A heat press can be used to transfer images onto an printable material. Heat presses use a combination of high temperatures and heavy pressure to permanently embed images onto these materials. These machines are commonly used for imprinting t-shirts, hats, mugs, ceramic plates, tote bags, jigsaw puzzles and more. Even rhinestones can be heat pressed.

Generally speaking, heat pressing is recommended when you want results that are more professional than using a laminator or hand iron at home. According to authorities on transfers, hand irons simply cannot provide the amount of pressure and the high temperatures needed for optimal transfers. Manufactures claim that heat presses are far more effective than most other heating devices commonly used at home for transferring images.

Heat presses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The type of heat press an individual will need depends on the type of heat transfer products used. Heat presses typically have controls for regulating the temperature and pressure used in an application.

Of the various types of heat presses, the flat platen heat press is the most common. These machines are used for such things as t-shirts, tote bags, jackets, and other flat items. They can even be used for tiles. Flat platen heat presses are available in styles that open and close like a clam (clamshell) as well as those that open by lifting the top and swinging it sideways.