Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I am looking to start making t shirts which i plan to create the designs for. After having looked at some heat presses i seem to be confused in where to start. i was hoping to ask a few questions which some more experienced users on this forum would be able to help me with. My price range for a heat press is up to about $1,500
Questions i have which would be greatly appreciated if answered are.
What is a good quality heat press which allows printing on t shirts, jumpers etc?
What should i look for when purchasing a heat press?
I am looking to make my own designs so does a heat press allow me to transfer my designs from my pc to the press?
Basically how do i get my designs on to the shirts? Is it a matter of printing on special paper then the press does it does it run straight from a pc to the press?
Are there other machines besides a heat press which i should be looking at?
Thank-you for your time i hope someone can help me to understand which direction to go in
I am looking to start making t shirts which i plan to create the designs for. After having looked at some heat presses i seem to be confused in where to start. i was hoping to ask a few questions which some more experienced users on this forum would be able to help me with. My price range for a heat press is up to about $1,500
Questions i have which would be greatly appreciated if answered are.
What is a good quality heat press which allows printing on t shirts, jumpers etc?
Virtually all machines from reputable suppliers will be adequate for your use. If you are planning on higher production I would recommend a semi automatic machine. For lower production a manual machine is very adequate.
What should i look for when purchasing a heat press?
A supplier that offers a warranty and excellent customer service.
I am looking to make my own designs so does a heat press allow me to transfer my designs from my pc to the press?
Yes. You can press any type designs.
Basically how do i get my designs on to the shirts? Is it a matter of printing on special paper then the press does it does it run straight from a pc to the press?
Exactly. You can print directly from an inkjet or laser printer onto transfer paper and then apply to the garment.
Are there other machines besides a heat press which i should be looking at?
If you are going to produce your own transfers onto dark garments you might want to consider a plotter/cutter.
Thank-you for your time i hope someone can help me to understand which direction to go in[/quote]
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__________________ Ed www.proworldinc.com - Heat Presses, JPSS, CLEARSOFT PAPER +1000's Transfer Designs......most popular- Christmas, Rhinestones, Peace, Burnout
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thanks firtst for your answers in such a short time i appreciate this. Few more questions if you dont mind
What is the difference between the semi automatic and manual is that just am atter of the semi transfering the design to the press itself.
And is there a machine that can be hooked up to a pc then through my pc i send the designs and it puts it on the shirts without having to put it on paper?
Finallly, i have done shirts before wit ha simple iron and iron on paper. Having said this does having the actual press ensure the quality for longer and stop it from cracking in the wash etc?
thanks firtst for your answers in such a short time i appreciate this. Few more questions if you dont mind
What is the difference between the semi automatic and manual is that just am atter of the semi transfering the design to the press itself.
And is there a machine that can be hooked up to a pc then through my pc i send the designs and it puts it on the shirts without having to put it on paper?
Finallly, i have done shirts before wit ha simple iron and iron on paper. Having said this does having the actual press ensure the quality for longer and stop it from cracking in the wash etc?
Semi= auto opening. You have to close the press as normal. When the timer runs out it automatically opens.
DTG will print directly onto a garment. These are expensive to start a buiss, with.
No, a press will not guarantee a perfect transfer (it would be nice ). You still have to follow directions, but it will do a much better job. If you follow the advice on the forum most problems will be minor.
With a budget like you have a very nice press is easy to obtain.
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thanks firtst for your answers in such a short time i appreciate this. Few more questions if you dont mind
What is the difference between the semi automatic and manual is that just am atter of the semi transfering the design to the press itself. I only operate a manual press, the semi automatics open by themselves but you still have to close them manually. And is there a machine that can be hooked up to a pc then through my pc i send the designs and it puts it on the shirts without having to put it on paper? As far as I know there is no press that places the image directly onto the garment without first being on transfer paper. That would apply only to DTG.
Finallly, i have done shirts before wit ha simple iron and iron on paper. Having said this does having the actual press ensure the quality for longer and stop it from cracking in the wash etc? Using a household iron and iron on paper is a totally different animal. A heat press with a good quality paper such as Jetprosofstretch or JPSS offers a much higher quality to the transfer than could ever be attained using a household iron and standard transfer paper.
I hope this helps.
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