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Heat Pressing Options
Heat presses come in manual and semi-automatic models. A manual press requires the
operator to use physical force to close the press and open it when the timer goes off.
A semi-automatic is typically easier to close and opens on its own once the time is up.
It is much less tiring for the operator to use than a manual. For a shop that uses a
press only occasionally, a manual is sufficient.
Ideal for higher-production environments, semi-automatic units cause significantly less
fatigue than manual presses because they're air operated or incorporate electronic magnetic
technology. Push a few buttons, and the unit does the rest. Automatic controls mean the
press is more accurate in temperature time and pressure, and it's excellent for layout work.
A semi-automatic unit's pressure readout is calibrated in psi (pounds per square inch), so
the operator simply turns a knob to the setting required. On the downside, it often weighs
in at around 170 pounds, so it's not very portable. Some models require an air compressor.
Only about one-third of heat presses sold are semi-automatic, partially due to their higher
price.
Once you've decided on manual or automatic, you can choose from the following types of heat presses:
Clam shell heat press (low to medium price range): This is a popular option because it takes
the least amount of space. It's also lighter in weight than other types making it more
portable. A consideration is that the operator's hands must go under the heated platen
to load the shirt and then position the transfer, letters, or numbers. So there is more
exposure to the heated platen than on other types.
Swing away heat press (moderate price range): The name "swing away"
refers to the fact that the heated platen is moved to the side of the press before and after
pressing. So the operator is not exposed to the heated platen when loading and positioning
heat-applied materials. It's also available with more advanced controls. It's the most popular
type of press for doing team uniforms; however, it requires twice as much space as a clam shell
press because you need room to swing the top to one side. Also, it's a two-step operation: you have
to unlock and lift the top, and swing it away, whereas a clam just opens straight up. Further, a
swinger provides less pressure than a clam-style press, so it's not recommended for heavy
applications such as puff transfers. It's also heavier than a clam shell style.
Draw heat press (moderate price range): This unique press,
which provides a heat-free work space, has a stationary platen and fits easily into a corner,
unlike a swing away. However, it requires more aisle space, as the drawer comes out, much like the
drawer on a cash register. A somewhat unique feature of the draw press is it has a digital pressure
readout that is especially useful in retail environments where inexperienced users can be assured
they are using the proper pressure required for the specific job. It eliminates the need for
guessing. This press is popular in retail and the team uniform market.
Mug press (moderate price range): Ideal for add-on sales, these
specialty presses are made to apply transfers to mugs, often at a high profit margin. For
instance, you might apply a photo transfer of a client's child to a mug that costs you $3, and
charge $20. On the other hand, the print cycle is fairly long (more than three minutes), and the
press' lifespan is shorter than that of other types.
Mug glazer (low price range). This unit cures color laser transfers
on mugs, giving it a vibrant shine and making it dishwasher safe. Check with your paper
manufacturer to see if this unit is required for your specific application.
Cap press: Customizing caps with transfers or heat-applied embroidery is
another ideal way to increase add-on sales and more cost effective than screen printing or
embroidering on caps. However, because of the huge variety of cap sizes and you must be
sure that your cap press has interchangeable platens. Using the wrong size cap platen can
mean the difference between a properly applied transfer and a wrinkled transfer. A quality
press comes with platens to handle everything from six-panel caps to low-crown caps, as
well as auto release capabilities.
Multipurpose press (moderate price range): This unit comes with a variety of
attachments so that it can handle many types of substrates, making it a good choice for decorators who
aren't sure yet which market they'll focus on. Specifically, it can do thicker items such as notepads,
plates, etc. One consideration is that every time you change out the platen, you have to wait for the
new one to heat up. So it's not practical for low-volume orders where you must change the platen out
often. Most shops will buy a heat press dedicated to shirts and add a multipurpose press for specialty
items. It will greatly increase the number of items to which you can apply decoration.
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