Heat Transfer Printing Presses

Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Transfer Printing Presses

A heat press is essential to a successful design application. You can use it to create keepsakes, make promotional materials, or increase production. eBay has a vast array of new printing presses at a wide range of prices for you to choose from.

A heat press is a device that combines heat and pressure to apply vinyl designs onto clothing and other items. It has an upper and lower plate that measures between 15 inches by 15 inches to 16 inches by 20 inches. You will also find custom plates in various shapes and sizes to create sublimation T-shirts, bags, hats, and more.

Equipment options include clamshell, swing away, and draw. Choosing between a manual and an automatic heat press will greatly affect productivity. A manual press requires the operator to open and close the machine by hand and use dials to set the temperature and pressure. An automatic machine has digital controls and opens on its own when the heat transfer is complete.

• Clamshell: Commonly used by beginners for making sublimation T-shirts, this machine operates by lowering the top plate onto the bottom plate and applying pressure.
• Swing away: The upper plate on this machine has an articulating arm that swings away from the lower plate, giving you room to lay out items without fear of touching a heated plate.
• Draw: These units feature a lower plate that pulls out toward the user for loading.

The style you choose depends on how you plan to use the machine. A clamshell unit takes up little space and can produce up to 12 T-shirts an hour. For sublimation printing on large batches, opt for a swing away or draw model. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

• Usage: If your intention is to use the heat press machine every now and then to create designs for personal use, opt for a portable model that stows easily. Otherwise, dedicate space to a heavy-duty machine.
• Size: Consider your workspace and the unit?s dimensions. You will need additional space to accommodate the moving parts on swing and draw units.
• Materials: In addition to vinyl and ink, make sure the machine can handle various materials.
• Volume: If you plan to produce a large volume, you need an industrial strength machine. You don?t want to lose customers because the equipment can?t keep up with the demand.

After deciding which type of machine will serve your needs, you will need to evaluate a number of factors such as durability, versatility, and load-ability. Additionally, you should also pay attention to the machine?s time, temperature, and pressure controls and features.