Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Hi everybody. I've been asked to print some caps which I don't normally do. Has anyone managed to print caps on a t shirt press. If so any tips. steve.
I've done a few. Not easy. a lot will depend on your design. The first one I did really flattened the crap out of the formed crown on the front. Worked but not ideal. The second one I tried, I rolled a towel up inside the hat and did the initial press with the flat press open and kept rolling the hat back and forth under the platen to secure the design. Then pressed it a little more with pressure. I also did a small curved web address on the back with logo. Much easier because you can flatten it easier.
If you just wanted to do a handful of caps, you can probably get away with it. I was using Graphtec cutter, Thermoflex plus, and a 15 x 15 Mighty Press. But after all that, I just ordered a cap press.
Hi Steve, with the right attachment it isn't a problem. Livingston systems makes the Hat Champ. You attach it to your screen press, use your current screens and print as many colors as your press can handle.
A firmer structured cap doesn't work as well, but it's possible to print 5 or even 6 panel caps using the Hat Champ. Basically it's a clamp and it traps your hat in a flat panel.
What kind of t-shirt press do you have?
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BelQuette Inc, 877.202.0886 & Screener's Choice, 330-345-5877
Mod1 Direct to Garment Printer, Made in the USA www.belquette.com
Hi Jerid. Sorry about the delay in replying. It is due to the time difference in England. Not sure if we are talking about the same thing. I was talking about heat press not screening. Steve
Ahh I see. I don't think that would be very productive. Like it was suggested, either farm it out, or if it's worth it to you, buy a hat transfer press.
Good Luck.
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BelQuette Inc, 877.202.0886 & Screener's Choice, 330-345-5877
Mod1 Direct to Garment Printer, Made in the USA www.belquette.com
I have a cap press my concern is what material to use. Is there a certain type cap that works better than another? And would vinyl be the best choice for a one color job?
The seam does not get in the way. It's relatively flat. The bigger issue is making sure you have the right size bottom platen for the cap you're using -- otherwise it's difficult to pull the cap tight enough to avoid creases.
I have the same problem. I bought a hat press and everytime I press on a 6 panel hat, the seam shows a crease on the transfer. Drives me nuts and so far I haven't found an answer. Thought about trying a 5 panel hat but I want low profile hats and they are a little more difficult to find.
I'm not sure if you're saying that there is an actual crease in the transfer, or if the seam just "shows through" and the transfer "sinks down" into the seam.
If it's the latter, I don't see how you can get around that. Vinyl, plastisol, and transfers are thin materials, and as such they're going to take on the shape, and texture of whatever material they a pressed on.
Having said that, you may try decreasing your pressure some, and using a thicker vinyl (thermo film as opposed to easy weed, for example). But you really can't have it both ways...you can get the vinyl to blend with the material in one place but not the other.
Almost every thing in life (including us) has limitations. Sometimes "problems" are only problems to us. Which is to say that we're looking so closely, and trying so hard to make perfect something that never can be.
cap transfers 
