Heat Press: "The Clam"

The CCI has a MAXXX Digital Clam (aka the T-Shirt press), which can be programmed to maintain a specific temperature and pressure for a set amount of time. This machine is most commonly used to print tshirts using heat sensitive vinyl.

	The heat press requires an induction and supervision to use. Do not use this without a technician present, even if you have been inducted. Contact Rosie or Agnes to book an induction.

Cutting Vinyl

Hot flex vinyl can be cut either by hand or using our vinyl cutter -- a full guide to doing this is available here.

The vinyl should be laid on what you want to press with the shiny acetate side facing up: this will protect the vinyl while it is melted onto the fabric. Before you press, the vinyl should still be attached to the acetate backing -- this is peeled off after the design has been pressed.

Safely Using the Heat Press

You must have had an induction to use this equipment. Additionally, we have Safe Systems of Work documents available in English and Mandarin pinned next to the machine. If it would be helpful for you to have this translated into another language, we are happy to do this!

1. make sure a technician is present

This machine is intended to be used with supervision -- before turning the machine on, check someone will be around in the physical computing or textiles lab for the duration you are using it.

2. use the correct vinyl

Check that the materials you are planning to use are correct for the machine (vinyl sheets, cotton or polycotton fabric). Note that the correct heat flex vinyl is available as sheets -- the vinyl rolls are for sticking to walls, and are not suitable for the t-shirt press.

If you aren't sure whether you have wall vinyl or heat press vinyl, peel off a corner -- the wall vinul will feel sticky, but the heat press vinyl won't.

3. ensure the machine settings are correct

To print Hot Flex vinyl safely, the machine should be set to run at 170 degrees for 20 seconds. This should be set by default -- if you think you need to run at a different temperature/time, or you believe the machine has been set differently, please talk to a technician.

Heating Time: The machine takes around 10 minutes to heat to the correct temperature, and also takes a long time to cool down. Make sure you leave enough time to make your project!

4. place vinyl safely

Hot flex vinyl should be placed on the machine with the shiny side facing up, and the matte side facing toward the fabric you want to print on. Wear the hand protectors while arranging your sample -- the hot side of the machine is at the top!

5. ensure correct pressure settings and print

The machine should be set up correctly for printing t-shirts. If you are printing on anything much thicker (e.g. a larger folded piece of fabric), adjust the screw at the top of the machine to loosen it. You need to be able to lock the arm in place (so that the counter starts) to print successfully.

To print, push down on the top arm until it locks into place. This should start a countdown timer. Stay next to the machine to wait for the beep: don't walk off!

6. printing multiple layers

If you want to print multiple layers (for a multicoloured design), use greaseproof paper to protect the already-printed layers from sticking to the top of the machine.