Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Guy's I am calling from down under (ozzi) and need help.
I got myself a heat press in Australia and ordered some transfers from Pro World.
I did some research on the net and started…. Yes and it went all wrong… heres the problem.
The spec says 385degrees F Medium pressure Prepress for about 7 sec Press for 9-10Sec Hot Peal
I did just that and the result was a terrible. The outside of the transfer comes out good but towards the inside it does not (centre of the shirt) adhere to the T-Shirt (100% cotton Tee) See Photo
I tried to increase the time from 10 to 15 Sec but still the same results. Then increased the time to 20sec and increases the pressure to High…. Still not working.
I suspect that it could be the press that is not heating up evenly and thus giving me this bit in the middle that does not transfer???
The press that I am using is an Prefecta Press 15”x15” cost around $1000.00 AUD
Please can some one let me have some comments on what is going wrong and were to start fixing the problem
Last edited by Zebra; September 11th, 2007 at 06:01 PM.
Reason: Photo no attached
two issues at stake..either or both..your press is either not heating evenly or the press is not pressing evenly. I am sure you can buy some heat strips that are made to test temperature around the press and then you can do the dollar bill (or any paper currency) test.. put the bill under the press at various places around the press..use heavy pressure and see if the bill is hard to pull out..
Is your press in c or f temp,, have you done the conversion,, also bring your press up to temp and let it set for at least 10 min. at temp most time that helps to distribute and equalize the heat over the entire platen
The only thing I could think of is the pressure isnt getting distributed correctly...
Thanks for the quick responses.
I have done the Dollar bill test and I have placed it on all corners and one halfway between each corner.... The result is good, they are all secure I did not mention that if I move the print a bit of centre after the first try it then does the middle part previously miss. but this messes the transfer. due to a second session in the press. But thanks for the comment any bits of information that I can get helps.
The only thing I could think of is the pressure isnt getting distributed correctly...
Hi Charles
Thanks for the feedback.
Sorry i am new to this prosess and not sure were I could get heat strips but what I have done is to cut a couple of vinyl strips and place it in various places on the press. and the result is amasing.... the one in the middle seems to not adhear to the carment as good as the ones on the out side.
two issues at stake..either or both..your press is either not heating evenly or the press is not pressing evenly. I am sure you can buy some heat strips that are made to test temperature around the press and then you can do the dollar bill (or any paper currency) test.. put the bill under the press at various places around the press..use heavy pressure and see if the bill is hard to pull out..
Hi Rodger
My press is in C. I have made a conversion of 385F=196C.
The press have been on for more than 10min.
I have spoken to the supplier of the Press and they are of the oppoin that it could be a heat problem and has offered to exchange the current press to a HIX 400D.
Now it this a good quality press and it is a $1000.00 more AUD the current one totaling $2000.00
It could be that your upper or lower platten is concave. Try putting a straight edge, such as a ruler that spans from edge to edge of the platten, and check if there is a gap in some area between the ruler and the surface of the platten. It will most likely be in the problem area (middle). If you do not see a gap when the press is cold it may still be possible when the platten gets up to temp.
Just an added precaution, DO NOT USE METAL RULER (it will be a hot experience ). Use oven mitt as well.
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Luis MAD Scientist JR. AKA MS2 Digital Artist. My canvas is t-shirt and my paintbrush is heat press.
Thanks to Charles... you were spot on mate. Both the plate and the heating elements were shot.
I recieved a report back from the supplier and he confirmed the above. At the same time I recieved my new press a bit more expensive but the results are great.
It just reconfirms that a cheap press is not the answer and if you need to do top quality shirt it is worth the while to invest in a good press.
Thanks to every one that commented this form is tops.
Here is a new picture of the new press. ( For a beginner I am impressed.)
Transfer problems or Heat Press problems??? 
). Use oven mitt as well.
