How to Choose the Right Industrial Heat Press for Your Business
When it comes to apparel and printing, heat press machines are a must-have for any business. Not only does it transfer graphics and design efficiently into any material, but it also streamlines the process, allowing for a shorter production time. Industrial heat press machines have become an invaluable product to various industries not only for their efficiency but also for their versatility. There are a lot of different heat press machines available on the market right now, and if you’re on the lookout for one that’s suited for your business, then this article is right up your alley; today, we’ll share with you a few tips on how to choose the right industrial heat press for your business needs.
Know your basics: understanding your specific needs and requirements.
Before we dive deep into the topic, it all starts with what your business needs and requirements are, since there’s an appropriate heat press machine depending on your needs.
Product materials. You could start by identifying the type of material you’ll be using for your products—it could be shirts, textiles, or even plastics. Given how all these materials differ in composition, different heat press machines are also used for them. If you plan on working on different materials, it’s best to have a versatile heat press machine to use.
Production volume. You should also consider how many products you plan to put out; are you a small business with a low to medium volume? If so, it’s best to use a manual heat press, but if you’re looking at a high-volume operation, it’s best to use an automatic heat press. Choosing the right heat press based on product demand is crucial so you can reduce production time and lower labor costs. Just remember that even though automatic heat presses produce more in a shorter time, they’re also costlier upfront.
Budget. Most importantly, set a realistic budget for your heat press. As mentioned above, automatic heat presses have a pretty hefty price tag compared to manual ones. If you’re a budding business, it’s ideal to start with a manual press and shift to an automatic heat press once your business booms to accommodate more orders.
What are the different types of industrial heat press machines?
Once you’ve decided on what your business preferences and needs are, it’s time to look at the different types of heat press machines on the market. Each of them comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s best to research what works best for your needs.
Clamshell heat press. For small businesses, it’s best to start with this type of heat press. They’re pretty easy to use and the cheapest ones on the market, ideal for flat items like shirts or tiles. Do keep in mind that they’re not suitable for materials that are on the thicker side or have uneven surfaces.
Swing-away heat press. Compared to the aforementioned, the swing-away heat press offers more versatility, and it allows the operator to place the items more safely because the top platen swings away from the bottom platen.
Draw heat press. This type of heat press is similar to a swing-away, but it can accommodate high-volume production. The bottom platen also slides out, making it easier to place and remove items.
Rotary heat press. Finally, if you’re looking to produce bulk orders, the best option for you is the rotary heat press. They can accommodate different materials and allow control over the pressure so you can use it even on the most delicate material.
