Buyers’ Guide For Heat Press Machine
Are you planning on getting a new heat press machine or replace an old one?
Buying the best heat press machine is one of the most important decision you can make for you business.
When you want to get a new heat press machine, making the right choice will help you achieve your business goals.
The right heat press machine will serve you for a really long time and you will be able to recoup your investment in no time.
If you are into gift printing, you will need a strong heat press machine with all the right requirements for your work.
The best heat press machine isn’t the cheapest or the most expensive one. Instead, it is the machine with the right features you need for your business.
In this article, you will learn about all the important information you need when you want to get a new heat press machine.
This article will guide you into making the right and informed buying decision.
What You Need to Consider When Buying a Heat Press Machine?
There are certain factors you must consider when you want to get the best heat machine.
Your needs may be different from that of other people who are using the machine for their business.
Thus, in order to make the right choice, you must consider some of these factors below as they relate to your needs.
Some of these factors include:
- Automatic or Manual?
Heat Press machine can either be automatic or manual and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Automatic heat press machine is very easy to use. This type of machine generates pressure by using air pressure which is regulated in pounds per square inch. The disadvantage of this type of machine is that they are very expensive and will require a lot of maintenance.
Alternatively, you can go for a manual heat press machine, they are not as expensive as automatic ones and you can adjust the pressure on the machine so you can feel the difference between the light, firm, and medium.
- Skill Level
You should consider the user before making your purchase. If you are new to heat press, you should probably ensure that the machine you will buy won’t be a complex one and will come with a user’s manual. Additionally, the seller should be able to provide you with some training.
- Types of Product being Printed
You must consider the type of products that you intend to print and get a machine that is very suitable for it. Some machines are ideal for mug printing, others are best for t-shirt printing, while there are other ones that are perfect for all types of printing.
- Printing Size
There are some heat transfer machines which are perfect for only A4 size on T-shirt, cushion, and other materials while others are best for printing on A3 or bigger sizes. You should know the size you need before making your purchase.
Note that if you are really serious about business, small machines won’t allow you to complete orders in time. However, they are ideal for someone that is just starting out and don’t intend to receive big orders often in the initial phase of the business.
- Power Options
Ideally, depending on your needs, you will need to consider the power that is put into each machine before making your final decision. Some machine comes with a really high power output that will need a 220-volt connection just like your dryer or washer. This type of machine is more expensive. Alternatively, you can go for the one that requires less than 220-volt connection if your budget is not enough for higher ones.
- Budget
Budget is always going to play an important role on the type of machine that you want to get. The higher your budget the more chances you will have of getting a more sophisticated heat transfer machine. We will recommend that you don’t go for cheap options. Save up money and get the best ones without compromising on the price.
- Customer Support/Guarantee
Just like every other product, you would ideally want your product to come with after-sales support and guarantee. If you see a product with a longer guarantee, it is a sign of confidence. You would also want to get a product that comes with after-sales support in case you run into any problem.
What Type of Heat Press Machine Should You Buy?
Ideally, there are mainly two types of heat press machine and you have to make a choice about which type you want to invest in. The two types include:
- Swing-Away
- Clamshell
Each of these two types of heat press machine has its own advantages and disadvantages and we will discuss them below.
Swing-Away Heat Press
Swing-Away press comes with a top platen with the ability to go up and as also swing to the right easily. The best feature of this type of machine is that you can easily rotate most of the top platen 100 degrees without any problem.
Clamshell Heat Press
The major feature of this type of heat press machine is that it uses a top platen that rises. The top platen is designed to rise when you are making use of this machine and you can easily slide the bottom platen towards you. The best advantage of clamshell is that you can use it in a small room. Hence, if you have a small space, your ideal heat press machine may be clamshell.
- Whether the machine meet European and UK standards on fire codes
- Spare parts availability
- Ease of use
- Return Policy
Making A Decision
Now that you have all the information you need about buying the best heat press machine, the last thing you need to consider is the brand.
Never buy your heat press machine from an unknown brand.
You need a brand that will assure you of quality and support.
Finally, buy from a seller who is ready to deliver immediately to your location.
However, endeavor to read reviews and ratings before you click “Order Now” button.
This will help you make the best buying decision when you are purchasing a new heat press machine.
