3 key features your heat press should have

Heat presses may seem fairly uncomplicated: A garment and transfer design are heated at high temperatures between two platens until the design is permanently adhered. While the process is straightforward, not all heat presses are created equal. We’ll walk you through what to look for in the right heat press for your business.

1. Ease of operation and efficiency

Heat press technology has come a long way in recent years. One of our favorite machines, the Air Fusion IQ from Hotronix, offers a patented Auto-Adjust Pressure, a feature that automatically adjusts to the thickness of the item you’re printing. Plus, the auto-open and auto-swing design reduces operator fatigue. The combination means faster production and superior quality, all at once.

2. Quality outcomes

When it comes to end product, the most important aspect of a heat press is its heating mechanism. Cheaper heat presses cut corners by having the heating coil only at the center of the platens. When these machines heat vinyl or digital transfer designs, edges aren’t properly pressed and can peel early in the garment’s life. Exceptional heat presses ensure the platen has a uniform temperature from the center to the edge. Here’s a great example: Hotronix Fusion IQ.

3. Product consistency and longevity

Balanced pressure is just as important as uniform temperature. Heat presses that clamp in the front often cause one side of a design to receive more pressure than the rest. Unless you feel like taking a chance with uneven heating, you’ll open the heat press frequently to adjust the design’s placement. A better option is investing in a machine that applies pressure at the center for even distribution, with the locking mechanism located at the top like this one.

The market is flooded with options when it comes to heat presses, which is why it’s important to really understand the difference before making a purchase. We can help guide you through the process: https://siistore.com/collections/hotronix