For those who are in garment printing business, heat press machine is a printing device which helps you earn bread and butter. Thus, should be always handled with utmost care and precaution if you want it to deliver at its best all the times.
1. Cleaning the upper platen:
In order to the clean the upper platen after use first of all power off the machine and let the machine cool down. Sprinkle a small amount of mineral any mineral acid on to soft cloth, now gently wipe the platen surface with this dampened cloth. This removes the extra inks which come transfers.
Caution:
1) Do not use anything rough or sharp things such as the scrub pads or knifes to remove any layer of residue ink left on the platen. As these materials will damage the protective Teflon coating
2) Never use the mineral acid while the platen is hot, as its highly flammable. Also, avoid coming it in contact with sparks and flames
Advantages:
1) Gives you a clean and smooth surface which is ideal for heat transfer process, an uneven surface can reduce the quality of transfer
2) A cleaner platen distributes the heat and pressure evenly, which helps you to produce great workpieces
2. Protecting the Teflon surface:
The Teflon coated surface here is nothing new, it’s the same as your cooking utensil and serves the function of preventing ins to stick on platen surface. Avoid using and sharp items such chains, zippers and other things to prevent the Teflon layer from getting scratched.
Caution:
1) If you are using additional Teflon sheets please try to remember that it will increase the thickness of the layers and would require more pressure and temperature
2) If a garment has some metal tags try to cover up in multiple patches of smaller dimension
3. Regular oiling and greasing:
You know its quite important to regularly oil and grease the mechanically moving parts of any machine. It always works wonders for everyone. If you do not oil or grease at regular intervals then the heat press becomes slightly hard to work with as the pivots get harden because of dust build up. Also, without lubrication the most of the exposed parts will dry out and start rusting, thus gradually increases the friction making it harder to work.
Caution:
Well, lubricating is a good thing but what happens when you overdo it. The grease build up can be noticed which can get to your garments. So always after greasing, clean of the press before starting it.
4. Cleaning the air system:
Well, this one is for the automatic machines. As they operate by using compressed air which is being sucked in from the environment. It contains a large amount of dust and dirt particles which can clog the entire system. So, to avoid such a situation check the air filters regularly and if necessary change them. Also, replace the desiccant air drier if it’s used completely to prevent the moisture jamming and damaging the air pipes.
5. Have a cleaner workplace:
One important thing is to have a very much cleaner working space, the cleaner space easier & smoother will be a job. Particles like lint, hair and other debris can get stuck in the garment while transferring. So, try to keep the workshop as clean as possible.
The regular maintenance will let your machine perform smoothly and efficiently over a longer period. You can follow the above mention points to get the better performance from your machine.
