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SHOP HEAT PRESSES
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SHOP PRODUCTS
Your transfer is only as good as your heat press…
You could have the perfect, personalized sublimation, heat transfer, or vinyl design for your customer, but if you don’t have a good, quality heat press your finished project might not live up to their expectations.
A high-quality heat press will ensure you’re getting even temperature and pressure across your entire transfer. The right press will give you transfer results that are consistent and repeatable, saving you time and money from having to redo transfers that were ruined by heat platen cold spots or light pressure zones.
Two of the most popular types of heat presses are swing aways and clamshells. On a swing away press, the top can swing completely away from the bottom part, giving consistent pressure while a clamshell opens up and down, similar to a clamshell.
SHOP HEAT PRESSESSwing-Away vs Clamshell Press
Which is Right for Your Business?
The two most common types of heat presses on the market are Swing-Away and Clamshell. Each style has its benefits and choosing the right style for your business is an important step in your heat press purchase.
Swing Away
A Swing-Away press features a top heating platen that “swings” out to one side, giving you easy access to the item you’re pressing. The top platen comes down onto your item in a single top-down motion, ensuring even pressure for the best and most vibrant results. Swing-Away presses require a little more space due to the top platen “swinging” away from the base. However, the “swing” action reduces the chances of accidentally burning yourself when placing a product into the press. Swing away heat presses are perfect for garments and textiles and offer the most consistent results with every single finished project.
Even, consistent pressure
Easier to press garments and textiles
Allows pressing of thicker items
Clamshell
A Clamshell press has a top heating platen that closes from back to front, which makes it a great choice for shops and offices that have limited space. Because the platen closes from back to front, there is the chance that the item being pressed can shift during the closing process, causing “ghosting” for sublimation items. However, when closing the press with a slow, consistent motion, a clamshell press can give you great press results with sublimation or vinyl. We do not recommend using a clamshell press with toner heat transfer.
Great for smaller spaces
Works with sublimation and vinyl
Portability for on-location crafting
Ramp up your drinkware personalization with a JP700 Drinkware Heat Press!
Designed specifically for a wide range of drinkware, the JP700 will take your drinkware personalization to the next level! The JP700 Drinkware Heat Press comes with seven interchangeable heating elements: one for 11oz and 15oz mugs, one for water bottles, one for shot glasses, one for 16oz and 20oz skinny tumblers, one for 30oz skinny tumblers, one for 12oz latte mugs, and one for 17oz latte mugs.
The JP700 Drinkware Heat Press will give you the ability to customize a wide range of drinkware for sublimation or heat transfer with consistent, reliable results every time. Check out some of the most popular drinkware options below.
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Get Inspired!
See what you can create with sublimation or heat transfer and a high-quality heat press.
With a sublimation or toner heat transfer printer and a quality heat press, you can offer your customers any of the thousands of blanks we offer, and each has been tested to work with your chosen personalization method. From home décor items to drinkware and soft goods like t-shirts and blankets, you’ll find something to personalize for every customer and every budget!
JPPLUS TOP PICKS
There are several styles of heat presses to choose from, including swing away, clamshell, auto press, and heat presses for specialty products like drinkware, hats, and garments. Heat presses are available in a wide range of platen sizes to fit virtually any project, from small 8” x 10” hobby heat presses to 44” x 64” maxi presses.
Johnson Plastics Plus offers a wide range of heat presses to fit any shop and budget, with financing options available. If you’re unsure about what press is right for you, our team of equipment specialists can help make sure you get a press that will fit your needs now and in the future.
VIDEOS
Industry experts are here to show you how-to use heat presses and heat press accessories!
HEAT PRESS RESOURCES
Need help deciding what press is right for you? Check out some of our helpful heat press videos downloadable product guides. And if you still have questions, you can contact one of our helpful Customer Service representatives who will make sure you’re getting the right heat press for you and your business.
BUILD YOUR DREAM BUSINESS!
Talk to one of our trained experts to make sure you get the right right equipment for your business! From printers to heat presses and everything in between, we’ll take the mystery and uncertainty out of the buying process and set you up for success!
CONTACT USLet our team of experts be your trusted source for equipment, blanks & supplies!
When you purchase your equipment through JPPlus, you’ll not only get FREE lifetime tech support but also FREE remote installation.
Our friendly team of equipment experts will help get you up and running and help troubleshoot any issues that may come up.
CONTACT SUPPORT TEAMWhether you're a sublimation pro or using heat transfer vinyl, this collection of tumbler and mug presses is sure to have what you need for creating the perfect drinkware! With several options like the Craft Pro Mug and Tumbler heat press, or the hobby mug press, you'll be able to transfer artwork and designs to mugs, tumblers, shot glasses, and beer glasses with ease.
With versatile options that suit the needs of both beginners and seasoned creators, you can trust these drinkware heat presses to transfer designs with precision. Regardless of shape or diameter of your drinkware, each press is crafted to provide consistent pressure and even heat distribution giving you flawless, vibrant colors with every press.
Select from single-function mug presses, similar to the Cricut mug press, or opt for a multi-function press that allows you to swap out attachments, transforming your press into a super-powered tool for personalizing shot glasses, tumblers, and beyond.
FAQs
Can I use a heat press with mugs?
Yes! Mugs can be heat pressed for the sublimation, heat transfer vinyl, or white toner heat transfer process using a specialized mug and drinkware press. Make sure your mug press is appropriately sized for your mugs and that you have heat tape, heat gloves, and your transfer prepared! This blog is an excellent resource to explore all the accessories that can contribute to your shop's success.
Can I use mug press for tumblers?
Yes, as long as you have the proper attachment. For example, this Craft Express mug/tumbler press comes with 30 oz and 40 oz attachments.
Can you heat press vinyl onto mugs?
Yes, using a mug press with your heat press vinyl is a great way to ensure your vinyl transfers well as they will give you even temperatures and pressures.
What's the best heat press for full-color award plaques?
Creating full-color award plaques requires a press that can provide even pressure, consistent temperature, and accommodate the thickness of your award blank. One excellent option is the GeoKnight DK20S swing away heat press. This press can accommodate materials up to two inches thick while providing the even pressure and temperature required for a vibrant, full-color sublimation print on your full-color award plaque.
A high-quality heat press is the cornerstone of any successful personalization business. Whether you are producing custom apparel, personalized drinkware, or architectural signage, the consistency of your heat and pressure determines the quality and durability of your final product.
Quick Guide: Which Heat Press Style Do You Need?
| Heat Press Style | Best For... | Space Required | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clamshell | Flat garments (T-shirts), tote bags | Small footprint | Fastest production speed for high-volume flat items |
| Swing-Away | Thicker substrates (tiles, plaques), sublimation | Large footprint | Safer operation; provides even downward pressure |
| Drinkware Press | Mugs, tumblers, water bottles | Moderate | Purpose-built for 360-degree cylindrical transfers |
| Drawer Style | Precision placement on garments | Moderate | Work area pulls out like a drawer, away from the heat |
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Explore the full range of professional equipment, financing options, and expert training at Johnson Plastics Plus.
Shop All Heat Presses | Browse Drinkware Blanks | View Financing Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Clamshell or Swing-Away heat press better for beginners?
Clamshell presses are generally better for beginners with limited space due to their compact footprint and ease of use. However, Swing-Away presses are safer as the heat source is moved completely away from the user's hands.
Can I use a heat press for both vinyl and sublimation?
Yes. Most professional heat presses (like those from Stahls' Hotronix or Geo Knight) have wide temperature ranges that support both Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) and Sublimation.
What accessories do I need for a heat press?
Essential accessories include Teflon sheets (to protect the platen), heat-resistant tape (to hold designs in place), and heat-resistant gloves for handling hot substrates like metal or ceramic.