Frequently asked questions

Heat Presses

Unbenanntes Dokument
Why does the upper platen seem loose on my heat press?

The plates of all STAHLS' Hotronix® transfer presses have slight play during operation to allow even pressure from corner to corner.

What are interchangeable platens used for?

Interchangeable platens make it easier to print on objects of different sizes and shapes. They isolate the printing surface and thus guarantee even pressure distribution.

How can I check the pressure setting on my heat press?

With the Hotronix® Auto Open & Fusion IQ® range, the pressure can be read off the display. For presses without pressure indicators, the pressure must be set by feel. For a medium pressure, the press should be able to be closed without excessive force. Hotronix® settings are 1-3 light, 4-6 medium and 7-9 firm.

What voltage are Hotronix® heat presses sold in?

The specifications can be found on the product page of each Hotronix® press.

What is the lever underneath the lower platen on my cap heat press?

This is the cap hold-down device that allows you to securely position the hat on the platen and keep it from shifting while heat printing.

The lever is set to the top as standard. When the cap is inserted, the lever is pressed down. The cap is clamped and ready for pressing.
Why is there an under-center pressure adjustment on the cap heat presses?

The pressure adjustment knob on the Auto Open Cap and the MAXX Cap is located in the center under the base plate. The centered placement guarantees even pressure distribution.

The pressure adjustment knob is located under the base plate. Depending on the thickness of the material, you can use this pressure adjustment knob to increase or decrease the pressure for optimum pressure.
What are heating elements?

The heating element is the heart of every press. In our Hotronix® presses, the heating element is coiled and cast into the heating plate. This guarantees even heat distribution without cold spots. Due to the extremely high-quality and durable design, we grant a 30-year guarantee on the heating element.

What power supply do I need to service my new machine?

Our Hotronix® heat presses can be connected to a normal 230 V socket. It is important that the socket is fused with 16 A and is not used at the same time as other powerful devices. For particularly powerful models (e.g. Air Fusion & Dual Air Fusion) or continuous operation, we recommend a separate circuit.

Why are Hotronix heat press platens so thick?

Our heat platens are 2 cm thick, which allows for more insulation so heat is retained between prints. Once the machine reaches the temperature that has been set, it will not fluctuate more than +/- 2 degrees.

What types of temperature device is used?

Our heat presses utilize a platinum-coated RTD probe, which is inserted into the top of the heat platen and measures the actual surface temperature. An RTD probe measures temperature within +/– 2 degrees.

Why are heat press platens coated?

Our heating plates have a durable non-stick coating that makes them easy to clean. If your heating plate gets dirty, you can remove the dirt by briefly wiping it off with a dry cloth.

Why do you powder coat your machines?

Scratch-resistant and more durable than paint, powder coating keeps your machine looking newer, longer.

How do I set the time and date on my Hotronix heat press?

Instructions for setting the time and date can be found in the operating instructions for your Hotronix® press. You can find the manual for the respective press on each product page.

How can I make sure my heat press has even pressure?

The key to uniform printing lies in the design of the upper heating plate. A central pressure setting in conjunction with a movable heating plate ensures a uniform printing result regardless of the thickness of the substrate.

One way to test for even pressure on a press is to put four squares of paper, one in each corner, and close the press. Try to pull out the papers. If one paper comes out easier than the others, it is possible that your platen is warped and not providing even pressure across the platen.

How do I clean the upper heat platen?

We recommend using non-abrasive hand soap with a cloth to clean the upper printing plate. Use cover sheets every time you press to keep your heating plate clean.

What is the difference between a household iron and a heat press?

The three most important prerequisites for the successful application of a transfer are

  • Exact temperature
  • Time
  • Pressure

A heat press can be calibrated to these requirements and maximize efficiency, whereas you cannot achieve precise settings with a household iron.

Which is the right press for me?

A heat press is the most important part of a textile finisher, and choosing the right press is crucial. When choosing a press, look for accuracy, durability and versatility. We offer you an excellent Hotronix range, the world's leading heat presses for every application.

We have the right heat press for every company in our range.

The Hotronix® Dual Air Fusion IQ® is the most advanced heat press in the world. With TWO work stations, you can work more than twice as efficiently. So you can also reliably complete large-volume jobs. The press also features touchscreen wifi technology.

The Hotronix® Fusion IQ® is one of the most popular heat presses in the world. Our best-selling press features a large, high-resolution IQ touchscreen for changing and saving proofing parameters, patented dual-function swivel and pull technology, time, temperature and pressure settings and much more.

The Hotronix® Auto Open Heat Press is a great option if you want to start and/or expand your business. The press opens automatically and has a space-saving folding design. The Auto Open also has a digital pressure display as well as a time and temperature display. An absolute must for textile printers.

Do not buy a press if you do not: 1. You get more than the statutory two-year warranty 2. Is fully UKCA or CE certified 3. Make sure that your supplier can also provide technical support.

Which heat presses have interchangeable bottom plates?

All Hotronix® presses that we carry have interchangeable base plates (with the exception of Clam Basic and MerchMaker).

Interchangeable base plates increase product quality and improve efficiency when applying heat transfer vinyls or transfers. There are three main elements to consider: Time, temperature and pressure.

To achieve an even print, you need a flat printing surface. However, this can be a challenge with certain garments and certain print areas. For this you need interchangeable base plates. Hotronix® manufactures a wide range of different sized and shaped base plates for your heat press, so you can ensure a precise and high-quality print regardless of the garment or area to be printed.

What is the difference between a clam or swing press?

The most obvious difference is that clam presses open vertically, which means you need less space and they are lighter.

The Fusion IQ “Swing” presses swing open to the left and leave a completely ‘heat-free’ work area. The “swing” presses require about one meter of space on the work surface, in contrast to the clam presses. The “Schwing” press is the best-selling model for the professional user of transfer presses.

The „Clam“-presses are used for smaller quantities, but you will see no difference in the end result if you follow the application instructions on both machines. The difference between the “Auto Open” and the “MAXX” baler is that the “Auto Open” version has the patented “Magnetic Automatic Opening and Locking” function. This makes it easier to operate the baler and can reduce the physical strain on the user, especially with large quantities or even when operating two machines at the same time.

What pneumatic presses are available and what do I need to operate one?

Hotronix® Air Fusion IQ® and Dual Air Fusion IQ® presses are pneumatic presses that require an air compressor. When purchasing the compressor, it is important that it has enough power for the press in question. Our compressors are marked accordingly in the store.

Can I cover the rubber mat on the lower pressure plate to protect it from wear and tear?

Yes, you can and you should. All you need is a non-stick protective cover, which you can find in the accessories section of our website. They come in different sizes.

I already have a press. Does it also work with your material?

It takes time, pressure and temperature to print our heat transfer vinyls and transfers. If you have a reliable and high quality press, you are welcome to use it. We guarantee that they will work with any transfer press on the market, as long as you follow the instructions.

What happens if I lose the power cable of my press?

You are welcome to contact us by email (info@stahls.de). It is important that you only use the cable supplied with your press, as it is manufactured according to CE specifications specifically for our heat presses.


Application

Unbenanntes Dokument
How can I improve my application results?

Although our instructions are as accurate as possible, every single garment/fabric is different. Therefore, it is always advisable to do a test yourself and find out how best to apply your heat transfer vinyls / transfers. We also advise you to use non-stick press pads (where needed) and finishing aids (masking sheets) to ensure you get the best result with every press.

I have problems with the application. Is it the material?

It is unlikely that this is due to the material. In most cases, the problems can be traced back to the interaction between temperature, time and pressure. However, if the problem persists, we will be happy to check the material.

What is the best way to order individual transfers?

Simply go to transfer.stahlseurope.de, register and upload your design/template in the Design Tool to get an instant price.

Which is the right transfer for my needs?
The choice of the right transfer depends on the number of colors and pieces. If you are still unsure, we will be happy to advise you by phone or email.
What types of materials can transfers be applied to?

Our custom transfers can be applied to cotton, polyester/cotton blends, some nylons, lycra and spandex.

How durable are the transfers?

Our transfers are extremely durable and are made from materials that will typically outlast the life of the garment (60+ washes) they are applied to (if done correctly). STAHLS' CAD-CUT® materials are washable and can normally be ironed on the reverse.

Can I duplicate transfers of licensed products?

If you can prove that you have the license to reproduce an image, we will be happy to print it for you.

Are there minimum requirements for the order, e.g. quantity?

Depending on the process, we can realize very short runs (from 10 pieces) or runs in the millions for our customers. Our minimum order quantity for Inktra® and UltraColor™ transfers is 10 sheets. There is no minimum order quantity for UltraColor™ MAX DTF transfers. These are available from just one sheet or running meter.

How long is the delivery time for individual transfers?

Our production time for all transfer types is usually 48 hours (except Saturday, Sunday & public holidays). We can also offer 24-hour express production on request. Please contact our customer service by e-mail or telephone. If you order transfer presses, foils & accessories before 12 noon, we will ship your order the same day. We have no influence on the delivery time, as this depends on the shipping company.

Is it possible to achieve special effects on the transfers, e.g. a glossy or textured surface?

Yes, you can achieve such effects by using special cover sheets. You can find these in our accessories section.

What are the requirements for the artwork I need to produce customized transfers?

The quality of the required file depends on the respective process. As a guideline, we require files with at least 300 dpi for UltraColor™ designs. For a screen printing process, we require a file - vector graphics (.eps & .pdf) with fonts converted to path.
Here is an overview of how to order.