If you're looking for a heat press you'll soon find that there are an array of different heat press types you can select from. Every type offers slight differences in features and production capabilities. In addition, you will find that the prices will vary according to the different machines. With that said, here are a few styles of heat transfer presses that are available.

The entry level heat press type in the marketplace to look at are manual heat presses. There are a number of different models and brands for you to consider when looking at manual machines. Manual presses give you the abilility to adjust the heat temperature and pressure on your own, thus lowering the price you will have to pay. If you intend on printing t-shirts sparingly, this type machine probably will suit your needs.

The next type of heat presses to consider are auto heat presses. These give you more versatilility with everything being totally automated for you. They are air-operated and have an automatic heat option which allows you to reserve your strength and energy. As opposed to the less expensive manual heat presses that you can find in the $200 range, expect to pay over $2,000 for an automated heat transfer press. Ideally, these are for the person who is considering or is already in the printing business.

Stepping back down in price, next on the list of heat press types would be cap heat presses. As the name signifies, these machines are used to press images and graphics on caps of varying sizes and styles. Some of the common features are cap hold down devices, a flotational upper platen, and temperature gauges to help you identify the correct heat temperature you need for the graphic.

If you need a more quality and versatile machine, rotary drum heat presses feature a three zone heat control with adjustable pressure and an automatic belt tracking system. These units are going to be for the productive businesses and companies as a single machine can cost you between $15,000 and $100,000. The quality of product delivered and the mass amount of shirts you can produce makes it all worthwhile.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of heat press types that are available on the market depending on how you are planning to use the machine and how much you are looking to invest. If you wish to press a few shirts just for fun, a manual heat press may be the best choice since it will not cost you an arm and a leg. But if you really mean business you might better go for a rotary drum heat press. Just know that cost can easily exceed what you might spend on a family vehicle.