What Heat Press Should I Buy? | Fusion IQ vs Auto Clamshell Press Review

[@NOT_A_TOP_FAN]

Been using the clam for 2 years. Have done a lot of shirts on it. Never had a complain in any shirt I’ve done (knock on wood). I also have the lower heat platen, which is nice. That said, I REALLY WISH you guys would make a bolt on roll out drawn platen for this. Even if it was $500 bucks…it would still put it half way between a regular clam and the fusion, so I don’t think there would really be overlap. And because I really like the ability to have the power platen, I don’t really want to sell the clam, to get a fusion. What I would like, is there to be a bolt on drawer for the clam… but trying to work under the platen is a beating. More often than not, I line thugs up off platen and move it over, which is a time waste….

[@transferexpress]

We get tons of requests for a slide out option- we’ll pass along the info to Hotronix in Pennsylvania (where these presses are made) and see what they can get in the works! Having been using an auto clam myself (Dave) for 2+ years I’ve found it’s the best on a stand. When it’s set at the right height it’s much easier to work under the platen for alignment and quick, efficient printing. I put some of my favorite efficiency tips (with the auto clam) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2rPmZlvfNaNoJY

[@NOT_A_TOP_FAN]

@@transferexpress thanks Dave! I actually do have the large stand, and it does help. I’m really just trying to improve process speed to center designs. I’ve been eyeing the tag along platten for a while. It seems like with the collar mold design, if I did a prepress with a center fold, aligning it with the tag along platten would be dead center every time and pretty fast (because center designs really has less to do with rulers and such…but more with ensuring the shirt is loaded straight from the jump)…in a way, I almost see the ability to quickly line up your shirt for pressing as an added speed gain along with if you do or don’t do tags with it…maybe I’m wrong and just hoping too much that’s the car lol

[@topprints544]

Hello! Great video 👍 Are those silver platen covers made by a brand or DIY?

[@transferexpress]

Great question! The platen covers are the Hotronix Quick Slip Pad Protectors, they're available in 6 different sizes for a variety of platens: www.transferexpress.com/heat-press-accessories/quick-slip-protectors

[@lesparza9257]

Great video that helped me decide the Fusion is what’s right for me. Thanks!

[@transferexpress]

Thanks, So glad we could help! You'll love the Fusion (we all do!)

[@chairmanbao]

love the video. would you guys ever make the Fusion IQ with an auto clam function?

[@transferexpress]

Hey Steve, it's definitely one of the most common requests we hear. The fusion does come in an air model that does have the auto open (but requires an air compressor for operation) an auto clam with a fusion control module would ROCK!

[@julerry]

I so wish the Fusion IQ had auto open.

[@transferexpress]

Absolutely! An auto open like the clamshell press would be a gamechanger. The Fusion does have an air-powered automatic big brother:www.transferexpress.com/heat-presses/hotronix-air-fusion-press But it does requires an air compressor.

[@808rem1x]

Me too that would really set it apart with a auto open

[@Fancylooks]

I bought exactly the one that you call Fusion IQ (except the touchscreen, mine hasn't got all those functions, unfortunately)... but mine is called HX1.1, I live in Spain and, somehow, you get the same machines with different names.

[@transferexpress]

I'm not familiar with that model number- Through Stahls' Europe and distributors like Target Transfers in the UK, the presses all have the same names. However, there was a version of the Fusion (with touch screen) that was available before the IQ interface was developed. The model number is currently XF-120 for the Fusion IQ and STX20 for the Auto Clam.

[@Victor-h8j7k]

I know which hear press she means, but it's not the same machine from Stahls, it's a brand named brildor and it looks the same (same colors, same design and same dual functionality) for half the price than the Stahl, but it's definitely not the original one.

[@Fancylooks]

@@Victor-h8j7k Exactly, I bought it from Brildor, same carcass, maybe different machinery

[@Stenkinghaassole2020]

Great information.

[@transferexpress]

Thanks! Glad we could help out :)

[@randomstuff53078]

A big feature missed: The clam accepts the power platens too the fusion doesn’t

[@transferexpress]

Joe! You're right, a great point to add to the Auto Clam list of features!

[@crazylaslo]

Hi, I am looking for a heat press machine, and I want my own logos on it. I want to use silicon logos. Can I use a heat press to press silicon logos on my clothing? Or do I have to use a special machine for that. And 2nd is there a machine that automatically, put my logos on every clothing on the same place??? Or do I have to do that by eye and hand??? Can you please recommend me a machine, that I can press silicon logos on every clothing peace. And it is good for every clothing of peace. And which have an auto press function. Thanks in advance.

[@transferexpress]

Hi Laslo! For most silicone logos you shouldn't have a problem pressing them with a heat press. Some require bottom and top heat, while some transfers are fine with just the top heat. It seems like the Auto Clam (that we feature here in this video) would be a good choice for quickly and efficiently printing transfers on apparel with that automatic feature you're looking for. If you have an air compressor and are looking for a little bit more commercial setup in an automatic press the Hotronix Air Fusion may be a great fit: www.transferexpress.com/heat-presses/hotronix-air-fusion-press As for placement and positioning, it varies based on the location that you're printing (center chest, left chest, back, etc) but there is some tools you can use to help with placement, we did a whole video on them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqi1d4WKZ86sfNk

[@pennyhall7269]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@tallkevin01]

The price will help decide

[@transferexpress]

It sure does! The 16 x 20 AutoClam is $1,800 and configured with a counter caddy (so you can thread the garment on) It's $2,050. The Fusion IQ out of the box (as shown) is retail priced at $2,450.

[@tallkevin01]

@@transferexpress That’s where I’m torn. I don’t NEED the fusion. But the design is so appealing.

[@hildanaranjo1316]

I want one

[@CheBesDesignBox]

To get burned or not to get burned? That is the the question.

[@transferexpress]

🤣🤣🤣 You'd be surprised how far the auto clam opens compared to other clamshell style presses!

[@dinchcrinto17]

Is anyone here able to confirm if the top of the IQ is magnetic? I am looking to attach a teflon sheet with magnets to it so want to confirm before I buy one

[@transferexpress]

Yes, confirmed, magnets will stick to the top of the Fusion IQ.

[@dinchcrinto17]

@@transferexpress thank you for the reply

[@transferexpress]

Sure thing! We're always happy to help. The upper platen is coated in a non-stick coating that acts as a teflon cover for many uses. Be sure to compensate your heat settings if the teflon sheet is blocking any heat from the upper platen