital images, so ensure that your artwork is at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for crisp and vibrant results. You can design your image using software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or CorelDRAW. Pay close attention to the dimensions of your tumbler, as you’ll need to adjust your design to wrap around it perfectly without distortions.

2. Printing the Design with Sublimation Ink

Sublimation printers, such as those from Sawgrass or Epson, are specifically designed to handle sublimation ink. Standard inkjet or laser printers won’t work for sublimation because the ink must be specially formulated to transfer under heat. Make sure to use sublimation paper for printing, which is designed to hold and release the ink onto the tumbler during the transfer process.

3. Cut and Prepare the Transfer

After printing your design, trim the excess sublimation paper to ensure it fits the tumbler perfectly. Wrap the printed sublimation paper tightly around the tumbler, with the design facing inward. To keep the paper securely in place, use heat-resistant tape to prevent movement during pressing. Ensure the tape doesn’t cover any important parts of the design. Additionally, to protect your tumbler from unwanted ink residue or damage, wrap the entire tumbler in protective shrink wrap or a silicone sleeve. This will hold the transfer paper snugly against the tumbler and help create even pressure during the heating process.

4. Use a Heat Press or Oven

There are two primary methods for sublimating tumblers.

• Tumbler Heat Press: This machine is specifically designed for cylindrical items like tumblers. Set the press to the recommended temperature (typically 350°F to 400°F or 175°C to 205°C) and apply pressure for around 60 to 90 seconds.
• Convection Oven: If using an oven, preheat it to around 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped tumbler inside the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, rotating it halfway through to ensure even heating. For this method, you’ll need sublimation shrink wraps or silicone wraps to maintain pressure during the process.

5. Cooling and Unwrapping

Once the heating process is complete, carefully remove the tumbler using heat-resistant gloves. The tumbler will be extremely hot, so handle it with care. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before peeling off the shrink wrap or silicone sleeve, along with the sublimation paper.

When it comes to selecting the best 40oz tumbler with a handle, several factors need to be considered—ranging from insulation performance and design to durability, material quality, and user-friendly features.

1. Superior Insulation Performance

The best tumblers with handles should feature double-walled vacuum insulation and copper plating process, which prevents heat transfer through conduction and convection. This structure keeps cold beverages chilled for much longer time.

2. Ergonomic Handle

At watersytumbler, we design handles that are seamlessly integrated into the tumbler’s body, using reinforced materials to ensure long-lasting durability. A well-designed handle should accommodate various hand sizes and ensure stability while carrying the tumbler on the go.

3. Leak-Proof Lid

Our 40oz tumblers come with a variety of BPA-free plastic lids that are designed to match different user preferences. Whether you prefer a straw lid, a wide-mouth opening, or a snap-lock system, we offer multiple options to suit your needs. Our lids are tested rigorously for leak resistance, ensuring that they remain secure even when the tumbler is tipped or shaken.

4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

watersytumbler is committed to using BPA-free, food-grade materials, and we offer tumblers made from recycled stainless steel to further minimize our environmental footprint. Our production processes also emphasize low-emission practices, ensuring that your customized tumbler is not only high-quality but also environmentally responsible.

5. Portability

The best tumblers balance size with usability, featuring designs that are still easy to carry and fit into common holders like car cup holders, bike racks, or backpack pockets. At watersytumbler, we ensure that our 40oz tumblers are designed with narrower bases that fit most standard cup holders, ensuring that they can be conveniently used while driving or commuting.

6. Affordability

watersytumbler provides high-quality products at competitive prices, whether you’re looking to order in bulk or in smaller quantities for promotional purposes. Our production efficiency and scale allow us to offer affordable solutions without sacrificing quality.

WatersyTumbler specializes in offering custom-branded tumblers, cups, mugs, and a wide range of stainless steel drinkware. As a leading OEM/ODM, we provide highly flexible and comprehensive customization options to meet the specific branding, functional, and aesthetic needs of our clients.

Full Customization Capabilities

• Size & Shape: Choose from a variety of capacities and shapes, including standard and ergonomic designs.

• Color: We offer a wide array of color choices, from matte and glossy finishes to metallic hues. You can also select Pantone-specific colors for precise branding.

• Surface Treatment: Options include powder coating, polishing, electroplating, and spray painting to achieve the perfect look and feel.

• Lid Types: Customizable lid designs, including straw-friendly, flip-top, sliding lids, or vacuum-sealed versions for extra insulation.

Custom Branding Techniques

• Screen Printing: A cost-effective method for multi-color designs on smooth surfaces. Ideal for simple logos or text with solid colors.

• Pad Printing: Great for applying your design to irregular or curved surfaces, such as tumbler handles or caps.

• Laser Engraving: Offers a sleek and durable branding option, as it etches your logo directly into the stainless steel. Laser engraving is highly resistant to wear and is particularly suitable for high-end or professional-grade products.

• Heat Transfer Printing: This process allows for high-resolution images and more complex, full-color designs, making it perfect for vibrant artwork and intricate logos.

• Water Transfer Printing: For tumblers that require intricate patterns or detailed artwork across the entire surface, this method provides a seamless finish.

• UV Printing: A cutting-edge technology that enables high-quality, long-lasting, and vivid color printing, especially suitable for gradients and images.

Manufacturing an insulated tumbler is a highly technical, multi-step process that involves precision engineering, high-quality materials, and advanced production techniques to ensure the final product delivers superior thermal retention, durability, and aesthetic appeal. For details, please click: Manufacturing Process of Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Tumblers.

Material Selection
The manufacturing journey begins with the selection of premium-grade 304 stainless steel (also known as 18/8 stainless steel). This type of steel is favored due to its excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, its food-safe properties, and its durability under various environmental conditions. The steel is typically used for both the inner and outer layers of the tumbler.

Sheet Metal Forming
Once the raw materials are selected, the next step involves sheet metal forming. Large sheets of stainless steel are cut into the appropriate size and then molded into cylindrical shapes using hydraulic presses.

Vacuum Insulation Technology
After forming the inner and outer walls of the tumbler, these two stainless steel layers are welded together at the top rim. Using highly specialized machinery, a vacuum is created between the walls by evacuating all air. This vacuum acts as a barrier, significantly reducing the transfer of heat through conduction and convection. As a result, hot beverages stay hot and cold beverages remain cold for extended periods.

Surface Finishing and Treatment
Once the vacuum insulation and welding are complete, the tumbler undergoes a series of surface treatments. Polishing is done to smooth out any rough edges and improve the overall appearance of the tumbler. Some tumblers may receive an additional surface coating, such as powder coating or electroplating, depending on the desired aesthetic and functional properties.

Lid and Gasket Manufacturing
WatersyTumbler’s most tumblers feature a lid made from BPA-free plastic, designed for durability and ease of use. The lid may also incorporate silicone gaskets to create an airtight seal, preventing leaks and ensuring maximum temperature retention.

Assembly and Quality Testing
Before the tumbler is shipped out, it undergoes final assembly. The lid is fitted, and any additional components, such as silicone bases or handles, are attached. Once assembled, the tumbler goes through rigorous quality control tests. This includes testing the insulation performance (how long it can keep beverages hot or cold), leak-proof properties, and overall durability.

T/T 30% deposit after order signed and 70% against copy of B/L.
L/C at sight is acceptable too.

Quantity (pieces) 1 – 500 501 – 1000 1001 – 3000 > 3000
Lead time (days) 15 20 25 To be negotiated
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)