The pressure source on an automatic heat press is called the piston. When the pressure source comes from the center of the platen, pressure is dispersed evenly out from the center toward all four corners and resulting in an even application.

Today’s heat-applied graphics market is inundated with different types of heat presses. With all of the choices out there, how does one go about making an unbiased, educated decision? There are several points to consider. Some of which will be valid for any model or type of press and others will depend on its intended use and how frequently it will be used. To help keep it simple, this article will explore the five key elements to consider when purchasing a heat press

 

Even temperature 

Even temperature is probably the most important feature in a heat press. The best way to ensure even heating is to find a heat press that has a cast-in tubular heating element that runs from edge to edge and is evenly spaced throughout the entire platen to ensure even heat distribution. This means that the coiled heating element is actually cast into the upper platen, instead of sitting on top, so it heats the metal from within. 

 

The most reliable heat press machines are those that use a single heating element as opposed to multiple elements within the platen. It might sound counter-intuitive, but with multiple elements there are more variables, which mean a greater risk of temperature variance. On a platen that has a single element, there won’t be variances from one side of the element to the other, which is a possibility when using multiple elements. 

 

A broken heating element is harder to decipher on a platen that has multiple elements because there will still be heat coming from those that are still working. This causes cold spots under the broken element—running the risk of the machine operator not catching this problem quickly enough and ending up with a bunch of garments that don’t have optimal results. On a platen with a single heating element, there will be no question if the element breaks down; the machine just won’t heat up at all. There is no guessing.

 

Figure 1:  On an automatic heat press machine, the pressure source is called the piston whereas a manual heat press produces pressures with a cam mechanism.

Even pressure

Even pressure is another key element in a good press. Find a heat press that has the pressure source coming down from the center of the platen rather than from the back. On an automatic heat press machine, the pressure source is called the piston whereas a manual heat press produces pressures with a cam mechanism (see Figure 1). When the pressure source (piston or cam) comes from the center of the platen, pressure is dispersed evenly out from the center toward all four corners, resulting in an even application. A machine that uses struts to help drive pressure from the source out to all four corners is ideal. When the pressure source is placed at the back of the platen, it creates higher pressure toward the rear of the machine and less in front for an uneven application.

 

Even pressure is a key element in a good press. Find a heat press that has the pressure source coming down from the center of the platen rather than from the back. On manual heat presses, the pressure source is called the Cam.

Design and materials

When looking for a heat press, it is important to consider the design and materials from which the press is made. An ergonomic design intended for ease-of-use and low maintenance is ideal. Not only will this feature make the operator’s life easier, but it will help get the most out of the machine and extend its life. 

 

A good design will only get you so far, though. The machine must also be made from quality materials. If the heat press will be used on a light/medium scale (up to 500 presses per week), a heat press made from sheet metal will likely suffice and will be less expensive. 

 

If the machine is going to be used on a heavier scale, it would be wise to invest the extra money in a machine that is made from metal castings (i.e. aluminum). Although they are more expensive, machines made from cast metal are considered to be the highest quality and are strong enough to withstand constant use without warping or bending. These machines are extremely durable and can last up to 30 years if properly cared for. 

 

Whether a manual or automatic machine is right for the shop, it is important to find a heat press that has a dense silicone pad on the lower platen as opposed to a soft pad. This pad should be completely smooth and even, free of any holes or indents. Dense silicone pads will help compensate for even the slightest disproportion of pressure to help ensure an optimal transfer application. 

 

Models

Swing-away models tend to be extremely popular in the heat press world because they provide unobstructed access to the entire platen—complete access for users to work the platen top to bottom, side to side, without having to worry about burning knuckles on the upper heating element. With swing-aways, the upper platen is always facing down, keeping the heat away from the user’s face and prevents that user from getting too hot. Also, because the upper platen swings to the side instead of up and down, swing-away presses tend to be easier for shorter people to use.

 

If working within a limited space, however, a clam shell would be a better option. Since the movement is up and down instead of side to side, the machine doesn’t require a lot of area to operate, making them a great alternative for small shops and home use. 

 

Manual versus automatic

For those anticipating high-volume production, it is strongly recommended to invest in an automatic heat press machine. When manual heat presses are used for high-volume production, it seems that output tends to drop over the course of a day. This happens because manual equipment requires a significant amount of physical labor to run the machine. The operator starts the day moving quickly and efficiently but over time, operators tend to get tired and sluggish. Because automatics require little physical effort in order to function, the operator’s output won’t drop over the course of the work day and production speed should stay consistent. 

 

Automatics are also built for the long-haul—they are made to be used heavily and typically have a very long useful life. Automatic machines are built with stronger materials that are intended to support intensive use. If this is a likely scenario, purchasing a 220/240 volt with higher wattage would be beneficial. The higher wattage helps recover the heat quickly on the upper platen, preventing too much temperature variance between applications. 

 

A good, general business practice is to do homework before making any kind of purchase. Find a heat press that has the key elements for quality and reliability as discussed here, and be sure to evaluate what it will be used for to ensure you get the right model to suit your specific needs.