Troubleshooting Frequent Heat Transfer Problems

Equipment used in heat applied graphics is relatively simple. Mistakes are, however, common. A few mistakes lead to problems that may have financial consequences. It is important that such mistakes are not made or repeated.

Accurate pressure at time of transfer

Veterans of the industry go by the tried and tested “two hand clamp” method. The pressure can be assumed to be too light if one hand is enough to close the press. In case you need both hands to lock down the handle, then it can be safely said that the pressure applied is a correct one. This technique, although unscientific, works.

Modern automatic presses offer a PSI gauge to provide relative feedback on the application of exerted pressure. Many operators have adopted the “dollar-bill” method to ensure that proper pressure gets applied. This involves positioning a dollar bill half under platen and the other half hanging out. If dollar bill slides out, problems may arise. The tearing of the dollar, when pulled, means results will be excellent.

Determining accurate temperature reading

Measure the temperature of heat press a minimum of two times every year. An inexpensive way to do it is to use any metal candy thermometer to check the temperature. A wired pyrometer will also do the job. In case you get uncalibrated prints, consult your machine supplier.

Distressed print

An unplanned distress print cheapens an ensemble. Perfect transfers need consistent pressure and temperature over the entire surface area for a particular amount of time. If the defective area consistently shows up in a particular spot, then it can be safely assumed that there is a problem with the heat press. This happens mostly in cheap presses where heat is applied on a single area of the upper platen and does not cover the whole area. This causes cold spots. Check your heat press with a thermometer gun having the infrared technology. If you are in doubt, buy a new machine.

Ensuring a good print

Cut any transfer into multiple pieces and then apply the pieces with a little adjustment to the heat press to the garment's other side. In an overwhelming majority of such cases, a pressure adjustment gets the work done. An occasional time or temperature adjustment could be required too.

Testing for cold spots

Request temperature strips from the seller of the heat press. You can also ask the manufacturer's technical department too. Lock the strip in the press and you will know how hot the press actually is, and where.

Setting Perfect Pressure

For most heat press machines, pressure is simple as rotating a dial however it's hard to know what level of pressure you need. If you're having to apply an extreme amount of force to lock it in, there's a good chance you have your pressure set way too high. And if you're not feeling any resistance when closing it down, that would be a sign of no pressure being applied.

Generally just about all transfers require medium pressure, for locking down the machine that doesn't have a readout, it's hard to gauge what "medium" really feels like but can be easily tested with what's known as the "Paper Pressure Test" seen on our YouTube channel HERE.

Issues with Heat Press Pressure

If you've closed your machine down and it won't open no matter how hard you pull up, it's likely that your pressure is beyond the maximum recommended level and will require a little trick to open. To get that extra level of force applied, good method is to push down on the heating element with one hand (wearing an oven mitt in case the machine is still hot) while pulling up on the handle.

If you're still experiencing abnormal operation results, another culprit to be weary off is actually the height of your machine from the ground. If the main structure is above waist level, you'll be pulling down versus pulling down which is turn is a lot more straining on the operator. Having your heat press around waist level is most ideal so you're instead using your body weight to push down with ease.

Abnormal or missing sounds

Most heat press machines will feature a beeping sound when the machine is ready to be opened as an alert. However if you find that the alert has stopped or sounds abnormal, it's possible that something is out of position whether it's a crucial component such as the timer switch, or even a setting on the screen.

As every machine is different, in this type of situation it's best to speak with the technical support team for the heat press to ensure it is resolved properly.