Clam Heat Press Wish List
Clam Heat Press Wish List
If you're just starting your heat press, or maybe you're expanding your business set up and you're looking for a clam shell heat press, we have two great choices that we're going to compare in this blog today. We'll then follow this up with the best clam shell heat press accessories.
Clam Shell heat presses are a fantastic type of heat press to use for your tshirt business because of their compact foot-print. They're a great space-saving piece of equipment that can be used on a tabletop or in the corner of the room on a heat press stand. Just because this is a traditional style of heat press, does not mean it's any less of a great professional piece of equipment for your business.
Today we're comparing the Hotronix MAXX Clam and the Hotronix Auto Open Clam from Stahls'. Both are clam shell designs and look similar apart from the colours, so what's the difference?
The Hotronix Maxx Clam Heat Press
Available in 3 sizes with prices starting from £740, this heat press is the entry-level Hotronix Heat Press. Because of its affordable price point, this Hotronix Maxx Heat Press is a popular choice for start-up businesses.
The Digital Readout device allows you to set the heat press temperature and set a single timer. Because Hotronix heat presses are accurate within the degree, you can rest assured your heat transfer is getting the correct temperature application for an accurate amount of time.
The Over Centre Pressure adjustment means you can adjust your pressure to match whichever garment you're heat printing. This press does not have a pressure readout, so you must spend a little time learning how to feel the correct pressure. Hotronix presses should be used at a pressure reading of 4-6. But how do you know if you've achieved the correct pressure without the readout? The two-finger test.
If you can pull the press handle down and lock it into place with two fingers and just a little resistance, you've likely achieved the correct pressure.
The best thing about the Hotronix Maxx Clam Heat Press is that even though it's the beginner Hotronix model, it still offers Interchangeable Platens. This means that you can swap out the lower platen for any of the Hotronix platen range (as long as it fits within your upper platen size). This is so that you can isolate any print area.
You might be thinking, I just want to print t-shirts, I won't need these fancy accessories, but even t-shirts come in wildly different sizes. If you choose to expand your adult t-shirt range to include children's sizes, you'll need to swap your platen to smaller one so you're able to isolate the print area without the neck or the sleeve disrupting your pressure.
The Hotronix Auto Open Heat Press
This is the World's most user-friendly heat press which is what makes it such a popular choice for heat printers starting their businesses.
The Auto Open heat press pops open when the timer is up meaning that you avoid any over-application if you get distracted. This feature gives you the freedom to focus on more than one job at once.
The Digital Readout on this model gives you access to TWO timers, rather than the single timer that the Maxx Clam Heat Press offers. This means you can set a pre-press timer to remove any moisture and creases from your garment, and also set the main press timer without having to pull it open early or go back in and change the timer every time.
The Digital Readout also offers a pressure readout so that you can be certain of your exact pressure reading when fusing your garments. Just twist the over centre pressure adjustment dial a quarter turn either way and clamp it down to assess your pressure reading.
Again, the Hotronix Auto Open is also Interchangeable Platen compatible, giving you access to the enormous range of 15 different platen sizes from Hotronix. Did you know there's even a platen to print Cap Bills? You might be shopping for a heat press with a specific business idea in mind but the ability to change your lower heat press platen can open up lots of future business avenues for you.
Heat Press Accessories For A Clam Shell Heat Press
Heat Press Caddie Stand
Turn any Hotronix Auto Open or Maxx™ Clam into a threadable heat press.The Heat Press Caddie allows you to load your garment on to the press and decorate the front, back or sides without having to remove it from the platen.This patented time-saving feature can increase productivity up to 40%.
Interchangeable Platens
The Hotronix Lower Platen range is extensive. With 15 compatible heat press platens, you can isolate any print area on any type of garment and still achieve accurate time, temperature and pressure.
Quick Slip Lower Platen Protector
Quick Slip Covers protect your heat press platen from any moisture and excess fluff from the garment. They also save you time when loading garments on and off the press due to their sleek and shiny surface.
Print Perfect Pads
These pads maintain even pressure while raising your print area away from obstructions like zips or seams. Cut them down to fit any placement size!