Images Magazine Digital Edition October 2018

HEAT TRANSFER & VINYL PRINTING www.images-magazine.com 72 images OCTOBER 2018 Insta Graphic Systems: Quick-Change Insta 256 Heat Press The award-winning Insta 256 Manual Swing-Away heat press from Insta Graphic Systems includes the company‘s Quick- Change feature, allowing the lower platen to be switched out rapidly with any of Insta‘s new accessory platens. “In a matter of seconds, the Quick-Change feature allows customisation to suit various applications,“ the company confirms. Another feature is its swing-away upper platen, which can swing almost 180-degrees to the right, allowing unobstructed access to the lower platen for easy loading of garments. The upper platen has a cast-in heater for even temperature, while adjustable opening allows for application on substrates up to 1.375“ thick. “Insta 256 has been strategically designed for uncomplicated operation with consistently reliable results,“ adds Cris Saunders, Insta‘s director of sales and marketing. The press has a stainless steel handle for ease of handling, appearance and sweat-resistance, while the “time-proven pressure mechanism“ is capable of producing more than 4,000 pound force. The lightweight ‘H‘ frame design offers full dress-ability front and back, while the self-lubricating back post promises a smooth, clean and maintenance-free operation. “Insta 256 features Insta Graphics’ unmatched quality, such as even and heavy-duty heat and pressure distribution and cast aluminium assembly,“ says the manufacturer. “With its unique Quick-Change feature, applying transfers onto pockets, sleeves or pant legs no longer poses a problem.“ www.instagraph.com R A Smart: Transmatic Heat Presses R A Smart (CAD & Machinery) is the UK distributor for Transmatic heat presses and also offers training, support and maintenance for all systems in the UK thanks to its dedicated team of engineers and demonstrators. “Our relationship with the world- renowned heat press manufacturer dates back over 15 years and we now have hundreds of systems installed and running successfully in a multitude of sectors across the UK,“ explains R A Smart. “Transmatic offers solutions for businesses looking for a small flat-bed press for garment decoration, right through to a super-wide rotary system for the soft signage industry.“ All systems are manufactured from scratch at Transmatic’s manufacturing plant in Como, Italy. “Everything from metal fabrication through to circuit board manufacture is all done on-site with immense precision, ensuring maximum quality and reliability is achieved with every product coming off the production line,“ says R A Smart. www.rasmart.co.uk Target Transfers: Hotronix Fusion IQ Target Transfers reports that every Hotronix Fusion now comes equipped with the new Fusion IQ controlboard that features wireless technology, allowing users to interact with their heat press anywhere at any time with the web-based portal. Target says it provides businesses with “insights into performance that allow you to make proactive, data-driven changes in real time“. For example, it allows users to track how much time their heat press is working versus when it‘s sitting idle. They can also access real-time reporting and adjust production capacity as needed, as well as tracking the performance of each employee and allowing owners to identify any application issues. “The Fusion IQ measures every preheat and every heat application so you stay up to date on the number of times your heat presses were engaged,“ adds Target. There are pre-set applications for popular items: there are factory-installed pre-sets as well as the ability to create your own for accurate application of the types of transfers and films being ordered by customers. www.targettransfers.com Choosing the right heat press “The choice of heat presses and associated equipment for image transfer applications has never been greater with different options available from suppliers all over the world, plus online, on eBay and similar websites,“ says Jim Nicol, managing director of TheMagicTouch. “The offerings vary considerably not only in price, but in quality, safety, consistency and value for money.“ How, therefore, does a customer begin to make the right decision? According to Jim, there are three main considerations: “Firstly, decide what the equipment is to be used for; secondly, ensure it conforms to the relevant health and safety standards; and thirdly find out whether the supplier and/or manufacturer offers warranty, support and training.” www.themagictouch.co.uk KNOWLEDGE BASE | Jim Nicol from The MagicTouch R A Smart has been working with heat press manufacturer Transmatic for 15 years The Insta 256 Manual Swing-Away heat press includes the Quick-Change feature The Hotronix Fusion IQ is available from Target Transfers