Looking for a heat press? What kind of machine is right for you?

Ok … so you think there might be an opportunity to print garments using heat transfers. And you’re going to investigate getting a heat machine. And since success printing garments with heat transfers starts with the machine here are a few things to consider…

First of all, there are many heat presses sitting in storage or unused at the back of various shops … moth-balled as a result of the failure to achieve a high quality result. Chances are they are “cheap” machines … barely good enough for hobby use. Or, like anything, there’s a learning curve and sometimes we don’t stick it out. Watch my video (above) … that press does a great job and it’s as simple and basic as you can get!

Here’s a great page about best practices for achieving great success with heat presses at TransferPaperCanda. Click Here and take a few moments to read it.

There are a couple of different types of heat machines in wide use – the very popular “clam” (see the Hix video), and the higher production “piston-type” that presses the heat element straight down from the top … like the Insta machines. Also, TransferPaperCanada sells the Geo. Knight lineup of heat machines. Click Here to check it out..

So … what kind of production are you considering? If you’re going to do a “few” smaller orders now and then a basic manual machine will do the trick. For example the HIX HT400 press (or equivalent) is a good choice at about $1,000. If you will be pressing larger orders on a more frequent basis than an air-assisted machine like the HIX N-880 (or equivalent) is what you’ll need at about $4,000. And if you will be doing seriously big runs expect to pay $6,000 or more for something like the INSTA 828 20×25.

By the way … I’m not recommending any of these particular machines, but these companies are solid and they’ve been around in this industry for decades. Use these as a reference point.

The first place to look if for a used machine. There’s always a few on eBay or Kijiji. You could very well score a great deal, but make sure it’s a good brand. I would go for a USA-made unit, and avoid the cheaper machines that are usually made overseas. Remember, it all starts with your machine!

Again … If any of you experienced heat pressers out there have found your favorite press email me about it. We can share the info through the blog.