Heat Press Application Troubleshooting Guide

1. Optimum heat transfer printing cannot be achieved unless the temperature, pressure and time settings are accurately adjusted. If the resulting color in your product is not acceptable, check the following:

• Temperature: 380-410 degrees F.
• Pressure: 0 - MINIMUM PSIG
• Dwell time speed 3-5 feet per minute

If you continue to experience problems with color, consult with the supplier of your plotter for proper calibration instructions.

2. "Ghosting" is a term used for double imaging. If you experience this phenomenon, check the following:

• Make sure that your fabric is heat set prior to printing
• Excessive temperature can cause "blow out" of inks in the gaseous state resulting in ghosting.
• Upon exiting the heated drum, the fabric and transfer paper must be separated simultaneously.

3. If you experience wrinkling or uneven pressure in your fabric or transfer paper during the heat transfer process check the following:

• Make sure the fabric and transfer paper have an even cut on the leading edge prior to threading the machine.
• Thread the machine initially with fabric only. This will allow you to preset the tension and insure proper alignment prior to the heat transfer process. Next, place the leading edge of the transfer paper face down on top of the fabric. Make sure the paper's leading edge is even with the edge of the fabric. Apply pressure downward so that the transfer paper will follow the same path as the fabric into the machine.
• Make sure that your rolls of fabric have been supplied with an even edge. Rolls of fabric that have "funneled" edges will not track properly - resulting in wrinkling and uneven pressure.
• For optimum results, all pneumatic tensions controls on unwind and rewind units should be set at 3-5 psig MAXIMUM.
• Check the belt for tears or rips. We offer a belt welding repair kit for fixing teflon belts. Check our tips for prolonging belt life.