Heat Press Production Accessories

Whether you are setting up a new shop or maintaining an established one, you will appreciate the many choices in production accessories offered by Condé. We urge you to have on hand at least one of each of the heat insulation pads and pillows. Choose sizes compatible with your main area of concentration; we offer the pads and sheets in the standard press platen sizes and we also offer the rubber and felt pads by the linear inch for custom sizes.

We also want to urge you to get some items we don't sell. White, uncoated butcher paper is invaluable, you can get it in rolls from your local Sam's Club. In addition, every shop will need scissors, box cutters or Exacto knives, a paper cutter, (If you plan to sublimate to plates, a circle cutter would be ideal) and a tub or bucket is necessary for cooling ceramic mugs in water.

A cool plate and a pyrometer are especially needed if you plan to press ceramic plates and tiles, so check for those on the "Other Accessories" page, along with heat tape. All these items are essential for the full production facility, and if you operate at home you will find you appreciate the convenience and support offered by the correct tools.

Pro-Spray
Pro-Spray is probably the most useful item in your arsenal; you will need it to keep transfers from slipping.

Green Silicon Rubber Pads
Green Silicon Rubber Pads are most commonly used in pressing to porcelain and glass. The 1/16" thickness is recommended for jewelry and porcelain ornaments. The thicker 1/8" is perfect for glass cutting boards and tiles. When in doubt, just check the latest instructions on Condé's PartnerNet page (click on Support at the top of this web page).

Heat Insulating Nomex Felt Pads
Heat Insulating Nomex Felt Pads are soft and heat resistant. The most common use is in pressing ceramic tiles. The pad is placed on the press, then the transfer and the tile is placed face down. When the pressure is applied the tile will sink into the transfer and the pad, allowing the image to coat beveled edges and provide a better product.

Teflon Sheets
Teflon Sheets are recommended when working with the RowMark™ Mates materials, which have adhesive backing. The Teflon will insulate the glue portions and keep them from permanently bonding when heat is applied. Note that Teflon itself is sublimatible and a piece of butcher paper should be used to keep the Teflon clean and/or clean it often with alcohol.

Vapor™ Foam and Teflon Pillows
Vapor™ Foam and Teflon Pillows are most often used in tee shirt production, to protect against bleeding and to protect buttons and collars. Prevent unsightly transfer creases and marks on fabric by using these foam-filled Teflon covered pillows. Placing a pillow under garments with heavy seams or buttons allow even platen pressure during the transfer process. These products are designed to elevate the target imaging area of soft substrates such as tees, sports shirts, sweats, tote bags, towels and pillowcases; thus allowing a consistent imaging area and even pressure for a highly reliable transfer. They also are perfect for isolating V-necks, zippers or buttons away from the heat platen and minimize permanent polyester "shock" around the border of the transfer.

The heat-resistant sponge that actually comprises the spongy part of the pillow will loose its resiliency over time. It is normal for a pillow to go flat after an indeterminate period of time. Therefore, we recommend stocking up on pillows if you are planning to do large runs.

Other Accessories
Other Accessories you will need for your shop include the Digital Pyrometer & Surface Probe Kit, which provides the absolute best possible surface temperature sensor available in the world today. Use this device to check your heat press, old or new. The Cool Plate is invaluable for a safe place to put your hot items, especially recommended when doing two-sided items. We have also listed here some other items like heat resistant tape and dispensers.

12
03