Now that we know the ins and outs of heat presses, let’s look at the different types that are available and the characteristics of each.

1. Clamshell Heat Press

This press has a top platen that hinges open like a clamshell, hence the name. It’s great for beginners as it allows for ease of garment placement when printing. There are manual versions that require you to lift and close the top each time you start printing on a new garment, and there are auto presses that automatically open when the printing is done.

Best for:

– Printing in large numbers due to its easy garment layout.
– Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, a process in which the design is printed directly onto the garment and absorbed into the fibers.
– Printing on a budget or just starting out.

Pros:

Easy to use and time-efficient.

Takes up least amount of space and easily portable (good for events and demos).

Can print large numbers.

Cons:

Not good for printing on thicker or bulkier items.

Less precision, can’t see layout area as well as on other machine types.

Have to apply more pressure and uneven pressure could result in lesser design transfer quality.

2. Swinger Heat Press

This machine features a top platen that swings away from the lower one horizontally in either direction.

Best for:

– Printing involving rhinestones, individual letters or numbers, anything that requires precision.

Pros:

Easy to use.

Better visibility of layout area allows for more precision printing.

Even pressure for printing.

Cons:

The learning curve for beginners.

Requires more time for printing.

Takes up more space since top swings out to the side.

3. Draw Heat Press

With this type of press, the top platen stays stationary while the bottom one – your layout surface – is pulled out from underneath.

Best for:

– Printing that requires precision, similar to the swinger heat press
– Sublimation printing
– Printing in high volumes.

Pros:

Easy to use, time-efficient.

Portable.

Precision printing, good visibility on layout area.

Cons:

Takes up space to open lower platen.

Not great for printing on bulky fabrics or garments.