Heat press t shirt machine: Choosing a Heat Press Machine for T Shirts [Ultimate Guide]
Choosing a Heat Press Machine for T Shirts [Ultimate Guide]
Heat press machines are the best way to print designs on coffee mugs, caps, t-shirts, and all sorts of garments. However, if you need a heat press only to print on t-shirts, you will likely look for very specific features that make these machines perfect for this purpose.
But, finding the perfect heat press machine for t shirts can be hard with so many things to consider, such as temperature range, size, and heat distribution. To help you navigate through different models and types of heat presses, we created this buying guide.
Keep reading to learn more about the different types of heat presses and find out what features make a heat press perfect for t shirt printing.
Different Types of Heat Presses
There are three main types of heat presses, all of which have their own advantages and shortcomings.
Clam shell
Like their name suggests, these heat presses use a mechanism with top and bottom plates that resemble a clam shell or jaws. They are usually cheaper, sturdier, and require less space.
Swing away
These presses work in the same way as the clam shell type (the top plate that provides heat is movable), but they have one key difference. The top plate can rotate 360 degrees and be moved completely out of the way. The swing away presses are safer but sacrifice some sturdiness and require more clearance room.
Draw
Unlike the previous two types which have a movable top plate, draw style heat presses have a movable bottom plate. This plate can be pulled out in a similar way to a cupboard drawer. People who use this type of heat presses have to be particularly careful when making the transfer to avoid the bottom plate moving.
In our opinion, clam shell models are the best choice for printing t-shirts, as they are time efficient and usually sturdier than the other types. The garment layout also usually doesn’t need as much attention to detail.
Size and Shape
The size of the heat press you need depends on two key factors – the garments you will be printing on and the space you have at your disposal. If you don’t have a lot of clearance space, you’ll be better off with a clam shell model. That would also allow you to get a model with larger plates, as swing away presses with large plates require a lot of space.
You should also consider the shape of your heat press. For t shirt printing you will need a press with a flat surface. If you want to work with other objects in the future (caps or mugs), you might be better off with a 5-in-1 or an 8-in-1 press.
If you want to use your press solely for t shirt printing, our recommendation is to go for either a 15″ x 15″ or 16″ x 20″ model. Their plates are just the perfect size for most t-shirts.
Safety
Safety is something that often gets overlooked when talking about the best heat presses. People love to talk about pressure, temperature, and versatility, but safety is one of the most important things you should keep in mind when buying a heat press machine.
This is especially a concern for clam shell models, as they require you to put your hands under the heating plate. This is another reason why you should go for larger models – the spacing between the top and bottom plates is usually bigger. If safety is a big concern, then you’re probably better off with a swing away heat press.
Volume
The amount of garments you will be printing on a daily basis should determine your choice of heat press. Are you looking for a press that can easily print 100 t-shirts in one hour? Or are you more interested in a product you will be using occasionally to print a couple of t-shirts for a children’s soccer team?
The more durable industry-level machines will be able to produce a much higher volume in a shorter time period. So, for example, the air-operated HIX N-880 will be much more efficient than the Rincons HP-5040H. However, the latter will be more kind to your pockets, so keep in mind that higher output comes at a price.
Portability
Will this heat press have a dedicated place in your business space or home? This is an important question you need to answer, as some presses can be very cumbersome. So, if you expect you’ll be moving your press around, you’re better off with something lighter.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to go for a smaller plate size. For example, the HIX Swingman 20E and the HIX Swingman SM20D both have 16″ x 20″ plate size, but the latter is almost three times heavier.
Temperature Range and Heat Distribution
Apart from plate size, temperature range is one of the first things people look for in a heat press. And for a good reason – the temperature range of your heat press largely affects the types of materials you can work on. T-shirts usually require no more than 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but thicker garments like hoodies and sweatshirts may need more.
Another thing especially important for t shirt printing is heat distribution. When buying your heat press, make sure that the heat is evenly distributed across the upper plate. You can do this by turning it on and moving your hand across the heat plate. Proper heat distribution can make a world of difference if you’re printing on larger t-shirts or using larger designs.
Temperature Control and Timer
While we’re on the subject of temperature, here’s another important thing to consider – control. Most new models have a timer that allows you to set the exact time of heating that should depend on the material you’re using.
This can be particularly important if you’re running a business – you wouldn’t like to burn your customers’ t-shirts, would you? If you’re not confident you can gauge how much time you need for every t shirt, you can get an automatic heat press that can do that for you.
Ease of Use
Depending on who will be using the machine, you may need to consider its ease of use. This won’t be a problem if you have an experienced professional handling the machine, but it’s worth thinking about if an amateur will be doing it.
Automatic heat presses are usually easier to use, as they require less knowledge about different materials, printing times, and types of transfer. However, that isn’t to say you can do this with no previous training or research. In addition to reading the user manual thoroughly, you should also consider getting training and watching all available tutorials.
Pressure and Force Knobs
If you decide to go for a manual heat press, make sure the pressure and force knobs are easily adjustable. It may be a small thing to bring up, but a good pressure knob can make a big difference in your daily use of the heat press and make your job easier.
This is important because you need to make sure you’re applying the right amount of pressure on each t shirt when printing. Apply too much pressure every time and on a daily basis gets very hard and may even give you backaches. Apply too little and the image may not transfer to your garment the way you want it to.
Budget
Deciding on which heat press machine to buy for t-shirts will largely depend on your dedicated budget. If you’re looking to make a serious business investment, you might be interested in the Digital Knight DK20SP or a similar top-end press with advanced features. At the other end of the price spectrum, you will find the more affordable Ricoma Ikonix.
As you can see, heat press machines range from a couple hundreds of dollars to several thousand. If you need a workhorse that delivers hundreds of t-shirts every day, you should be looking at the higher end of the price range.
The Bottom Line
We hope our guide helped you better understand the world of heat presses for t-shirts. As with every important investment, try to educate yourself and learn as much as you can about the different options on the market. If you are looking to get a machine that does more than just t-shirts check out our guide for our top heat press machines this year.
Once you set your budget, look for the products that meet your printing requirements. Set your priorities and know exactly what you’re looking for in your perfect heat press machine.
Do all of these things, including what you learn in this article, and you’ll find your heat press machine for t shirts in no time.
Heat Press Machines – Heat Transfer Warehouse
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Heat Press Machine Buying Guide
Choosing the right heat press for your projects, space, and budget is important but we know the choices can be overwhelming. Here we’ll break down some of the biggest things to know and think about when shopping for a heat press. This includes the types and sizes, temp and pressure, and features.
Types of Heat Presses
The first thing to consider is the type of heat press you need. Four main form factors are clamshell, swing-away, handheld, and specialty presses.
Clamshell Heat Presses are the most common and feature a hinged top plate that allows it to press down like a clamshell. When the top plate is lowered, the plate clamps shut, applying even pressure and heat, typically with a clamp, to help maintain pressure.
Swing-away heat presses have a movable top plate that swings to the side rather than a fixed hinge. This allows for easier access to your work area on the lower plate without needing to work underneath a top plate. The trade-off is that swing-away presses require more space to allow the top plate to rotate away.
Handheld Heat Presses are common to see in big box retail stores and the size can be convenient, but these have a few big tradeoffs to consider including temperature, pressure, and the smaller work-area.
The combination of the right temp and pressure is critical for your vinyl and transfers to properly stick and have a consistent product that lasts. One of the most common issues among people starting out with HTV and transfers is vinyl not sticking and peeling off garments, due to not applying consistent and appropriate pressure and temperature for the transfer. A standard style heat press eliminates these issues by providing a solid stable platform and consistent reliable heating surface, and why we generally recommend these over handheld for most use-cases if you have the space.
While the size can make them convenient to store, the smaller pressing area can also potentially limit your ability to make larger designs. Finally, often the heating element behind the plate in these low-priced presses can be more inconsistent than a higher quality traditional press. Inconsistent heating of the plate can create cooler spots, potentially creating a situation where you are actually pressing below your material temp specifications.
Heat Press Sizes
Two big things to consider around heat press sizes are the size of designs and pressing area you want and the amount of space you have available.
Smaller Craft Heat Presses, such as the 9″ x 12″ Clamshell Presses and Handheld Presses, are good budget-friendly options if you don’t want a press to make up a lot of space or if you are doing small projects where you don’t need the versatility of having a larger plate and pressing-area. We recommend measuring out these plate sizes and thinking about the designs you want to make now and in the future. You can find some of these on our Craft Heat Presses page.
Mid-Large Sized Heat Presses typically include sizes from 15″ x 15″ heat presses through 16″ x 20″. These provide much more versatility for your projects with a bigger plate, even if you don’t need them for your immediate project. You typically have more options in this range, including clamshell and swing-away and other options like auto-open timers.
The 16”x20” is a decent step up in size and overall footprint, and we generally recommend these more for users who know they want the extra work-area space or for white toner printers as they make it easier to transfer A-B Sheets.
We typically recommend this range for small businesses or users who just know they want the features or a larger work area. These can be more suited towards garment businesses and people doing a lot of volume, than for people just getting started.
Wide Format Heat presses are large, commercial heat presses, usually for businesses. Generally, they are much larger and more expensive, and more suited for things like banners and flags.
Temperature, Pressure & Auto-Open Timers
Pressing your designs at the right temperature, for the right amount of time, and with enough pressure is critical for avoiding issues with adhesion and with your transfers to ensure you have a high-quality final product that lasts.
Pressure Application – One of the most common issues beginners run into is HTV not sticking; often, these users use handheld-style presses. Traditional hinge (clamshell) style presses feature adjustable pressure knobs that allow you to adjust your pressure prior to pressing your garment. Different materials can also specify different application pressures. Being able to adjust pressure, test it, and make sure it is applied consistently throughout the entire pressing duration can be helpful.
Digital Temperature Controls allow you to be much more accurate than dial controls to ensure you are pressing at the right temperature for your materials. This feature is quite common on most heat presses now, and comes as a standard feature on all of our heat presses.
Auto-Open heat presses are typically clam-shell in style but usually feature a timer and hydraulic spring opening that automatically releases and opens after the appropriate pressing time. This is a convenient feature so that you do not need to be watching the pressing time yourself or applying pressure. This will allow you to multitask or prepare your next garment or transfer. It’s a convenient, nice-to-have option, especially if you will be doing multiple back-to-back transfers or don’t want to have to track time separately.
Other Features, Materials Quality & Durability
Quality Heating Elements – A high-quality heating element with a large amount of coiling of the wires inside helps avoid cool spots, increases reheating speed and heat retention as the press cools during a press, can provide a more consistent temperature and is more reliable. All of our heat presses feature quality heating elements.
This can also help with consistent transfers, as they will have constant and even temperatures across the heating surface. Low-quality and cheaper heating elements can sometimes result in inconsistent heating across this plate, resulting in cool spots that can be problematic for
Build Material & Wear – Consider the materials a press is made out of. Most heat presses are made out of steel or aluminum, but heat presses made with plastic bodies may not hold up well. Additionally we recommend looking for hydraulics rather than springs for the component that controls the opening and lowering of the top plate, as springs can result in another wear and failure point.
All WALAPresses are built with steel bodies and with slow opening hydraulics, along with most other presses we carry on our website.
Threadable Lower Platens – This feature is available on some presses that allows you to press on only one side of a shirt, by having additional room underneath the lower plate to thread the t-shirt around. This is important for situations where you do not want both sides of the garment being exposed to heat or during certain applications like with sublimation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heat press?
A heat press machine applies evenly distributed heat and pressure to blanks or garments to apply for vinyl and transfers.
How do you use a heat press?
First, preheat your heat press to the temperature for the vinyl or material you are pressing, which you can find on the product pages of our website or on our HTV temp and time guide.
Next, arrange your shirt or garment on the heat press, and pre-press your shirt for a few seconds. Then apply and arrange the transfer on your garment, and press it for the appropriate time for your material, also noted on the product pages and temp time guide.
What is a heat press machine used for?
Heat presses are used to apply vinyl or a variety of different transfers.
What sizes of heat press machines are there?
Heat presses can vary significantly in size. Heat Transfer Warehouse offers 9″x12″ to a 44″ x 64″ Twin Heat press.
What is the best heat press?
If you are a crafter or hobbyist, we recommend a basic heat press such as our 9″x12″ Craft Press. If you run a shirt-making business, we recommend an auto open 16×20 heat press.
What supplies do I need for my heat press machine?
We would recommend Kraft Paper/Release Sheets and platen covers. All heat press accessories can be found here. You will also need transfer and/or vinyl.
Buying a heat press machine is a key purchase. As always, if you have questions please contact our customer service via chat or phone.
What is the best heat press machine for beginners?
A heat press is a machine designed to print a pattern or graphic onto a substrate surface such as a T-shirt, sublimation mug or hat. A heat press prints by applying heat and pressure for a predetermined period of time.
To use the heat press, the user must select the desired settings and then accurately position the transfer pattern over the surface of the substrate. Then the heat press closes and the pattern is transferred to the material. Heat presses provide precise time and temperature settings with uniform and constant pressure to complete the sublimation or heat transfer process.
Before using a heat press, users should understand how it works and know which settings are best for each type of surface. This article provides a brief overview of heat presses, as well as some tips on how to use them. Not so long ago, heat presses were used only for commercial purposes. However, with the increase in home dyeing and cutting machines, heat press machines are now available for home use and small businesses.
When choosing a heat press machine, consider the following variables: available printable area, type of application and materials, temperature range, and manual and automatic settings.
Read on to find out how to choose the best heat press for your application.
Hobby Craft – EasyPress 2 | Small Project – EasyPress Mini | Beginner – CraftPro Heat Press |
Mug – CraftPro Mug Press | Tumbler – CraftPro Tumbler Press | |
Multi Purpose – 8IN1 Heat Press | T-shirt Printing – Heat Press with automatic opening | T-shirt business – Electric heat press |
How We Picked the Best Heat Presses:
After reviewing dozens of heat presses, we looked at a few criteria to narrow down our list of the best options. The top models on our list are well made and designed for efficient HTV or sublimation ink application. We based our selection on brand reputation as well as the durability, performance and price of each machine.
Heat Press Types:
To assist in the selection process, the following list contains some of the most recommended heat presses in various types and sizes, and at various price points. Heat press machines often look the same, but each has unique features for its specialty. Before purchasing a heat press, consider the different types available and determine what specific applications you will need it for. The main types of heat presses based on their features and features are as follows:
Clamshell ( CraftPro Basic Heat Press )
The Clamshell Heat Press is popular with beginners and professionals alike due to its easy operation and small size. The clamshell takes its name from the hinge located between its top and bottom plates as it opens and closes similarly to a sink. This thermal transfer machine is ideal for printing designs on thin flat surfaces such as T-shirts, bags and sweatshirts. However, the clamshell style is not suitable for transferring designs to thick materials, as it cannot distribute pressure evenly across the surface of the plate.
Swing away ( fold-out professional heat press)
Swing-out heat presses, also known as “swingers”, are characterized by a swinging top where the top of the machine can lean away from the bottom plate to allow better product positioning. Unlike the clamshell press, the rotary press works with thicker materials such as ceramic tiles and MDF. However, this style takes up more space and costs more than the clamshell model.
Drawer ( automatic opening and drawer heat press )
In a drawer heat press, the bottom plate slides out towards the user so that clothes can be completely unfolded and the whole space can be seen. These machines not only allow the user to quickly move garments and graphics, but also provide a large no-heat zone to avoid burns. However, the drawer type heat press machine requires more space and is more expensive than clamshell and turn type heat transfer machines.
Portable ( mini portable heat press )
Portable heat presses are ideal for DIYers who are interested in making their own clothes but don’t want to invest heavily. These lightweight machines are designed for low volume thermal transfer (HTV) vinyl transfer and sublimation printing onto T-shirts and bags. Even pressure with a portable heat press is trickier, but it’s an affordable and quick way to get started in the heat press business.
Combination and Multi-Purpose ( 8-in-1 Multi-Purpose Heat Press (8in1 ))
Combo and Multi-Purpose Heat Presses allow users to add custom designs to hats, cups, and other non-flat surfaces. Many heat press machines are designed for a single purpose, such as making custom mugs or hats, but multi-purpose machines have nozzles that can be interchanged to work with other items, including non-flat surfaces. The most popular is the 15″ x 15″ 8-in-1 heat press.
semi-automatic ( semi-automatic heat press )
Semi-automatic heat press is the most popular type on the market. They require the operator to set the pressure and manually close the press, however once the timer runs out, the heat press is automatically raised. This type of press offers ease of use without the expense of a pneumatic press.
Pneumatic ( pneumatic heat press )
Pneumatic heat presses use a compressor to automatically apply the correct pressure and time. This type of heat press is often more expensive, but offers greater accuracy and consistency. In addition, pneumatic heat presses can be used with a wider range of materials than other heat presses, making them the ideal choice for many applications. Pneumatic heat presses are usually the best choice for professionals, and are especially recommended for bulk T-shirt printing businesses.
Electric ( electric heat press )
Electric heat presses use an electric motor to automatically apply the correct pressure and time. These heat presses are more expensive than pneumatic heat presses, but they offer greater accuracy and stability. In addition, electric heat presses do not require an air compressor, which means that the total cost becomes the same as that of a pneumatic heat press with an air compressor. In addition, electric heat presses can be used with a wider range of materials, making them an ideal choice for a variety of applications and especially recommended for bulk T-shirt printing businesses.
Factors to consider when choosing the best heat press:
Choosing the best heat press depends primarily on the material. In addition, factors such as budget, portability, and effectiveness should be considered. When choosing the best heat press for your application, consider:
Size
The size of the heat press platen determines the size of the design that can be used. Thus, a larger slab provides more flexibility. Standard platen dimensions: 5″ x 5″, 9in. x 9 in., 9 in. x 12 in., 12 in. x 15 in., 15 in. x 15 in., 16 in. x 20 in., 16 in. x 24 in. and large formats.
Special rollers are also available in various shapes and sizes for transferring designs to shoes, bags, banknotes and more. These plates are used for special or multi-purpose machines and vary in size and shape, depending on the machine.
Temperature
Accurate temperature is the key to reliable heat transfer applications. When choosing a heat press, pay attention to the type of thermometer and the maximum temperature. Some applications require heating up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, however a heat press temperature of 232C/450F is suitable for 99% sublimation or transfer work.
In a quality heat press, the heating elements are spaced evenly, no more than 2 inches apart, to ensure even heating. Thinner boards are less expensive but lose heat much faster than thicker boards. Look for machines with plates at least ¾ inch thick. Although thicker plates take longer to heat up, they hold the temperature much better.
Manual or automatic
Heat presses are either manual or automatic. The manual versions require physical force to open and close the press, while the automatic press uses a timer function to open and close. Semi-automatic models are also available, a hybrid of the two.
Automatic and semi-automatic models are better suited for high productivity applications because they require less physical strength, resulting in less fatigue. However, they are more expensive than manual units.
How to Create Quality Prints with a Heat Press:
Choosing the right heat press depends on the type of items it will be setting up, the size of the surface area, and the frequency with which it will be used. The highest quality heat press is able to heat evenly and apply constant pressure to the transfer, and has built-in safety features.
Despite their differences, any heat press requires the same steps to print well:
- Select the correct thermal transfer paper according to the temperature setting on the press.
- Use quality ink, remembering that sublimation translations require sublimation ink.
- Adjust the heat press controls.
- Lay out the item to be ironed, eliminating creases and creases.
- Place the transfer on the item.
- Close the heat press.
- Use the correct amount of time.
- Open and remove transfer paper.
- Close again to seal the seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the best heat presses for your home or small business can be tricky, so some questions may remain. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked heat press questions below.
Q. What does heat transfer mean?
Thermal transfer printing is also known as “digital transfer”. The process involves printing a custom logo or design onto carbon paper and then thermally transferring it to a substrate using heat and pressure.
Q. What can I do with a heat press?
The heat press allows the user to personalize T-shirts, mugs, hats, bags, mouse pads or any other material suitable for heat press plates.
Q. Is a heat press a good investment?
The heat press is a good investment for those who plan to customize many objects. For hobbyists, it may be wise to invest in a smaller heat press before moving on to a commercial grade press.
Q. How to set up the heat press?
Most heat presses are easy to use, with simple plug and play setup. Many even have handy digital displays that make it easy to get started.
Q. Do I need a computer for my heat press?
Although a computer is not required for a heat press, using one makes it easy to create custom designs and print them on thermal transfer paper.
Q. How do I maintain my heat press?
Maintenance of heat presses depends on the machine. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and care instructions.
Quality printing equipment and films for clothing
When it comes to printing, a heat press is a great option for businesses of all sizes. This type of machine is versatile and efficient, but it also produces high quality prints that are resistant to fading and wear. In addition, a heat press is an economical way to print as it eliminates the need for expensive printing equipment and consumables. A wide range of transfer materials and equipment can be found on Alibaba.com to meet all your heat press needs.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided by Xinhong independently of Alibaba. com. Alibaba.com makes no representations or warranties regarding the quality or reliability of the seller or products.
New Arrivals
China Customized Open Lid Automatic Heat Press Suppliers, Manufacturers, Factory – Wholesale Price
Product Introduction of
Functions
1) Magnetic automatic opening when the time counts down to 0 to avoid overcooking.
2) Gas buffer in the center of the heat press for easier fixing.
3) Adjustable pressure, time and temperature.
4) Digital display of time and temperature.
5) Additional plug and voltage for different countries.
6) High quality, durable and reasonable price.
Parameters
Name |
Open Lid Automatic Heat Press |
Size |
8x14cm |
Voltage |
220V/1 20V |
Power |
800W |
Plug |
Depends on your needs |
Temperature range |
0-300 degree |
Timer control |
0-999 sec. |
Type |
Manual push, automatic opening |
Packaging |
carton |
Package size |
54x26x54cm |
Net weight 9000 3 |
19 kg |
Gross weight |
20 kg |
HS code |
8443399000 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED GPs DEW:
Q: How do you pack the machine?
A: We pack it in a carton with foam inside.
Q: How can I adjust the pressure?
A: You can adjust the pressure with the knob.
Q: How can I start the machine?
A: Plug it in, turn on the switch, set the temperature and the time when the temperature reaches, you can start pressing the caps.