As a high-precision, intelligent pressure processing equipment in modern industry, servo press is widely used in the fields of automotive parts assembly, electronic component packaging, precision stamping, etc. Its core advantage lies in the precise control of pressure, speed and position through servo motors, which greatly improves production efficiency and product quality. However, facing the diverse servo press models in the market, how to scientifically select the best cost-effective model has become a key challenge for customers.
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First of all, we need to understand the working principle of the servo press machine.
As a high-precision pressure processing equipment based on servo motor drive, the servo press is mainly composed of servo motor, mechanical transmission device, sensor and other core parts. Its working principle combines servo control technology and mechanical transmission technology, which can adjust pressure, speed and displacement in real time to ensure the stability and repeatability of each stroke.
In a servo press, the mechanical transmission device is the core component that connects the servo motor and the actuator and plays a key role in converting the servo motor's rotary motion into linear motion. (In simple terms, the mechanical transmission device is like a "middleman.") Its performance will directly affect the press's accuracy, speed, and load capacity.
Common types include recirculating ball screws, sliding lead screws and planetary roller screws, each with its own characteristics and suitable for different application scenarios.
Their Functions and Advantages:
1. Circulating ball screw (BS): It is composed of a screw, a nut, a steel ball, a preload plate, a reverser, and a dust collector. The load is transferred from the spindle screw to the nut through the roller, and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion. (In layman's terms: the ball rolls between the screw and the nut, and the rotational force of the motor is smoothly converted into linear thrust, thereby pushing the load to move). It has high precision, reversibility and high efficiency, and can meet the needs of most industrial production sites, with high-cost performance. It is suitable for industrial automation equipment, CNC machine tools, precision instruments and other places with high requirements for precision and efficiency.
2. Sliding ladder screw (AS): It mainly relies on the oil film between the nut and the screw to produce relative sliding work, and the sliding friction completes the linear motion. (It is like putting an oil film between two objects. When one object rotates, the other object will slide with the oil film.) It has good self-locking properties and will not slide easily due to external forces. At the same time, it has an intermittent working system, which means that it does not need to run continuously, which can effectively reduce wear and heat and extend the service lifespan. The structure is simple and the cost is relatively low. It is suitable for simple mechanical transmission devices, small equipment, and intermittent working applications that require self-locking properties and costs.
3. Planetary roller screw (RS): The load is transferred from the threaded spindle to the mother (roller) through 6-8 small threaded roller screw convex thread edges. (Specifically: when the threaded spindle rotates, the small threaded roller screw convex thread edge of the planetary roller screw interacts with the threaded spindle to convert the rotational motion into linear motion, thereby driving the object connected to the threaded spindle to do linear motion) It has fast response speed, high acceleration, ultra-long service life, high load occasions, and can work stably under large loads. Suitable for those that require fast response, high acceleration, long life and high load capabilities.
Based on the comparison of cost performance and application scenarios: Circulating ball screw (BS) > Sliding lead screw (AS) < Planetary roller screw (RS).
After understanding the types of mechanical transmission devices, let's take a look at the assembly form. The main function of the assembly form is to better adapt to different installation spaces and working requirements, optimize transmission efficiency and load capacity, and at the same time ensure the stability and reliability of the equipment to meet the specific needs of various industrial applications scenarios. Common assembly forms can be divided into: D-type assembly direct-connected cylinder body, B-type return cylinder body, DR-type direct-connected cylinder body with planetary reduction, and B-R-type return cylinder body with planetary reduction.
"D" type assembly (directly connected to the cylinder): installed through the coupling housing, no reduction ratio, because there is no reducer, the speed and torque output by the motor are directly transmitted to the screw, and the transmission efficiency is high. (In layman's terms: directly connecting the screw to the cylinder, compact structure, high transmission efficiency, suitable for applications with limited space and high requirements for straightness and precision)
Type "B" (folded cylinder): parallel assembly; by folding the cylinder back to install, a longer stroke can be achieved in a limited space, suitable for occasions where a longer stroke is required but the installation space is limited.
"DR" type (direct-connected cylinder with planetary reducer): direct-connected assembly; combines the assembly method of planetary reducer and direct-connected cylinder, which can provide higher torque output and speed adjustment range, and is suitable for occasions requiring high precision and high load capacity.
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"B-R" type (with planetary reduction reversing cylinder): parallel assembly; combining the planetary reducer with the reversing cylinder, it has the torque amplification advantage of the planetary reducer and can achieve a longer stroke in a limited space. It is suitable for applications with high space and torque requirements.
In mechanical transmission devices, we can see that the choice of transmission type and assembly form directly determines the performance, efficiency and applicable scenarios of the equipment. The choice of these two is most important for the performance matching and application scenario adaptability of subsequent equipment. However, in addition to the selection of transmission devices, the selection of servo presses also needs to comprehensively consider key factors such as pressure requirements, stroke length, and speed requirements.
These selection factors jointly determine whether the servo press machine can meet the needs of specific application scenarios and ensure that the equipment operates in an efficient, stable and precise state. In this regard, HONEST Automation has launched various standard models of servo presses based on different types of mechanical transmission devices and their assembly forms to meet the diverse needs of customers. Welcome to leave a message for consultation.
The selection of a servo press is a complex but crucial process involving multiple key selection factors. The correct selection can not only maximize the performance of the equipment, but also significantly improve production efficiency, extend equipment life, and reduce long-term operating costs. On the contrary, improper selection may cause the equipment to fail to meet production needs, and even affect product quality and production stability.
No matter what type of heat transfers being applied, you need a heat press machine to bond the transfer to the apparel. Matching the many heat press variables like size, type, and functionality with your specific needs can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created this simple guide on how to pick a heat press.
Setting aside the impact picking the right shirt heat press can have on your business, it’s important to remember one simple thought:
All heat press machines do the same thing. They provide consistent heat and pressure for a specified amount of time.
Table Of Contents
- 3 Important Features
- Print Area Size
- Heat Press Type
- Quality Construction
- Other Important Features
- Needs Specific Factors
- Conclusion
3 Important Features
Heat presses are available in a wide range of configurations with many features, but we’ve simplified the list down to the three most important. In our experience, considering these features first is the best place to start.
Print Area Size
The size of the print area will determine what apparel can be printed. Not only should current projects be considered, but also potential future projects to ensure that your equipment is ready.
There are 5 heat press sizes that should be considered:
Very Small: Often referred to as a “label press,” this size ranges from 4”x 6”, 6” x 6” and 6” x 8”. This heat press is best for small items like baby clothes and awkward items like tote bags with seams. In addition, a small heat press can be used on shirt sleeves or very large items where heat is only needed in a small area.
Small: With sizes ranging from 9” x 12”, 11” x 15” and 12” x 14”, 14”x 16” small heat presses are inexpensive and marketed mainly to hobbyists. This size is a good choice for applying 8.5” x 11” heat transfers, patches, and other small items.
Medium: Including sizes of 16” x 16” and 15” x 15” , these t-shirt heat presses are large enough to do the work for most decorators and considered a “standard” size. Not only do they offer greater wattage to easily complete repetitive prints, but they’re also much less expensive than the next size up.
Large: A 16” x 20” heat press is considered large; few apparel decorators have a need for anything larger. This press easily does 11” x 17” transfers as well as standard sizes for t-shirt designs, like full front, and full back. These can also accommodate names and numbers for sports teams.
Note: This size is often the starting point for most salespeople, but it’s expensive and often too much.
Very Large: Ranging in size from 18” x 20” to a gigantic 40” x 64”, these presses are larger than what most need and very expensive. This is not a reasonable heat press for t-shirts in our opinion, so seek professional guidance if you’re considering this size.
Understanding the sizes of the products to be customized is crucial to making the right decision for you. Generally, you want your press to be approximately 1 inch bigger than the largest graphic in each dimension. Standard size will be anything larger than 14” x 16”, since it’ll have a heating element large enough to accommodate the majority of projects most professional printing shops will encounter.
Heat Press Type
Clamshell, Swing-Away, and Draw are the three major types of t-shirt heat press machines. While the Clamshell may be the most popular, each type has strengths and weaknesses. Consider this summary of each type to determine how it may fit your needs.
Clamshell Presses: Clamshell heat presses are available in a range of sizes and are popular due to their simplistic design. Featuring an upper and lower plate, or platen, this shirt press is manually operated by applying downward pressure. While the two platens make this device resembles a clam (hence the name), the upper and lower platen construction can affect the print on specific products.
Benefits of a Clamshell heat press include portability, affordability, and the limited space needed for operation. Drawbacks include issues printing thicker items and an increased chance of garment burns for those configured with rigid platens.
Swing-Away Presses: Offering greater versatility, these t-shirt heat presses lift away from the garment and then pivot to the right. The mechanism is integrated into the top platen, which is the portion that moves 90° - 100° to provide access to the garment being printed.
Benefits of the Swing-Away heat press include greater versatility for a wider range of garments, less likely to burn garments, and additional functionality, Drawbacks include a larger amount of space required for operation, a heavier weight (making it less portable), and cost.
Draw Presses: The Draw heat press is unique by combining characteristics of both a clamshell and swing away heat press. It features a manually operated top platen with a lower surface that slides forward. Many suggest that it offers the “best of both worlds.”
The Draw press' benefits include its limited footprint, faster operation, and greater versatility. The biggest downside is cost.
Each type of t-shirt heat press offers its own set of benefits. Clamshell presses are the most affordable, Swing-Aways are useful to higher-quantity production environments, and Draw presses combine the best of both. To get the most accurate information, we recommend comparing the manufacturer’s specs of each item.
Quality Construction
Print size and press type don’t mean much if your equipment doesn’t function, so quality construction is important for any t-shirt heat press. While quality equipment costs more, this can be controlled by focusing on features that best suit your needs. Some indicators of quality construction include:
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Metal Construction - A steel or aluminum construction is the first indication that a heat press is well constructed. A simple web search shows that there are countless presses constructed of plastic, which will fail under regular use.
Cast Aluminum Heating Plate - High-quality shirt presses produce even, predictable heat across the entire heating surface, and cast aluminum performs well. The highest quality presses embed heating rods into the aluminum plate to distribute heat evenly. A rule of thumb used by many is that higher-quality machines often weigh over 100 lbs (due to the heavy platens).
Manufactured in the United States - Imported t-shirt heat presses are acceptable for use of up to 30 hours per week, but a commercial, US - manufactured brand tends to be more durable. Some brands to consider include:
- Stahl’s,
- HIX
- Geo Knight & Co.
- Insta Graphics
Safety Certification - Lower-quality apparel heat presses do not possess common safety certifications, which constitute a red flag. Look for equipment with a UL or ETL electrical safety certification whenever possible.
Avoid Heating Coils in a Z Pattern - Many cheap or imported heat presses have heating coils placed in a “Z” pattern. The result is uneven heat and cold spots that lead to poor results.
Avoid Equipment With No or Limited Warranty - Many t-shirt heat presses are manufactured by companies unwilling to stand behind their products. While we understand that budgets for equipment may be limited, purchasing equipment with no warranty is no way to save money, in our opinion.
Other Important Features
Although heat press size, type, and quality are the most critical features, there are many others that should be considered. Usability features focus on the ease of use in everyday operation, while Needs-Specific relates to the use of a heat press for a specific purpose.
Usability
Easy opening and closing: The amount of effort needed to operate a shirt heat press varies widely and should be considered. From auto-opening manuals to air automatics that run on compressed air, an easy-to-operate press reduces staff fatigue and increases production capacity.
Digital time and temperature: Digital controls are an improvement over traditional analog dial controls. Not only are they more accurate, but they’re easier to operate. Digital controls aren’t necessarily an essential item, but they simplify the pressing process and make it more efficient
Elevated lower platen: Many heat presses have an elevated lower platen, which makes mounting shirts and applying multiple transfers easier. You’ll find Hotronix® and Mighty Press® Digital presses have this ability, as well, the HIX HT-400D, HT-600D and the Knight DC16.
Wattage: The amount of power applied to the heating element can delay reheating of the platen between prints. Ensure that any press has adequate wattage, especially smaller presses.
Pressure Setting: The ability to set the required pressure is helpful when printing tops that have different thicknesses. Many decorators develop a “feel,” but printing that way can be inconvenient and not repeatable by others. Some presses offer functionality that can automate pressure settings, like Stahls’ Hotronix press line, Geo Knight swing-away presses, and HIX’s SwingMan 20D.
Needs Specific Factors
Weight: For those that ever need mobility, the weight of a t-shirt heat press can be both a benefit or drawback. Because of manufacturing differences, the same-size heat press can vary greatly in weight. These examples are all excellent pieces of equipment, but their weight varies dramatically:
Pneumatic Drive: High-volume apparel printers often use heat presses with a pneumatic drive to ease the physical work required for printing. Comparable to power steering for a vehicle, compressed air performs most of the work. The 16” x 20” size in clamshell and swing-away configurations are the most common.
Different Sized Platens: Printing differently sized garments well can require platens sized for the purpose. Therefore a t-shirt heat press should have the flexibility to change platens to fit that need.
Variable Thickness: Most decorators customize garments of varying thicknesses, so a heat press that can meet that need will be useful. It’s important to focus on one that will meet the need. Using the 16” x 20” size as an example, the Hotronix Swinger & Draw accepts up to 2”, the HIX Swingman 20D 1½”. and the Knight DK20S 1”. So understanding a heat press’ capacity is helpful in picking the right one depending on whether you're pressingcustom patches or DTF transfers.
Attachments for Other Products: An almost unlimited number of other product types can be customized using a heat press commonly used for shirts, so consider every model’s expandability. Among the most popular other products are baseball caps and coffee mugs, but there are many others including shoes, notebooks, and promotional products.
Conclusion
Selecting the right heat press for your needs can feel complicated, but applying common sense with our recommendations will simplify the process. First, understand the type of garment you’ll be customizing. Second, focus on the three most important factors. Finally, adjust to any other features of importance. The result will be the best heat press available based on your needs.
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