There’s no reason to be concerned about things being prohibitively pricey. These days, a top quality heat press that produces outstanding results can be purchased for as low as $100.
If you want to pay more, going beyond the $200 level will provide you with a broader range of models to choose from. Most users, however, will not notice much of a difference between a cheap heat press and a more costly one.
With low ongoing costs, you only have to pay for the vinyl transfers for each new item you want to generate. As a result, this could be the ideal, low-cost method to start a fun new hobby or a potentially lucrative new business.
What is the wattage of a heat press?
If you’ve always wanted to bring your heat press to an event but weren’t sure how, here are some pointers to help you capitalize on this lucrative approach to sell personalised gear. It’s not always easy to travel with your heat press, but it’s typically worthwhile. Across the country, there are literally hundreds of thousands of outdoor fairs, craft exhibits, sporting events, air displays, car shows, pet shows, wine festivals, music festivals, and more. It’s the ideal time of year to experiment with event marketing and bring your heat press along.
Many of you have tried heat printing at events with great success, and others ask us about it on a daily basis. We’ve published a lot of information on the subject through Transfer Express, Stahls’ Blog, StahlsTV, and this blog.
First and foremost. Here are some things to consider, courtesy of Ben Robinson from Hotronix, if you’re wondering what type of heat press to take on the road:
The press’s weight is the first factor to consider. I wouldn’t recommend a Fusion or Swinger if you have to haul it about unless you plan on being inside for several days and have a big workload. (or if you have a van or trailer)
2. Your personal space. Clam-style presses are frequently favored for printing at events, especially if your booth is only 10 10 and a Swinger would be too big.
Finally, we only advocate fewer bells and whistles in this situation. Maintain a straightforward approach. When your power source is a generator or a long extension cable, you want a press that can get the job done on as few volts as possible, even if you have a Fusion or Air Fusion in your shop. All of these factors point to a MAXX 15 x 15 clam or a 1616 auto clam as the best option. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, I strongly advise you to hire a Hotronix Caddie to wheel you about your event and back to your vehicle when you’re done.
Are you planning on bringing a cutter to the event? It’s not a bad idea if you bring someone to operate the cutter and make designs. You want to have a lot of people working for you, especially if you have a lot of consumers. Travis Killough, a Stahls customer, took his cutter and heat press on the road with a large supply of CAD-CUT GlitterFlake. You’re mistaken if you believe basketball fans aren’t interested in glitter. A customer’s flexibility to choose the style, colors, and material is a big selling point. We’ve witnessed how delighted customers get when they can make a shirt to their exact requirements time and time again at events.
Here are some pointers to consider while choosing and using a generator:
1. Always use heavy-duty power cords.
2. The generator must be able to power everything in your exhibit.
3. Add up all of your equipment’s wattages. 1800 watts are used by Hotronix presses with a platen size of 11 x 15 or more.
4. Purchase a generator with at least the same wattage as all of your electric appliances.
5. Generators have a beginning and continuous rating, and the continuous rating must be more than the amount of electricity you require.
6. You’ll need a generator with a minimum of 2000 watts for one heat press.
When it comes to printing and selling at events, transfers are another wonderful option. Customers can choose from a variety of options, which you can provide to them. Simply decorate as you go. It’s more cost effective to have extra transfers on hand rather than being stuck with screenprinted shirts that no one wants after the event is finished. You can charge varying prices for single-color and two-color designs. Simple t-shirts have sold for as much as $40, while sweatshirts have sold for over $75 once the buyer has completed all of the customizing! You can also bring ready-to-apply CAD-CUT drawings with you. All types of fabrics, especially performance clothing, have options.
If the event is tied to sports, make sure you have a variety of stock numbers in various sizes on hand. Athletes are quite attached to their jersey numbers, and they frequently desire to wear them on other items of apparel. Even parents are proud to display their child’s jersey number on a shirt.
A heat press consumes how many amps?
The capacity to generate continuously uniform temperatures across the platen is the most critical feature to look for in a heat press. Cold patches on the platen are one of the most common reasons of misapplied transfers. Cold spots occur when the platen is manufactured with insufficient heating elements, or when the heating element within the platen is shorted or disconnected.
How important is accurate heat?
A heat press must be built to correctly manage the temperature in addition to generating even heat. When applying transfers, the application temperature is critical to the finished garment’s success. The adhesives needed to hold the design to the garment may not be triggered if you apply a transfer with too little heat. If you apply too much heat to a transfer, the adhesives may be pushed out beyond the image’s edges, resulting in an unwanted outline or smearing. Excessive heat can also result in “strike-through,” which diminishes a graphic’s opacity.
How can I make sure my press has even pressure?
Closing the press with four squares of paper, one in each corner, is one way to test for even pressure. Attempt to remove the papers. It’s conceivable that your platen is deformed and not giving even pressure throughout the platen if one paper comes out easier than the others.
What style is better? Clam or Swinger or Drawer Press?
You should be able to effortlessly transfer clothing onto and off of your heat press without burning your arms and hands or harming the garments with screws or filthy bolts. Some clam machines have a large degree opening that makes it safer and simpler to put the garment on the lower platen, as well as transfers and other artwork. Layouting clothing is made easier with a Swinger or Drawer press. A Swinger press will take up more counter space than a Drawer press, so it comes down to personal preference and available work space.
How do I connect my heat press to an electrical outlet and can I use an extension cord?
- Connect the power cable to an electrical outlet that is correctly grounded and has a sufficient amperage rating.
- For 120 volt operation, your Pro World Heat Press requires a full 15 amp grounded circuit.
- Heat transfer machines should not be used with extension cords.
- Extension cables should be as short as practicable and no less than 12 gauge if they are used. In this instance, heavy-duty extension cords are highly suggested.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING:
- Controller functions that are erratic.
- Displays that are inaccurate and take a long time to warm up.
- The fuse is about to pop or break.
- Internal issues hinder the equipment from working properly.
How much space do I need for a heat press?
Examine your workspace before selecting a press. A clamshell type or draw press will require at least two feet of counter space, and a swing-away model will require at least three feet. It’s a good idea to have a space adjacent to the press where you can lay out the garment and hang the finished product. You should also consider the weight of the press, especially if you plan to move it around frequently.
Why are some presses hard to open?
Before purchasing a press, make certain that it is simple to open and close. This is determined by the press’s design. Working with a press that is difficult to open and seal is never pleasure, even if you just apply one transfer per day. This feature becomes more significant as you apply more transfers.
Do I need a digital readout?
Yes. Once you’ve found a time and temperature combination that works for the transfers and images you use the most, you’ll want to make sure you can repeat the process every time you print. This isn’t always doable if you’re using a manual or bell timer with a dial thermostat. With manual timers and temperature knobs, there is always room for error. With a digital readout, you can precisely adjust both time and temperature. You may repeat the process of setting the temperature and time to your desired settings and get the same, consistent results each time.
Do I need a different press if I’m printing hundreds of shirts per day?
If you’re printing extensive runs, you’ll need a press that can keep the temperature stable and accurate. Due to a thin platen that loses heat, insufficient insulation, or another design defect, certain machines fail to maintain platen temperature. You’ll need a press with a thick platen that preserves heat transfer after transfer, as well as a digital monitor that correctly represents platen temperature, so you can be sure of consistent results every time. Consider an automatic opening press or a semi-automatic swing press, which opens automatically but requires the use of an air compressor.
What kind of training is need to get started in heat printing?
Learning how to use a heat press properly takes roughly 10 minutes. Anyone can get started once they understand the basics, such as how to preheat the garment, how to deal with zippers and buttons, what cover sheets are for, and how to apply various sorts of transfers. Most heat applied items come with detailed instructions, but if you’ve never used a press before, it’s a good idea to practice on some scrap material first.
What’s the difference between clamshell, swing away and drawer style presses?
The first critical decision you’ll need to make when buying for a heat press is which sort of heat press will work best for you. Right now, there are three primary types of garment heat presses from which to choose. A clam type, or upward opening machine, a swinger style, in which the upper platen swings completely away to the left or right, or a drawer style, in which the lower platen is pulled out towards you like a drawer, are all options. Each style has its own set of benefits and drawbacks:
Clam vs. Swinger/Draw Operation:
The clamshell heat press can be done in one or two steps (depending on the press). You close the press and then reopen it after it has completed its cycle. The swinger and draw are actually operated in four steps. Swing the heating area over your garment or, in the case of a drawer, place your drawer under the heating area, lock the press, open it when it’s done, then swing the heating area away or draw your print area away from the heat. In general, the user is less weary when using a clamshell design heat press.
Clam vs. Swinger/Draw in the Workplace:
Swinger and Draw heat presses provide a cool working environment. If your apps will demand a lot of layout, this is the way to go. You have ample room to do layout with the clamshell shape, however the heating platen is just above your workspace. The swinger takes up more area than the clamshell and draw heat presses. To swing away from the work area, the swinger requires ample table space.
Clam vs. Swinger/Draw: Even Pressure
Swinger and draw style heat presses, in general, can accommodate thicker goods. The heat press is able to have an even pressure from the center out because of the way it latches down from directly over the center. The pinch effect has long been associated with the clamshell form of press, which means that when the press is locked down in the clam style action, it pinches thicker substrates or locks down unevenly by hitting at the back first. This is a good example “Only certain types of presses produce a pinch effect and unequal pressure. Some prominent manufacturers have addressed this problem by designing presses with an over-the-center pressure adjustment and a floating top platen (heated area) that levels off before hitting your material. If you’re printing thicker things like mouse pads or hooded hoodies, look for a clamshell press that eliminates the need for a heat press “the pinch effect
Is it important to have a non-stick coating on the upper platen?
A non-stick upper platen is advantageous for a variety of reasons. This coating will assist prevent inks or sublimation colors from entering the heat plate and spreading to the following garment.
Do I have to do any type of maintenance or cleaning?
When it comes to press maintenance, a light dusting or cleaning with a basic home cleaner wouldn’t hurt, but it isn’t required. The heat platens, silicone pads, and any other external portions of the machines can be cleaned in this manner.
What about the lower silicone pads, are there quality differences that affect durability?
When it comes to the silicone pads used in the manufacture of heat presses, there are many distinct grade levels. Top-tier pads are typically 1/2 to 3/8 inch thick, manufactured of virgin silicone rather than recycled or mixed silicone, die-cut for clean edges, and have radius corners for extended wear.
Can’t I just buy a cheap heat press to see if I’m going to use it?
While a “budget or hobby heat press” may be suitable for personal use, if you plan to sell the finished garment or product, you should utilize a professional grade heat press.
How large of a heat press will I need?
This will vary depending on the things you want to personalize with heat print graphics. For example, if you want to print football and hockey team jerseys, you’ll need a press that’s at least 16 x 20. If you’re merely printing t-shirts, a 15 15 press or smaller will suffice. However, it’s easier to line things up on a larger press, even if you’re only printing 8.5 x 11 prints. If you’re buying a new press and aren’t planning on manufacturing large jerseys or coats, it can be difficult to justify the cost only to make things easier to lay out. Keep in mind that if you want to undertake this type of printing in the future, you may want to consider purchasing the largest press you can afford and fit into your workspace.
When my press is ready to go what should I do first?
The first step is to warm up your lower platen. Simply lower the upper platen onto the lower platen for around 30 seconds to do this. When applying your first graphic of the day, this is extremely critical. If you’re in the middle of a long production run, you won’t need to do this because the platen will be hot from continuous use. Preheating the bottom platen aids in the drawing of the adhesives on the back of the material into the fibers of the substrate to which it is being applied. Heat from both sides of the application aids in the creation of a better, longer-lasting effect.
What type of maintenance is there on my heat press?
The majority of heat presses do not require any maintenance. If the upper platens are non-stick coated, it means they are easier to clean if the images are placed wrongly or without a cover sheet.
When heating up, do you leave the heat press open?
1. Plug in the press’s power wire. Plug the cord into the back of the control console’s power socket, then into the wall receptacle.
2. Turn on the electricity by turning on the On/Off Switch.
3. Turn the Thermostat Knob clockwise to the right and wait for the press to heat up. While heating, the Heating Light will be turned on. Turn the temperature knob back to the left (counter-clockwise) until the red heating light turns off when the thermometer indicates the desired temperature. After then, the heating light will cycle on and off to regulate your temperature setting, and the machine can be pressed whether or not it is illuminated.
4. The M/S buttons are used to set the Digital Time. Hold them down to quickly raise the value. To begin the timer, press the Start/Stop button. To reset the alarm, hit the Start/Stop button again when it sounds.
When not pushing, always leave the Heat Platen in the Up/Unclamped position. The silicone pad’s life will be shortened if it is in contact with it for an extended period of time.
2. Never leave the press heating unattended or for an extended amount of time.
3. Make sure the power wire isn’t in direct contact with the heat platen.
4. Silicone pad may be somewhat larger than the heat platen, or heat may cause it to expand. This is very normal.
5. The heat platen may rotate slightly back and forth. This is normal and owing to movement permitted within the clamp assembly.
1. To open the press, lift up on the handle. When the press is heating, it should always be in the open position. Move the heat platen away from the rubber pad by swiping it outwards.
2. Arrange the T-shirt (or other printed object) as desired. Place the transfer paper on top of the garment. Make sure the Transfer Paper is well within the pressing region of the silicone pad.
3. To increase pressure, turn the pressure knob clockwise, and to decrease pressure, turn it counterclockwise. If you turn the knob too far counter-clockwise, the swivel arm will separate from the machine frame.
4. Clamp the press with the handle down and push the Start/Stop button on the Digital Timer. The handle should be securely fastened and pointed straight ahead.
5. Check the Transfer Paper directions to see if you should peel it cold or heated. Here are some proposed pressing times for various transfer papers:
6. You can also press mousepads, coasters, and other thicker materials. Simply follow the instructions in step 2 to change the pressure adjustment knob. Again, if you crank the knob too far counter-clockwise, the swivel arm will separate from the machine frame. If this occurs, simply lift the front of the heat platen and rotate the adjustment knob clockwise to the right.
7. When printing double-sided T-Shirts, place a sheet of cardboard between the shirt and the transfer, adjust the height to less pressure, and press to avoid re-heating the initial transfer.
1. The transfer is put print-side-up onto the heat platen surface, and the transfer image is burned onto it. Unplug the press and swing the heat platen out to make room for cleaning. To remove transfer material from the heat-platen, use a strong detergent and a non-abrasive scouring sponge.
2. When using a silicone pad, the heat platen gets severely misaligned. Remove the top nut that connects the heat platen to the clamp shaft. Reduce the heat platen to 3/4 of its original height, but do not clamp it. Rotate heat platen until silicone pad is square, then release to ensure heat platen is relaxed and aligned properly. Close the heat platen completely. Tighten the top nut to keep the heat platen in place.
3. The press continues to heat up well beyond its typical operating temperature, and the red light does not go out. The thermostat has stopped working. To receive a new thermostat, contact the factory and follow the replacement instructions.
Is it wise to invest in a heat press?
A heat press is a low-cost way to get started in the decorating business or a simple way to add a new cash stream to your existing firm. The price of a good heat press ranges from $500 to $800. Heat presses for mugs, for example, start at $400.
One of the most significant advantages of heat presses is that they allow you to achieve the look and feel of DTG, screen-printed, and sublimated patterns without the need for more expensive equipment. You’ll only need a white toner transfer printer to print your drawings on special transfer paper, which you can then heat press into your clothing. Direct-to-garment printers and manual screen-printing presses can cost thousands of dollars more than a heat press and white toner transfer printer.
Furthermore, while heat presses are affordable, they are also quite robust, allowing you to get more bang for your cash. They’re crafted of heavy-duty aluminum to withstand daily usage, making them an excellent long-term investment.
Shop owners can simply purchase heat presses with a single payment because they are inexpensive.
Printers are a cost-effective equipment that will allow you to keep everything in-house rather than outsourcing, in addition to the heat press being budget-friendly.