Hello Community!
When people think of the H17, the first thing that comes to mind is usually phone cases.
But the real strength of this machine is not just “phone case printing.”
It is designed for curved surfaces, and that opens up more creative possibilities than many expect.
We gathered a few ideas and community-tested methods to show how far you can stretch the H17. 
Sublimation Pens
The H17 can double as a compact sublimation “oven” for pens. You can even press several at once.
For reference, this project was done at
Top and bottom plates: 160°C
Time: 300 seconds
Steps
- Print your sublimation design and trim it to size. Wrap it tightly around the pen using heat-resistant tape.
- Slide a shrink sleeve over the pen and place it into the machine. The heat will shrink the sleeve automatically, so there is no need for a heat gun.
- Continue heating until the 300 seconds are complete.
- Remove, peel off the paper, and reassemble the pen.
Community member @Eileen_Stafford shared a detailed walkthrough titled Sublimating Pens with HTVRONT Phone Case Heat Press. If you want a closer look at the full process and results, that post is worth checking out.
Slate Coasters
Slate coasters are one of the more established H17 extensions.
@Eileen_Stafford has successfully used:
320°F for 400 seconds
The results show rich color and strong detail, especially for gift-oriented designs.
There has also been an interesting test using sublimation paper instead of film, combined with a thinner silicone pad to cover the transfer.
What we observed:
- Flat surfaces such as coasters and badges transfer well.
- Curved areas do not wrap as effectively as they would with film.
So if your design only needs to cover a flat section, sublimation paper plus a thin silicone pad can work. For more pronounced curves, film remains the more reliable option.
Shrink Plastic Keychains
This is a fun way to create compact, personalized items.
Basic Process
- Use a cutting machine to contour cut your shrink plastic design.
- Place it in the H17 at 160°C for about 60 seconds.
- After opening the lid, press it flat gently with a smooth metal surface while it is still warm to help it settle evenly.
Community member @Judi_B experimented with this method in a project using the H17 blue heat press. It is a simple technique but produces satisfying results.
Earbud Cases
Community member @amber_curtis shared a festive “airpod case” project inspired by Christmas tree cakes.
There are now dedicated sublimation metal heating tool jigs available for earbud cases. Paired with the H17, this becomes a strong option for personalized gift products or small-batch custom items.
If we define the H17 by what it truly offers, it is not simply a phone case press. It is a controlled curved-surface heat solution.
If you have tried something different with your H17, feel free to share it in the community. Creative use cases often come from real experiments, and they help everyone see new possibilities.
And if you have been thinking about adding one to your setup, the H17 is currently part of the Valentine’s promotion. You can check the details on the official product page.
