Heat Transfer Printing Machine

A Heat transfer printing machine is used for the application of screen printed and digital heat transfer sheets which can be applied to garments such as t-shirts, sweatshirts tote bags and more.

heat press transfers
heat press transfers
heat press transfers
heat press transfers
heat press transfers

Heat Transfer Printing Machine – Model Types

  • Pneumatic Auto Close & Release
  • Automatic “Spring loaded” release
  • Manual Release
  • Clamshell Swing up platen
  • Swing a way platen

There are several models and features to consider before purchasing heat transfer equipment. Each model type can make a difference in your overall production workflow. The price of the heat transfer printing machine should not always be your first consideration.

Heat Transfer Printing Machine – Model Types and Explanation

Pneumatic Auto Close & Release Machine

At the top of the list is the Pneumatic Auto Close & Release heat press. This type of press will require a separate air compressor which is attached to the back of the heat transfer equipment. The operator simply loads the platen with the garment of fabric and pushes (2) safety buttons. The machines platen automatically lowers for the preset duration and then automatically raises.

 

Key Features

  • Automatically goes Up and Down
  • Less or No Operator Fatigue
  • Consistently even pressure distribution
  • Adapts to fabrics with buttons or zippers
  • Perfect for heavy fabrics such as canvas bags or fleece
heat transfer equipment

Heat Transfer Printing Machine – Model Types and Explanation

Automatic “Spring Loaded” Release

The Automatic “Spring loaded” release uses a “Clamshell Swing up platen” This type of heat transfer press does not require any air compressor. The use of a locking spring mechanism which releases automatically when the preset timer is finished counting down. The operator must use physical pressure to push down on the upper platen to lock it in place. This machine does not automatically go down like the Pneumatic Auto Close & Release machine.

 

Key Features

  • Automatically releases the upper platen after timer finishes
  • No operator effort is required when raising the platen up
  • No need for additional air compressor
  • Clamshell can take up less space in smaller work areas
heat transfer equipment

Heat Transfer Printing Machine  – Model Types and Explanation

Manual  Release Heat Transfer Equipment

The manual release heat transfer equipment can come in a swing – a – way model. The operator must manually lock down the upper heat platen and then after the preset timer makes an audible sound, manually raise it. This all manual machine may require some physical strength to lower and raise the platen.

 

Key Features

  • Swing – a – way platen allows operator to easily load and unload machine
  • Heat platen is moved away from the operator to reduce risk of burns
  • Good for small or short run orders
  • Some models offer interchangeable lower platens for shoes, duffle bags and other items
heat transfer equipment
Best Heat Press Machine Oversized Platen

How to apply Custom Plastisol Transfer paper, using Gang Sheets

To apply your heat press transfers with heat transfer equipment, you will need a commercial heat press which can provide at least 50 lbs of pressure and at least 375° F of heat. Many Cheap heat press machines will not work if they can not provide the minimum amount of pressure and heat. The application process with a heat press machine is slightly different depending on the Plastisol transfer formula you choose.

To apply Cotton soft custom heat transfers the application is

  • Temperature 375°F – 385°F
  • Dwell time – 7 to 10 seconds
  • Pressure – 45 to 50 PSI
  • Peel immediately after raising heat platen

To apply Polyester Athletic Formula plastisol transfers  the application is

  • Temperature 325°F (less for tote bags)
  • Dwell time – 7 to 10 seconds
  • Pressure – 45 to 50 PSI
  • Peel immediately after raising heat platen

To apply Aqua Color HD heat transfers the application for T-shirts is

  • Temperature 285°F to 295°F (less for black fabric)
  • Dwell time 12 seconds
  • Pressure 40 PSI to 45 PSI
  • Wait until completely cold before peeling away film.

How to use Custom Screen Printed Heat Transfers  – Create a Gang Sheet

To get the most for your money using custom printed transfers, you need to be familiar with what a “Gang Sheet” is. A “Gang Sheet” is simple a way to combine multiple images of the same logo or design one one sheet.  

When using the Digital / Screen printed heat transfers, you can even have multiple logos which are different on the same sheet. If you decide to go with spot color transfers, you can add different logos only if the logos contain the exact same ink colors.  

Using a gang sheet can be useful, especially if you have the need to print a crest print logo on the front of your shirt along with a full sized back logo. Gang Sheets can also be very cost effective when you have several small images which can fit many logos on one sheet.  

The more you can fit on your sheet, the lower your unit cost will be. When ordering a gang sheet using custom plastisol heat transfers, you should consider the following:

  • Determine the “Live area” of your sheet
  • Allow enough room to cut your sheet
  • Know exactly how many prints you will have using the minimum order
  • Be sure to know how long it takes to cut apart your images
  • Be careful not to smudge or scrape off ink when handling the paper
heat press transfers

How to use Transfer Paper  – Where do professionals go?

You can apply custom plastisol heat transfers to 100% cotton, 100% polyester, 50/50 cotton polyester fabrics. There are different ink formulas for each type of fabric. Wholesale T shirt transfers may also apply to fleece or sweatshirts as well as cotton or polyester bags. Be sure to check with BestHeatTransfers.com for the right product for your custom garments.