Images Magazine Digital Edition May 2018

www.images-magazine.com MAY 2018 images 59 DRYERS, CALENDARS AND HEAT PRESSES Hampshire Flag Company: Sefa SubliMazi 2513 LF Pneumatic Heat Press from Xpres Greg Smith-Tilley, project manager Tell us a bit about your business Established over 30 years ago, Hampshire Flag Company is a family- run business that produces hand-sewn national and international flags, digitally printed flags, PVC banners, marine flags, bunting and table flags in addition to offering a bespoke flag design service. What machine did you buy and why? In November of last year, we purchased the Sefa SubliMazi 2513 LF Pneumatic Heat Press 255cm x 130cm to replace our Adkins heat press machine, which was a smaller pressing machine. What are its main advantages? As well as the capabilities, the quality and the speed that it could produce, size was a big issue for us. We were impressed with the possible widths that we could press to and this was important for us with the range of materials we print and the products we produce. Also, being able to use the demo machine for several hours proved the machine’s efficiencies on a range of fabrics. One improvement would be if the tracks were retractable when not in use. The machine is quite sizeable and this feature would give a good space advantage. What’s it like to use? The machine is fantastic to use: very simple to understand and operate. The key to getting the most out of it is being organised. As the press allows you to press one panel while preparing the other for pressing, if you are organised you can really maximise the use of the machine and allow it to do the work for you and quickly. What would be your advice to others thinking of buying a heat press? Take advantage of Xpres’s demo facilities and take your own fabrics with you and press those. This will show you the efficiency of the machine and whether the heat press is the right match for what you want to achieve. www.hampshireflag.co.uk Jackal Trick: Sefa Sublitex 1812 Heat Press from Sabur Carla Bramley, owner and director Tell us a bit about your business We are a brand new cycle clothing manufacturer in Huddersfield, Yorkshire. We aim to provide our customers with new designs as often as they want them instead of having to wait a year for the new season [collection] to come out. Our unique feature is 3D body scanning technology, which will enable us to tailor- fit cycling gear for any cycling enthusiast. What heat press did you buy? We use the Sefa Sublitex 1812, bought in autumn 2017 for approximately £25,000, including VAT. We bought it brand new as part of building up our micro factory. The heat press is at the heart of our production line. Why did you choose the Sefa? We chose it for three reasons: it seemed be a more reliable heat press, its dimensions and functionality fit our production needs, and most of all we wanted to buy the press from a local company, Sabur, who we knew would be able to provide us with good after- sales support. We know now that it was the right decision to make as they have been super helpful in times of need! Is there anything you’d like to see in an upgrade or don’t particularly like about it? It would have been good for it to have come with a fixed Teflon protective sheet on the plate and on the beds. What’s it like to use? Do you have any tips on how to get the most out of it? It’s really easy and simple to use. The only problem we have is ‘human error’. Always take care not to leave any foreign objects on the exchange trays and always keep your material covered to avoid damaging the press plate! What would be your advice to others thinking of buying a heat press? The Sefa has been problem-free and seems like a well-built machine. We’d say the most important factor for us is to ensure you have really good support from your supplier, ie Sabur… It’s priceless knowing you’ll receive instant support and they’ll do anything to ensure production keeps chugging away. You always get to speak to the engineers directly and not have to go through a call centre and wait for days until you see one. www. jackaltrick.co.uk Installing the Sefa Sublitex 1812 at Jackal Trick The Hampshire Flag Company uses a Sefa heat press