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MACHINERY
“
It’s good practice to use a cover sheet
after the application is complete.
This type of press requires a larger work area as its
"footprint" is greater than the clam shell. It also
or release paper over the top of all
tends to be more expensive. It does offer the
advantage of easier access, and enabling more
garments during application.
temperature across the entire platen, and avoids timers. These range from the very basic
”
space to carry out laying out the garment and
print on the lower platen.
clockwork Again check that the upper platen is "floating" –
any possibility of a "cold spot" which, because it timers, right through to sophisticated electronic the swingaway (sometimes called a "swinger"
is not at the same temperature, may cause digital timers. press) works particularly well on heat application
problems with the application. All give an audible warning when the time set has to items such as mouse mats, or thicker garments.
Look at the thickness of the platen. This will give a elapsed. Some of the more The upper platen will be very hot during use, so
pretty good indication as to whether or not the advanced machines again care should be taken while in use.
platen is rugged enough (a) to keep the element today now provide a
securely in place and ensure better holding of magnetic release for
temperature and (b) make sure that the platen is the upper platen, OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
kept level when it meets the lower platen. Does which will, when the
the platen have a Teflon coating? Better presses time has elapsed, A question often
will, and this means it’s easier to maintain and automatically release asked is "How
keep clean – it is very important that the platens and open the press. long does it
are kept clean. This is quite a helpful take to learn
It’s good practice to use a cover sheet or release feature, partly because how to use a heat
paper over the top of all garments during it enables the operator press? The answer is
application. This ensures that there is no risk of to do something else "Not very long".
contamination of the upper platen – particularly during the application, Somewhere between
important when working with sublimated and partly because it half and one hour is
garments. guards against accidental usually ample for
over application and those with normal
scorching. aptitude. It is also
2. PRESSURE worth mentioning
that, with the
This should really say "even pressure" because TYPES OF PRESS appropriate
that is essential for perfect applications. You also training, heat
need to be able to adjust pressure – most There are basically two presses can
machines offer this facility. different types of heat Hotronix cap press be used by
On the more basic presses, pressure is adjusted transfer press. The first is called "The physically
manually. On the more sophisticated machines, Clam Shell". This is the original, simplest, and challenged
exact pressures can be set or pre-programmed for most predictable type. It’s called a clam shell employees.
ease of use. because the press opens and closes from front to There are also different heat
Adjustable pressure is needed for two reasons. back, so that when the press is open, the upper presses for different purposes. For
Firstly, different materials need different pressure. heated platen will be suspended directly above the example, there are cap heat presses with specially
For example, pre-printed transfers, and media fixed lower platen – basically mimicking how a designed platens shaped to work with caps and
paper transfers usually require firm pressure, clam shell opens and closes! baseball hats.
whereas Cad-Cut™ materials normally need The opening will vary from press to press, but will There are mug presses for applying heat transfers
lighter pressure to ensure best results. be something around a 30-60° angle. A big – and the better quality presses often feature
Secondly, you need adjustable pressure for advantage this type of press has is that its interchangeable platens enabling the user to
different garments. The setting for say a T shirt "footprint" on a work surface is much smaller. accommodate different applications.
would normally be higher than for a sweatshirt as Check to see if the upper platen is "floating" in Flat Bed Platens can range for example from
the material is much thinner. Make sure that you the open position. This means that when the press around 15cms square to 40 x 50cms which will
fully understand how the pressure can be adjusted is closed it will meet the lower platen at the same deal with most applications.
on your new press, when considering a purchase, time and completely evenly. If the upper platen is Take into account the weight of the press,
remember to compare the ease of use with stationary, it is likely that the back of the platen particularly if you need it to be reasonably
different machines. will meet first as the machine is closed, and this portable. The larger the press inevitably means the
could cause some problems with application. heavier it becomes. If you have very large volumes
Care must be taken when working with the clam of garments to print, consider a pneumatic press.
3. TIME shell press in that the upper platen will be This workhorse will both speed up production and
extremely hot (around 180 deg C) and give years of solid service – but remember that
Different materials usually will may cause a burn if proper attention you will need a compressed air supply to run it.
require different times during is not paid to it. As mentioned above, Heat Transfer presses can vary enormously in price
application – so an some of the newer clam shell presses and range from a few hundred pounds for the
adjustable timer is essential. now have a magnetic hold down most basic machine up to a couple of thousand
There are many different feature, which works far pounds for the most sophisticated computer
ways used by better for situations where controlled pneumatic machines. But you do really
manufacturers on the the user needs to be doing get what you pay for. Buying a reputable brand
several thing’s at the from a reputable dealer should ensure that you get
same time! The second a better product, with a genuine warranty.
type is called "The Keep in mind that you are investing in your
Swingaway". With longterm business future. Buy wisely, and your
Some of the many different platens that are available
this type of press, heat transfer press will be a valued, long serving
the upper platen is member of your successful team!
moved manually to
the side of the press while Visit www.TargetTransfers.com for more
the item is prepared for application, and again information.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk August 2009 | 43 |
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