Where’s the best place to install my new heat press?

Location, location, location…

That’s typically something you hear when you’re thinking about moving, right? Well, it’s not just a phrase that applies to realtors. It can apply to your production equipment, too.

Location is everything when considering the best place to install your heat press. There are several determining factors to keep in mind when choosing the correct spot in your shop for your heat press, and a lot of them come down to the way your production team functions.

To help me further explain what I mean, I consulted with Mike Ryan of STAHLS’ Hotronix to explore all of the different factors to keep in mind when determining a home base for a shop’s heat press. We both agreed that the obvious factors that come into play are the shop’s workflow and space. Some companies do time studies to determine the most efficient movement of the operator leading to the greatest production efficiency, but, usually, these are large companies with the resources to do these types of studies.

Ryan also filled me in on the importance of first determining which kind of heat press an end user will need before figuring out where to place it. There’s a debate whether a single-buck press, which features one bottom platen, or a double-buck press, which features dual platens is better. The big difference here is that if the single-buck is down, your workflow stops. If the double-buck press goes down, chances are one platen is still usable, allowing you to still produce. To truly ensure production doesn’t come to a halt, a series of single-platen presses, double-bottom platens, or both may be needed. The time studies are helpful when deciding the best press(es), and ultimately to help determine where each one belongs.

Another factor in determining where to place your heat press is safety. The variable of safety is as important as workflow, whether you’re talking about your home or your business. Ensure that you have a solid surface to put the press on with clear access to the on/off switch. When plugging the press into the outlet, make sure your outlet can handle the wattage required and also double-check to see that the cord does not become a trip hazard for your production staff. Your work area should also have adequate ventilation and enough space surrounding the equipment to ensure that you have enough room to work without feeling boxed in or crowded.

The creative possibilities are endless when you own and operate a heat press, whether it’s primarily for your business or personal use.  As a final note, keep your equipment and supplies out of the reach of children, and when your heat press is not in use, always turn it off and unplug!

Happy pressing!

—Coastal Business Supplies