Tool
Heat Press
A machine that applies controlled heat, pressure, and time to bond a transfer to a substrate.
Definition
A heat press is the production machine that applies controlled heat, pressure, and dwell time to bond a transfer to a garment or hard good. Standard apparel presses are clamshell or swing-away designs with a heated upper platen and a rubber-coated lower platen. Production settings for DTF transfers are 285 to 325 F at medium-to-firm pressure for 10 to 20 seconds. Hat presses, mug presses, and cap presses are smaller specialized variants for non-flat substrates. A household iron is not a substitute. Even pressure across the platen is critical for a clean bond on edges and corners.
Related Terms
Platen
The heated upper surface and the cushioned lower surface of a heat press, between which the garment and transfer are compressed.
Pre-Press
A short heat press cycle on the bare garment before applying the transfer, used to remove moisture and flatten fibers.
Hot Peel
Removing the carrier film from a transfer while the film is still hot, immediately after pressing.
Cold Peel
Removing the carrier film from a transfer only after the film has cooled to room temperature.