Most things with unusual prints that surround us in our everyday life are created using thermopress. Despite the variety of models and technical capabilities, the basis of any device is the thermal transfer method - transfer of sublimation ink from photo paper to special paper prepared blanks under conditions of high temperature and pressure. Decision, which thermopress to buy depends on the objectives of the purchase, the main tasks and scale of production, as well as the parameters of the equipment itself.
Main characteristics
Modern heat presses differ in design, size and shape, but are more important the differences concern the performance characteristics and basic functions devices.
If you have not finally decided which thermopress to buy, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of the classification of this equipment category. The devices are classified according to the main technical parameters:
- the shape of the processed blanks - depending on the type and shape of the product, a press is used a suitable heating surface designed for T-shirts and blanks with a flat surface, for cups and cylindrical objects, handles, hats;
- universal heat press 8, 5, 4 in 1 - a multifunctional device for sublimation printing with a single control unit and removable nozzles connected in turn;
- 3D vacuum thermopress is based on the technology of combining high temperatures with vacuum.
Location and direction of movement of the heating press:
- rotating – convenient and safe;
- folding – compact and productive;
- wide-format calender – industrial press for thermal transfer from roll to fabric.
It depends depending on the type of drive, manual and pneumatic models are distinguished, the latter have automatic opening system, high productivity and are recommended for large-scale production.
Resistance time
Thermo presses with digital display of temperature and time allow you to constantly monitor the quality of products.
Pressure
U during the transfer process, it is necessary to ensure the distribution of pressure over the working area surface Rotary devices distribute pressure more evenly than folding thermopresses.
Evenness of heating
Evenness of heating of the thermoelement is the most important factor in the quality of the thermal transfer transfer. The temperature of the press must be the same at every point, otherwise, areas with a reduced temperature will turn out to be indistinct, and the image may peel off. A difference of several degrees is allowed.
Exact temperature compliance
For of various materials, an optimal temperature regime has been developed, which guarantees maximum stability of the image. At low temperature it will work image with gaps, dull and unstable to damage. When overheating the color and sharpness are disturbed, the thermal film on the photo paper may melt.
Purchasing objectives
In addition to the listed criteria, each entrepreneur decides the material side of the issue - a thermal press what price to choose? The final choice of equipment depends on the tasks, which can be effectively solved with its help. Apart from the main one purpose of the device, it is necessary to take into account:
- intensity of operation;
- average volume of editions;
- product specifics, shape and composition of blanks;
- additional equipment functions;
- convenience, practicality and ease of operation.
Personal use
Choosing which thermopress buy for personal and commercial use, rate it convenience and functionality. For a small advertising agency or one multifunctional heat press is enough for the souvenir department. If you have a narrow-profile business in the production of workwear, T-shirts or cups, then buy specialized equipment of well-known manufacturers and optimal power.
Small companies often start work with universal thermopresses. Comparing a special device and a thermopress universal, which is better to buy - correctly estimate the volume of circulation, business development prospects. Multifunctional devices provide a set of 4, 8 or more nozzles - it depends on their design a list of products that you can produce.
Business
Highly specialized thermopresses are intended for large-scale production with precise digital settings and high performance. Semi-automatic presses and fully automatic presses - with automation opening/closing, with pneumatic, hydraulic pressure, calender thermopresses and "carousels" ensure a high level of business efficiency.
Equipment compatibility is of great importance - manufacturers equip thermopresses with various control units, interchangeable nozzles, so it is better for a large enterprise purchase equipment of the same brand.
In the process of choosing which thermopress to buy, pay attention to the details - strength of the platform, informativeness of the control module, the number and location of thermocouples, evaluate ergonomics, ease of use, quality of metal and paint.
Productivity
Main parameters that affect the quality of heating - the number of heating elements and thickness heating plate. The more massive the plate, the better the press supports working temperature regime. The decision of which thermopress to buy depends on the price of the question - a "thick" thermocouple is more expensive, so it is used in professional models.
With one heating element
The shades are responsible for heating the press, uniform heating guarantees high quality and stability of the drawing. Thermopresses with one heating element provide high-quality heating of the plate if it covers the entire area of the press.
More than one element
In vacuum devices for thermal transfer, two or more heaters are provided, which provide fast heating up to temperature of 230°С.
Industrial
For an industrial thermopress, the optimal number is the presence of six interdependent heaters.
Power
This parameter characterizes the speed heating of thermoelements - the more powerful the device, the faster the thermal transfer process is performed, higher equipment performance. On different models, the power can vary from 1000 to 3000 W, depending on the purpose and price equipment categories. The optimal indicator, sufficient for a small of specialized production, has a power of 1800 W. More powerful and productive thermopresses work in the range of 5000 - 16800 W. They intended for large enterprises that produce products with prints on an industrial scale.
Controller
Control of the main parameters of the process - temperature, time interval, pressure is a guarantee of high-quality thermal transfer. Of course, digital control is more accurate, more convenient, and therefore better. "Clockwork" analog timers must be reset before each new transfer is a tedious and time-consuming procedure. Digital controllers allow you to set the main technical parameters for each operation. It is convenient and guarantees a quality result. Modern devices are equipped with digital processors complete with temperature processors sensors.
Top-3 popular manufacturers
My Print
Thermo presses My Prints are produced in a wide range - you can choose a model to work with a certain category of goods or a universal design with a set of nozzles.
Schulze
Equipment and materials for thermal transfer printing TM Schulze are characterized by impeccable quality, wide functionality, a high degree of process automation.
Bulros
Thermopresses Bulros are designed for commercial printing on flat and three-dimensional subjects Compact devices are characterized by reliability in operation, high performance.
Conclusion
Before buying, determine the goals and intensity of use of the device, so it will be easier to decide which thermopress is better to buy and choose the most successful model. Equipment with optimal characteristics will become reliable an assistant in the production of original gift dishes, T-shirts and hoodies with unusual prints, workwear and advertising materials, blankets and home textiles, souvenirs and much more.