Clam heat presses

Learn more about clamshell transfer presses

This type of press, with a design similar to a sandwich maker, is also known as a clamshell due to its closing mechanism. They are easy to use and maintain, and take up little space, which is why they are the most popular choice for those starting out in the world of personalisation.

→ HOW TO CHOOSE A CLAMSHELL PRESS

If you are unsure which transfer press best suits your working style and production level, here are the 3 key features to consider when choosing your press:

1. What size are the products you want to personalise?

The dimensions of the item will determine the printing area and therefore the size of the press plate. There are many sizes available, from small plates of 15x15 cm to large presses with plates of 120x100 cm. In some cases, you may find different plate sizes within the same press model.

If this is your first press, we recommend choosing a plate size slightly larger than necessary. This way, you will be able to personalise larger products or press several items at once, optimising your working time.

2. Digital or analogue control panel?

Transfer presses operate based on 3 parameters: temperature, time, and pressure. Depending on the personalisation technique, the material used, and the item to be personalised, you will apply different settings.

To regulate these parameters, presses are equipped with a digital or analogue control panel to select the desired time and temperature. In most models, these controls are digital, allowing you to work faster and more accurately, thus achieving better results. However, there are also more affordable clamshell presses with analogue controls.

3. Manual, semi-automatic, or automatic press?

Our presses feature manual, semi-automatic, or automatic opening and closing mechanisms, but which should you choose?

· Manual presses: are the simplest and most affordable. Their opening and closing system is manual, so the pressure adjustment is subjective and may result in a higher number of errors. Nevertheless, they are the perfect solution if you are on a tight budget or will only use the press occasionally.

· Magnetic or semi-automatic presses: These have a manual closing and automatic opening system. In other words, the press must be closed manually and, once the time has elapsed, it opens automatically thanks to built-in electromagnets. This allows for greater productivity, as the user can perform other tasks while the press is operating. However, the pressure adjustment remains subjective.

· Automatic presses: feature a fully automatic opening and closing system. They can be:

- Pneumatic: these are the most sophisticated and productive version. The opening and closing system is operated by air via one or more pistons, requiring a compressor. Thanks to this mechanism, pressure adjustment is regulated by a manometer.

- Electric: the opening and closing system is operated by a motor and the pressure applied by the heat plate is adjustable from the control panel. In this case, a compressor is not required.

→ COMPARISON TABLE: TYPES OF MECHANISMS