Much of choosing the best heat press machine will depend on what you are going to produce and sell. Because the first thing you’ll do is decide what you’re going to heat-press, then which is the best press for that application. Then if you have the budget for it.
But there are some characteristics of a heat press that are universally good for business uses. They are the same whether you’re working with direct to garment printing, rhinestone transfers, spangle.
Temperature Accuracy
There are some customization methods that are more forgiving, but when most require a temperature of 320F, that’s what they need to adhere to the item, survive the wash and repeated use.
So, the temperature not only has to be accurate, it must be accurate across the entire surface. For consistent results you cannot have the center of your press be at 320F and the edges at 300F or below.
That situation may result in the center of the design adhering fine, and the edges peeling or washing off!
Pressure Accuracy
Pressure can be key depending on your product, especially for rhinestones, spangles and white toner transfers like from the DigitalHeat FX line.
Many heat press machines have a knob on the top to apply more or less pressure. While this is great for mechanical efficiency, it’s hard to get an accurate pressure – that’s why some presses have a digital readout for pressure.
Durability
The heat press gets used in a very physical way throughout the day so the construction MUST stand up.
That is to say their CAN be a big difference between different heat presses based on the quality of construction.
Like the difference between a uniform you might wear every day – heavy, durable fabric, high washability, strong seams for work related stresses – vs. a top you might wear for going out once a month. The latter might be lighter fabric, delicate, not really made for every day.
It’s the difference between an oven you would use at home and one for a commercial kitchen.
Or a truck you buy to tow a boat and carry lumber vs one you will use to occasionally help a neighbor move.
Warranty and Support
The best heat press machine for a BUSINESS is one that is going to come with technical support and a good warranty.
This is in contrast to the large variety of heat presses you can get from eBay and Amazon that are not new and do not come with US based support options.
The difference is that if you are buying the best heat press machine for a BUSINESS, you can afford to wait weeks for a part. Or a call back when you have a question. A heat press machine is an integral part of what makes you money, and you will want to spend some up front to avoid downtime later on.
Post time: Mar-10-2022