Deciphering: Which Style of Heat Press

When shopping for a heat press, the first important decision that you are going to need to make is what style of heat press will work best for you. Right now, there are three basic styles of heat presses from which you can select: 

The Clamshell            

   The Swinger                 

         The Draw

There are certain advantages and disadvantages to each style. 

• Space:  The clamshell and draw heat presses take up less space than the swinger.  The swinger needs enough table space to be able to swing away from the work area.

• Operation:  The clamshell heat press is a one or two step operation (depending on the press).  You close the press down and when it has finished its’ cycle you open the press.  The swinger and draw actually have a four step operation.  You swing the heating area over your garment or in the draws’ case push your drawer under the heating area, then lock the press down, open it when its finished, then swing the heating area away or draw your print area away from the heat.  So generally speaking, the clamshell style heat press leaves the user less fatigued.

• Work Area:  Swinger and Draw heat presses offer a heat free work area.  This is ideal if your applications are going to require extensive layout.  With the clamshell style, you do have enough room to do layout, however the heating platen is directly above your workspace.

• Acceptable Substrates/ Even Pressure:  Generally speaking, the swinger and draw style heat presses can accomodate thicker items.  The manner in which the heat press locks down from directly over the center allows the press to have an even pressure from the center out.  The clamshell style of press has been long tagged with the “pinch effect”.  Meaning, that when the press is locked down in the clam style motion, it pinches thicker substrates or locks down unevenly by hitting in the back first.  This “pinch effect” and uneven pressure is only the case with certain styles of presses.  Some major manufacturers have corrected this issue by developing presses with an over the center pressure adjustment as well as a floating top platen (heating area), that levels off before it hits your substrate.  If you plan to do thicker items, such as mousepads & hoodies be sure to find a clamshell press that negates the “pinch effect”.

• Price:  The price of the swinger and draw style heat presses are generally 10 – 15% higher than that of a clamshell.

• Durability:  All heat presses are equally as durable if bought from a reputable manufacturer.

My Opinion: What would I get if I started my own business?

I would get a clamshell.  After selling and operating all three styles of heat presses, it seems that the benefit of less user fatigue is critical.  Think of it this way, if you are going to be spending a lot of your day heat pressing shirts, I think it needs to be extremely easy to do.  I would spend the money, and get the best clamshell available.  Definitely one with an automatic opening, so that all I have to do is lock the press down and walk away.