A large part of crafting is making your mark and, for some, that's in the form of customization. When an iron and a decal don't cut it anymore, it's time to upgrade to a heat press machine.
Heat press machines utilize aluminum heating elements to print designs on material. Once fabric is sandwiched between the plates. The temperature is set and pressure is applied to transfer the graphic and, in minutes, you have a one-of-a-kind design. Some people use heat press machines for craft projects, whereas, for others, their business revolves around customized products.
Ready to make an impression? Take a look at our buying guide on heat press machines. We're including our favorite model, the Fancierstudio Power Heat Press, Industrial-Quality 15" x 15", which lasts for years of use for the savvy crafter or small-business owner.
Considerations when choosing heat press machines
How it works
To make a custom-printed shirt, set your heat press machine to the appropriate setting and have your decal ready. Simply position the shirt in the press and the decal on the shirt ink-side down, close the machine, and wait a few seconds for the transfer to complete. Each heat press machine is equipped with an audible timer to let you know when the graphic is set and the process is complete.
Depending on the decal and the material you're printing on, you'll need to make adjustments to the heat settings. They're controlled digitally or by a dial and have a maximum heat range of 350° to 400°F.
Types of heat press machines
Swing-away machines have a stationary bottom plate and an upper plate that swings away to load fabric. For these, simply rotate the arm to marry the plates to initiate the transfer. Swing-away models tend to be safer to operate, as most heated areas are out of reach, but they require quite a bit of space.
Clamshell machines have two parallel plates that are pressed together by a lever. They're easy to use and efficient, and if you're short on space, they're a better option than swing-away models. They also offer varying levels of pressure to hold onto fabric. Depending on the clamshell design, though, you may risk burning yourself on the plates if you're not careful.
Size
Small: These machines are 6" x 8" or smaller and are best suited for printing small designs on small items, such as fabric bags or baby clothing. They handle occasional use, but if you want to use them for high-volume use, they may wear out quickly.
Medium: These machines, which are purchased most often, are 9" x 12" or 12" x 14". They're ideal for regular-size T-shirt printing. These can handle modest-volume printing, and many models are designed for regular daily use.
Large: These machines are 15" x 15" and are used for large-scale projects. They're ideal for advanced home crafters as well as small-business owners. Large heat press machines are best for high-volume use.