How to DIY a Phone Case with an HTVRONT H17 Phone Case Heat Press
Written by Mercy Lilian
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Published on
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Reading time for 6 min
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Your phone goes everywhere with you. A customized phone case doesn't just protect your device — it expresses your personality. And now, the new HTVRONT H17 phone case heat press makes it easier than ever to transfer vibrant, durable designs to phone cases. But that's not all — you can also use it to customize coasters, badges, fridge magnets, keychains, ceramic tiles, and more.
Sublimation heat pressing uses heat and pressure to transfer dye from a printed film into the coating of a phone case, creating a permanent, full‑color design that won't peel or fade. In this guide, I'll walk you through the entire process — from designing in LOKLiK Idea Studio to printing and using the H17 heat press — so you can create professional‑quality custom phone cases with ease.
Materials & Tools You'll Need
Gather these essentials: the HTVRONT H17 heat press, a sublimation printer, LOKLiK Idea Studio software, and blank phone cases with sublimation film.
HTVRONT H17 Phone Case Heat Press — the dedicated machine for phone case sublimation. (Learn more.)
LOKLiK Idea Studio — free design software for creating and editing phone case artwork.
A computer or mobile device — for running the design software.
A sublimation printer — with sublimation ink (standard printers won't work).
A4‑size sublimation film — for printing your design before transfer.
Blank phone case — sublimation‑ready (poly‑coated or compatible).
Fixture and filler blocks — included with the H17 to hold the case securely.
Heat‑resistant gloves — for safe handling during the hot peel.
Tweezers and heat‑resistant tape — for positioning and securing.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Using the Phone Case Heat Press
Follow these steps from design to finished product. Each stage builds on the last to ensure a clean, professional result.
Step 1: Upload and Edit the Design
You can use LOKLiK Idea Studio on either a desktop or mobile device.
Using a Desktop
Open LOKLiK Idea Studio and upload your design (PNG format works best for layered designs). Click on canvas settings and select "Phone Case Heat Press". Choose your phone model from the pre‑made template list — which includes Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Huawei, and more. A green frame will appear representing the phone case template. Fit your image within the frame without altering it. Remember to mirror the image before printing, especially if it contains text or logos.
Using a Mobile Device
The process is identical on the mobile version of LOKLiK Idea Studio — upload your design, select "Phone Case Heat Press," choose your phone model, and mirror the image before printing.
Step 2: Load the Sublimation Film into the Printer
Power up the sublimation printer and open the paper tray. Load a blank sublimation film with the matte side facing up — this is the printable side. If the printer jams, place a small label paper on the bottom left of the film to help the sensor detect it.
Pro tip: You can find all the materials you need in the H17 accessories section on the HTVRONT website.
Step 3: Print the Design
Select high‑quality printing in your printer settings. If available, choose the correct ICC color profile to match printed colors with the final transfer. Let the film dry completely after printing — avoid touching the printed area, as the ink is still wet and smudgy.
Step 4: Power Up & Set the Heat Press
Plug the H17 into a power source. The power button will flash white — press it to start the machine. Set the temperatures: 125°C for the lower plate and 135°C for the upper plate. Press the time button and set it to 305 seconds for preheating and pressing.
Here are recommended settings for different phone case materials:
Phone Case Material
Temperature
Time
Poly‑coated plastic
188°C
50 seconds
Coated hard rubber
188°C
45 seconds
Sublimation‑ready leather
179–185°C
40 seconds
Fiberboard
190°C
60 seconds
Step 5: Preheat & Prepare the Case
Put on your heat‑resistant gloves. Place the phone fixture in the heating area and use filler blocks to secure larger phone cases. Close the cover and press start to preheat.
While the machine preheats, place the lens pad inside the phone case to cover the camera and flashlight gaps, securing it with heat‑resistant tape. Ensure the case is free of dust and grease.
When the green light comes on, place the printed sublimation film on the heat press with the printed side facing up. Leave it to dry for 5 minutes — fully drying the film improves transfer results.
Step 6: Transfer & Finish
Place the phone case on the fixture and press it down firmly toward the lower left to help the fixture contract and fit securely. Place the film in the heating chamber with the printed side facing down (toward the case). Ensure it's flat, then close the lid and press "Start".
When the transfer is complete, open the lid and peel the sublimation film while it's still hot using your heat‑resistant gloves. Remove the case from the fixture and let it cool. Your custom phone case is complete!
✓ Phone Case Sublimation Checklist
□ Mirror the design before printing
□ Use sublimation ink and film (standard printers won't work)
□ Load film with matte side up
□ Set H17 to 125°C (lower) and 135°C (upper)
□ Preheat for 305 seconds
□ Cover the camera gap with the lens pad
□ Place film printed side down on the case
□ Peel the film while hot
□ Let the case cool completely before handling
Frequently Asked Questions About the Phone Case Heat Press
Quick answers to common questions — from troubleshooting blurry prints to the importance of mirroring designs.
Why is the design blurry and colors faded after transfer?
This is usually caused by low temperature or short pressing time — use the recommended settings (188°C for 50 seconds for poly‑coated cases). Also ensure the sublimation film is fully dry and firmly pressed onto the case. Check that your printer is properly aligned.
Can a regular printer print the design?
No — standard printers won't work with sublimation ink. You need a dedicated sublimation printer with sublimation ink. Regular inkjet printers use dye‑based ink that won't properly transfer to the phone case coating.
Can I peel the sublimation film when cold?
The sublimation film should be peeled immediately after transfer while still hot. This prevents the design from sticking back to the film. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended peeling method for best results.
Should the design be mirrored before printing?
Yes — always mirror the image before printing. Since the printed film is placed face‑down on the case, the transfer process reverses the image. Failing to mirror will result in reversed text and logos.
What else can I make with the H17 heat press?
Beyond phone cases, the H17 can customize coasters, badges, fridge magnets, keychains, ceramic tiles, and more. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any crafter's toolkit.
Final Thoughts
The HTVRONT H17 phone case heat press makes customizing phone cases incredibly simple and fun. With LOKLiK Idea Studio's easy‑to‑use templates, the right sublimation materials, and the steps outlined above, you can create professional‑quality cases in minutes.
Once you've mastered phone cases, the H17 opens up a world of possibilities — coasters, badges, keychains, and more. Start with simple designs, experiment with different settings, and enjoy the creative journey!
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