Glossary · Device
Heat press
A device with a heated platen that transfers flex film, sublimation or DTF transfers onto textiles or blanks using temperature, time and pressure.
Explained in more detail
A heat press works with three variables: temperature, time and pressure. The right values are in the instructions for the transfer or film, not in the press; typical values are around 150 °C for flex film and 205 °C for sublimation on polyester fabric. Iron-style presses such as the Cricut EasyPress are small and inexpensive, but you apply the pressure yourself by hand. Clamshell and automatic presses set the pressure evenly, which helps with batches and reproducible results. Mug presses are made for straight mugs of specific sizes.
Where does the term come from?
A calque of the English heat press. In instructions it is also called a transfer press, because it transfers designs from a carrier to the workpiece.
In practice
- Follow the values of the transfer supplier, not the press preset. Nadin experienced a preset being too hot on the xTool WonderPress.
- Place protective paper such as baking paper, Teflon sheet or kraft paper between the platen and the transfer.
- Pre-pressing: 5 to 10 seconds without a transfer smooths the fabric and drives out moisture.
- Heating plates get hotter than 200 °C. Always place iron-style presses on the safety rest; zips and metal parts store heat.
Not to be confused
A clamshell press is not intended for curing DTF powder: xTool advises against it and, for this purpose, lets the platen hover only 1 to 2 cm above the film without pressing.
Frequently asked questions
Is an iron enough instead of a heat press?
For individual flex film designs it can be enough; Cricut provides its own instructions for this. For sublimation and DTF, where temperature, time and pressure must be exactly right, a press is the better choice.
Can I print mugs with a heat press?
For mugs there are dedicated mug presses such as the Cricut Mug Press. Which mugs fit is defined by the manufacturer.