Rickster58

I just recently acquired a nice heat press, which was originally intended for drug sealing. It is a Seal Products DS100. It is almost new and works great. I was able to get it for $1.00 at my company's auction when we were getting rid of unused equipment. The only difference that I notice between drug sealers and shirt presses, may be the height that the platen will open. This one seems to open wide enough so as not to fry your fingers during use!
My question is this... I got this press because I already have a 24" vinyl cutter and do sign work as a side business. What I would like to know is two things: Is thermal pressing more or less durable/desirable than screening? And is there a more cost effective/efficient method of making thermal transfers than cutting? ie: printing or purchasing from an oem supplier etc.?
Rick<><

 

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deChez

With some vinyl materials, you can hardly notice the difference between that and screening.

As for durability, a good vinyl, applied properly, will outlast the shirt itself.

Specialty Graphics sells materials by the foot. I suggest ordering a foot of each material you're interested in and testing it out. I personally like the Siser Easy Weed.

Stahl's also sells some material by the foot. And I think Heat Press Vinyl does as well.

Once your feet are wet, you'll likely end up choosing your application based on the job -- inkjet transfers for designs with many colors or photo based, vinyl for smaller runs, and plastisol for larger runs.

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Bessie & Me Designs

 

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Rickster58

I ordered an assortment of basic colors in 15" x 11' rolls. I order regular vinyl almost daily, so I got 6 rolls of Hot Mark 70. So far it has been great to use. I am amazed at how fine the details are that can be cut. As opposed to say Oracal 651, thermal transfer material sticks to the release liner and really can be made to do what you want it to. Of course being the right wing conservative that I am, my first shirts were about the US military prison at Guantonimo Bay, Cuba

Motel Gitmo "we'll leave the light on"

And Gitmo "Terrorists always welcome"

Thanks for the info!
Rick<><

 

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