HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT HEAT PRESS
What to look for when buying a heat press?
Consistent heat across the top platen
This is the most important feature to look for when buying a heat press. If you do not have even heat across the top platen, you will struggle to fuse your garment. With inconsistent heat your vinyl or graphics are in danger of being under or over pressed. This can lead to large volumes of wastage.
By purchasing a Stahls' Heat Press you will avoid cold spots or inconsistent heat on the platen.
Warranty
To measure the longevity of a potential heat press is too look at its warranty. This way you will have a press that can handle anything. From all day use through to occasional pressing, and will stand the test of time.
All Stahls' Heat Presses from the Maxx range up have a lifetime warranty on the heating element.
Multiple heat settings
Not all heat press materials have the same finish. 10°C could make all the difference to a successful press.Make sure you can set an exact temperature on your press. This way you will be able to fuse successfully without the design peeling off.
Every Stahls' Heat Press comes with the ability to set accurate temperature. The Fusion IQ range comes with pre-sets that are customisable by the user or manager.
Variable pressure
A common mistakes made by first-time users is to get the pressure of the press wrong. If you are pressing a t-shirt, a hoody or any other garment, they all require different pressures. Look for a press that will allow you to adjust the pressure of the top platen. This will either be in the form of a bezel above the top platen, that can be changed to the appropriate level. Pressure is generally on a scale of 1-10 for heat fusing.
Accuracy
Once you have ensured control of the heat and pressure of your press. You now need to consider the accuracy. One way of guaranteeing this is to get a press with a threadable bottom platen. This will allow you to get more of the garment over the lower platen. Giving you a more consistent and accurate surface area to press onto. If you are doing a high volume of pressing, it could also be worth considering a laser guided attachment. These can impose a grid onto the lower platen. Allowing you to have the garment and design pressed the same every time.
Mobility
There are many different styles of press available. Be it one with Dual platens, a swinger draw, air controlled pressure or a classic static press. It is always important to consider the space that the press will be situated. If it’s in the corner of a room/ factory then you may want a press that swings out to maximise room and efficiency. If the press is being moved to more than one location you may want a press with a caddie attached. To ensure full versatility.
Staff considerations
When choosing a press, make sure you consider how it will be operated. If the press is running all day, you need to think about how the opening and closing of a press affects your team. For a press operated for prolonged periods of time. An auto-open press or an air assisted press is recommended. These styles ensure the physical impact of all-day pressing is minimal.
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5 years ago
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