A thermopress is one of the most necessary types of equipment in the advertising business, with the help of which advertising products are produced with an image on almost any surface: wood, glass, paper, fabric, plastic, ceramics, leather. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" present to your attention the rating of the best heat presses for 2020.
Content
What is it and what is it for
A heat press is a device with a heating element and a mechanical or electronic control unit, the functionality of which is to transfer the selected image to a surface by printing it on sublimation paper, and then placing it in the device under pressure at a high temperature. A chemical reaction converts ink from a solid state to a gaseous state, in which it is transferred to an object and firmly attached to it. These images are durable and clear.
In addition to the fact that this printing equipment is available in different designs, sizes and shapes, there are differences in performance and tasks with which they cope. To transfer a pattern to a fabric and, for example, a cup, different thermoelements are required: in the first case, flat, in the second, cylindrical. If you have to deal with different cases in production, then it is better to give preference to a universal plotter, where various replaceable pads are included in the kit.
What are: varieties and their characteristics
The devices can be divided into types, depending on their field of application, the type of drive and the method of moving the heating element (for flatbed).
- By area of application
- Tablet or flat panel is considered the most popular. Scope - T-shirts, ceramic tiles, glass, fabric, metal, wood, fabric. The only condition is that the object to which the picture is transferred must have a flat surface.
- Lace - designed for transferring images to cylindrical products - mugs, wine glasses, glasses, cups - which is realized due to a cylindrical thermoelement. On these devices, it is possible to change heating elements, which ensures a large volume of production. The structure itself can be horizontal or vertical, the object is fixed in different ways. Horizontal models are more versatile, since the height of the product to be printed does not matter.
- Plate are designed for small flat products. By direct pressing of a flat press, the print is transferred to dishes and plates made of glass, metal, ceramics or plastic.
- Baseball caps are equipped with a special shaped thermal element with a concave upper and convex lower plates for processing hats.
- Universal - multifunctional printing equipment, equipped with removable nozzles of various shapes, are able to print images on workpieces of any shape and, thus, perform functions and cover the scope of use of all types of plotters.
- By drive type
- Manual ones are not suitable for processing a large number of products, since printing by raising and lowering the work plate requires a significant investment of time and effort.
- Pneumatic ones are equipped with the function of automatic raising and lowering of the pressure element, due to which large volumes of production are possible.
- 3D vacuum ones ensure the drawing of a pattern on round and flat workpieces through the use of vacuum vacuum technology and high heating.
- According to the method of moving the heating element, flat ones are divided into:
- folding (compact, easy to use, suitable for commercial and piece use);
- swivel (with a heating element that needs to be pushed back to access the bed, as a result of which they take up a large area, are used for large runs).
How to choose and what to look for
To avoid mistakes when choosing, you need to take into account the goals and objectives that this equipment will solve. Several factors can influence the selection criteria. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" share tips so that readers can decide which heat press is best to buy.
- To obtain a high-quality result, the heating element must have uniform heating and the same temperature in all its areas. If this condition is not observed, the drawing will be dull in those places where the temperature was lower, and detachment of the thermal film is also possible.
- Compliance with the temperature regime of thermal transfer for sublimation is an indispensable condition for obtaining a bright print without defects. In case of non-observance of the rule, the picture may turn out to be distorted, dull, blurred, and the thermal film may melt if it is too heated or peel off if it is insufficient.
- The pressure must be evenly distributed over the workpiece. It is easier to achieve this condition with the help of rotary devices.
- The easy-to-operate mechanism will save you from unnecessary expenditure of forces and energy when opening and closing the press. If production is put on stream, and these operations need to be performed with effort, productivity will decrease due to overvoltage and user discomfort. Automatic or semi-automatic models are very convenient.
- Method of placing the product in a heat press. Devices with a vertical tilt mechanism can cause burns during operation, since the heating element is located above the operator's hands. Devices with a rotary press are more convenient to use due to the fact that the thermocouple, moving to the side, frees up the working space and guarantees the worker's safety. In addition, this type of equipment gives a more uniform pressure. But they take up a larger area than the vertical-tilt mechanism.
- A digital display showing temperature and time facilitates work and provides process control.
- When buying printing equipment, you need to start from the amount of planned products. For small parties of souvenirs, a universal option is suitable. If the industry has a narrow profile, then you can choose a specialized one: for mugs - mug, and for T-shirts - flat. In case of large-scale production, pay attention to pneumatic presses.
Where to buy and which company is better
You can make a purchase both in specialized stores and order online in online stores of the best manufacturers, where customers will be provided with safety and warranty service. In addition, if you are very busy, you do not need to look for time to go to the store - you can see and compare popular models, make an informed choice and order your favorite at any time of the day. With the use of the filtering system, the search will not take much time despite the large number of products presented in the catalog. In addition, the purchase can become very profitable and inexpensive due to access to sales and closed promotions and the use of a personal promotional code.Professional advice from trained managers on Internet sites is important when buying a technically complex product, and this option is available at any time online - you can get an answer to any question regarding the product.
TOP dye sublimation presses
Lace
A.Adkins Studio Mug Press
The standard shape mug is made of durable aluminum alloy and is suitable for medium-sized production. The round-shaped heating element provides an even distribution of temperature conditions, the pressure force can be adjusted. The cup loading system is very convenient and the microprocessor is easy to operate. The heat press is automatically turned off when an emergency occurs and by a timer. Cost: from 55,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- reliable and safe;
- warranty service;
- LCD display;
- manufacturer's warranty.
Disadvantages:
- price.
LOPO Mug Cuter 4 in 1
Compact equipment for transferring images to mugs and cups of any shape and size, since the accessories include removable attachments. The time and temperature indicator on the display allows complete control of the process. The even distribution of temperature and pressure during sublimation guarantees a quality result at a professional level. You can buy it for 25,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- can be used in enterprises for large production;
- quality and reliability;
- excellent result;
- durable body;
- does not take up much space.
Disadvantages:
- absent.
HM-M11
The equipment can provide an average result when using office paper and better when using special paper. The size of the blanks is limited - the circles must be of a certain diameter - from 85 to 95 mm. Print clarity is achieved by manually adjusting the height. Also, the device is equipped with a timer with an audible signal and the ability to adjust the heating temperature up to 210 degrees. The element heats up quickly, but requires a break in operation every 15 minutes. Cost - from 6500 rubles.
Advantages:
- budgetary;
- acceptable product quality;
- timer with sound.
Disadvantages:
- limited cup size;
- the product cools down for a long time.
START (d = 7.5-9.)
Apparatus made of robust steel with electronic control for cylindrical workpieces of a certain diameter - from 7.5 to 9.5 cm. The clamping force is carried out using manual control. Temperatures range up to 250 degrees. The model is lightweight and compact, equipped with a timer, at a budget price - from 5500 rubles.
Advantages:
- compact, lightweight;
- durable body;
- replacement of the heating element is possible if necessary;
- good thermal transfer result;
- inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- opens manually.
Plate
Vektor YН-100
The device, very easy to use, is designed for thermal transfer of prints onto plates and is distinguished by the quality of the finished image. The device is equipped with a silicone substrate, a protective coating, a sound signal and the ability to adjust the pressure of the press. The average price is from 28,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- bright persistent image;
- reliability and durability;
- protection of heating elements;
- easy to use.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
Grafalex 2 in 1
Robust design for thermal transfer to workpieces with a diameter of 190 to 250 mm. The Teflon sheet protects the heating element from scratches, carbon deposits and other damage. The control system allows you to track the time and temperature parameters, as a result of which the print accuracy is guaranteed. The accessories include additional attachments. The average price is from 14,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- easy to operate;
- equipped with a display and indicator;
- temperature control;
- manual clamp;
- 2 attachments included.
Disadvantages:
- no protective shutdown.
Bulros TT-15
The design with a Teflon work surface is designed to print images onto flat workpieces of a certain diameter. Settings are made manually, the clamp is mechanically adjustable.The microchip speeds up the setting process, control of the time and temperature mode is available. Cost from 12,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- suitable for the production of quality souvenirs;
- convenience of settings;
- stylish design;
- possibility of verification.
Disadvantages:
- heavy.
Baseball
INKSYSTEM
A Ukrainian-made sublimation press guarantees an excellent quality result - the print on the headwear is bright, clear and durable. The device is easy to operate and the sublimation process is very fast. It is necessary to regulate the pressure and temperature manually, it starts automatically, the sound timer signals the end of the process. The average price is from 12,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- high-quality result;
- automatic start;
- compact;
- digital display;
- timer;
- 2 operating modes: sublimation and thermal transfer;
- ease of management.
Disadvantages:
- not identified.
Velles VP 1520
Russian product for printing on caps and baseball caps with a unique nozzle that provides maximum tension and smoothing of the fabric for the most accurate thermal transfer. The maximum temperature is 225 degrees, the power of the model is 300 watts. You need to adjust the pressure manually, the information is displayed on the screen, as a result of which full control over the process is available. You can buy it for 24,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Teflon surface for sublimation;
- the ability to adjust the pressure;
- unique nozzle;
- durable prints on products;
- quality and reliability.
Disadvantages:
- not cheap.
START, 14 × 8
Rotary digital design with electronic equipment and production process programming. Prints are bright, do not fade when washed. A status indicator and sound timer make the operator's work much easier. Price - from 15,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- electronic program;
- simple control;
- build quality;
- the price corresponds to the quality.
Disadvantages:
- special care products are required.
Flat
Schulze E-PowerPress, 2x38x45
A very convenient and easy-to-use professional printing apparatus, horizontally rotary, with a bed and two working surfaces. The image is large enough from 38 to 45 cm. The equipment heats up quickly, maximum heating - 220 degrees, power - 2000 W. Universal high-quality equipment can be purchased for 650,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- full automation;
- perfect image of large sizes;
- fast convenient process;
- two work surfaces;
- does not require much user involvement.
Disadvantages:
- weight 200 kg;
- cost.
Bulros T-330
A vertically hinged unit from a Bulgarian manufacturer with eight heating elements and a system that controls time and temperature thanks to a microchip. The operator only needs to set the settings, the process is automated. However, manual settings are also possible. Thermal transfer is carried out equally flawlessly on any material: ceramics, metal, plastic, leather, textiles, cardboard - and any media: T-shirts, bathroom rugs, mouse mats, scarves, shawls and more. Maximum power - 2800 W, temperature - 400 degrees, large size of the finished image. The average price is from 52,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- reliable and simple unit;
- uniform stretching of the material;
- automatic opening;
- weight 31 kg;
- unique control system;
- retractable bottom platform;
- LED display with information reflected on it.
Disadvantages:
- not identified.
Universal
Bulros K-5
The model is designed for a wide range of applications, thanks to interchangeable nozzles, sublimation printing is possible on any product made of various materials, even on such small objects as pens or pencils. The device has a manufacturer's warranty and CE certificate. According to buyers, the popularity of the model is due to its versatility. In addition, its characteristics include such parameters as uniform heating and the possibility of quick and accurate settings, the presence of an indicator and a control system. The average price is from 20,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- multifunctional;
- the price corresponds to the quality;
- excellent result;
- nozzles are easy to change.
Disadvantages:
- absent.
MAXX Press by STAHLS MAXX
Chinese brand digital design with unique pressure adjustment function and temperature and time indicators. Rollers for transferring pictures are not included in the package, for different types of blanks - mugs, baseball caps, plates - must be purchased separately. Thanks to the automatic adjustment function, the pressure and temperature are evenly distributed to guarantee the perfect image. In addition, the device is compact, the lid can be easily opened. Cost - from 130,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- high print resolution;
- transfer from a flash drive is possible;
- suitable for commercial use;
- unique control and adjustment functions;
- takes up little space.
Disadvantages:
- expensive.
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" provided an overview of the best presses for sublimation of images. We hope that the description of the devices and their functions were useful to the readers and will allow them to make the right choice. We are looking forward to your feedback on the tested models of heat presses.