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tsams · June 4th, 2007

Hello
Is there a difference in a heat press for screen print/sublimation and for iron-on type transfers? Some equipment advertisments on the web make a distiction. This may be a terribly naive inquiry but I am still trying to decide whether to do my own T's for the shop.

snarley · June 5th, 2007

Hi Tina,

Short answer: No

A good quality heat press will work on sublimation, plastisol transfers, inkjet and laser transfers, and vinyl equally well. Its best to buy the most expensive press with the largest platen you can afford as a good one will last you a long time. Good Luck on finding one for your business.

Bill M

tsams · June 5th, 2007

Thank you, Thank you Bill
I have been reading here for a while as a guest and this was the one answer I needed before making my final decision & purchase. This forum will definitely be my life saver in the coming weeks as I make my mistakes...and progress.
Tina

COEDS · June 5th, 2007

Definiately not! Any heat press does both well. You may need a long timer for sublimation.

JoshEllsworth · June 5th, 2007

Some keys things to look for in a press for sublimation are:

Max dwell time
Max temperature
Thickness that the press can accomodate
Teflon coated (easy to wipe ink off of?)
Pressure adjustment (over center or in back) In back tends to pinch on clamshell style presses.

You might also consider a swing away style or draw style if you plan to do tiles and plaques.

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