Introduction to HEATWARE Heat Presses and Heat Rollers: The Range, the Controls and How to Choose
This page started as a short 2024 heatware.co.za post introducing Heatware heat presses and heat rollers. It now gives a working introduction to the whole Heatware range sold by AM.CO.ZA: the families of presses and rollers, what the digital controls actually do, which machine suits which job, and what support, manuals and warranty come with them. The original post and its two videos are kept at the bottom.
Product facts come from the AM.CO.ZA product data behind buythis.co.za (product JSON on am.im, dump dated 2026-10-19) and AM.CO.ZA's own YouTube videos. Prices and stock are not shown here; check the linked buythis pages for current prices.
Quick answer
- What Heatware is: AM.CO.ZA's heat transfer equipment brand, covering handheld presses, mug, tumbler, cap and pen presses, flat T-shirt presses, Hobby combo presses, Multitalent multifunction presses, twin-station pneumatic presses and roller heat presses for fabric by the metre.
- Heat presses press one item (or a small batch) at a time between a heated plate or pad and a support. They handle sublimation, heat transfer vinyl, DTF and foil transfers on shirts, bags, mugs, caps, plates, pens, shoes and more.
- Heat rollers (roller heat presses) feed sublimation transfer paper and fabric continuously through a heated drum, from 300 mm lanyard rollers (H-ROLLER/300/E4) up to 3.2 m oil-heated rollers (H-ROLLER/3200/OIL58).
- Controls: most Heatware presses have a digital controller that holds a set temperature (within 1 or 2 °C, depending on the model) and counts down a 1 to 999 second timer.
- Start here: for a first business, a combo such as H-HOBBY/M5 or a Multitalent such as H-PRESS/MT5 covers shirts, mugs, caps and plates from one machine. For sublimating fabric by the metre, start with the single-phase H-ROLLER/1600/E6.
The Heatware range at a glance
| Family | Examples | Typical jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld presses | H-PRESS/P0 (300 W, leaf-shaped area up to 60 by 100 mm), H-PRESS/P1 (1,000 W, round area up to 300 by 250 mm) | Logos, sleeves, labels, touch-ups, bags and items that will not fit under a flat press |
| Mug and tumbler presses | H-HOBBY/MUG, H-PRESS/MUG, H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO, H-PRESS/TUMBLER, H-PRESS/MUG/ALL, H-PRESS/MUG5 (five mugs per press) | Sublimation mugs, skinny tumblers and cups |
| Cap and pen presses | H-HOBBY/CAP (70, 75 and 100 mm pads), H-PRESS/CAP4 (four pad sizes), H-PRESS/PEN (six pens per press) | Caps, hats, beanies and sublimation pens |
| Flat T-shirt presses | H-PRESS/2938 (290 by 380 mm), H-HOBBY/3838C and H-PRESS/3838C (380 by 380 mm clamshell), H-PRESS/3838 (380 by 380 mm swing-away), H-PRESS/4050 (400 by 500 mm, sliding base), H-PRESS/4060 (400 by 600 mm swing-away) | T-shirts, hoodies, mouse pads, aluminium sheets, DTF and vinyl transfers |
| Hobby combo presses | H-HOBBY/M5, H-HOBBY/P5, H-HOBBY/3D | A flat press plus mug, cap and plate presses, or a 3D vacuum chamber for phone cases and plates |
| Multitalent multifunction presses | H-PRESS/MT5 up to H-PRESS/MT10E | One controller with swappable flat, mug, cup, plate, cap, shoe and pen attachments |
| Twin-station pneumatic presses | H-PRESS/4060D (two 400 by 600 mm stations, 3,000 W), H-PRESS/6080D (two 600 by 800 mm stations, 4,800 W) | Production apparel: load one station while the other presses |
| Electric roller heat presses | H-ROLLER/300/E4, H-ROLLER/1600/E6, H-ROLLER/1600/E6P | Lanyards and ribbons, sportswear fabric, flags and banners up to 1,620 mm wide |
| Oil-heated roller heat presses | H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL12, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL58 | Continuous high-volume sublimation of fabric 1.7 m and 3.2 m wide |
The Heatware heat press size guide lists every platen, pad and attachment size, and the budget guide orders the range from lowest to highest cost.
Heat presses: how they work
A heat press brings a heated plate or pad down onto the item at a set temperature, pressure and time. The design of each family changes how that happens:
- Clamshell presses (H-PRESS/3838C, H-HOBBY/3838C, H-PRESS/4050) hinge open at the back like a book. H-PRESS/4050 adds a sliding base so the garment can be pulled out from under the hot plate.
- Swing-away presses (H-PRESS/3838, H-PRESS/4060 and the Multitalent range) swing the heating element to the side, so you can lay out the garment without working under a hot plate.
- Automatic presses close and open by themselves. H-PRESS/2938 is an automatic flat press, and H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO senses and clamps a standard 320 ml mug at the press of one button.
- Pneumatic twin-station presses (H-PRESS/4060D) lift the head with compressed air (6 bar or more; the compressor is not included) and slide between two stations, with crosshair lasers for alignment.
- Handheld presses (H-PRESS/P0, H-PRESS/P1) use high-frequency vibration for medium pressure, and you add more pressure by hand.
The Multitalent: one press, many attachments
The 2018 mini series in the original post explains how the Heatware multifunction press changes jobs. The default setup is a T-shirt press with the heating element on top and a flat support below; the handle applies the press and a crank wheel on top adjusts the pressure.
- Changing the top part (Part 1): let the element cool completely, unplug its power and sensor cable, loosen the two screws between the pressure springs and slide the element off. Small and large plate (dish) presses then bolt on in its place; they also press trays and other objects with a flat area that a normal flat press cannot reach. Always choose the smallest pad that covers the print, because it concentrates the heat.
- Changing the bottom part (Part 2): swing the element aside, loosen the wing nuts and lift out the flat support. The shoe press attachment bolts on in its place and plugs into the main unit, which powers it and reads its built-in temperature sensor. It holds two shoes at a time; the front of a shoe is pressed with the plate press instead. The cap (head) press needs both a curved top element and a matching curved bottom support.
- Mugs and cups (Part 3): a separate lock stand holds the mug or cup heating element, with a handle that opens and closes the centre around the item. There are cylinder elements in two sizes and cone elements, which must be screwed to the stand so the cone does not pop out during pressing.
On today's Multitalent presses (H-PRESS/MT5 to H-PRESS/MT10E), the E versions have a larger 380 by 380 mm flat press, MT8 adds all the 3D shape presses, MT9 adds the shoe press and MT10 adds the pen press. Single attachments such as H-PRESS/MUG320, H-PRESS/CUP350, H-PRESS/DISK15, H-PRESS/SHOE, H-PRESS/PENS and H-PRESS/CAP are also sold separately. H-PRESS/3838 is listed as compatible with the Multitalent mug, plate, cap and shoe attachments.
Heat rollers: how they work
A roller heat press feeds the printed sublimation transfer paper and the blank fabric together around a heated drum, covered by a blanket that holds them against the drum, then rolls up the printed fabric and the used paper on the other side. It suits long runs that a flat press cannot handle in one go, such as sportswear panels, flags and banners.
- Electric rollers: H-ROLLER/1600/E6 heats a 220 mm drum with electric elements (6.4 kW on single-phase 220 V, about 35 minutes to preheat), takes material up to 1,620 mm wide and 8 mm thick, and runs at 0.3 to 3 metres per minute. It has two feed and two take-up rollers with tension control, and transfers artwork up to 1,200 mm wide on 120 gram or heavier sublimation paper. H-ROLLER/1600/E6P adds a third feed and take-up roller for liner tissue paper. H-ROLLER/300/E4 is a 300 mm roller with a 210 mm drum (4 kW, up to 260 °C) for lanyards and ribbons.
- Oil-heated rollers: H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9 (single-phase 220 V) and H-ROLLER/1700/OIL12 (three-phase 380 V) heat the drum with oil, take about 50 minutes to preheat, accept material up to 1,700 mm wide and 10 mm thick, and add automatic blanket centring (needing compressed air), motorised take-up rollers and automatic cooling that drops to stand-by below 95 °C. The 3.2 m rollers (H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL58) use a 420 mm drum and need three-phase power and 4 to 8 bar compressed air.
- Setting speed and temperature: the 2022 roller review video explains that speed and temperature must be balanced. Running too fast for the temperature gives a faded print, and running too slow at a high temperature scorches the paper yellow and turns colours brown. The reviewer starts tests at around 230 °C and also uses the reverse function to free a paper jam.
- What is not included: the 10 mm tempered glass worktable top on the wide rollers and the power cable (from 32 A, 6 mm² up to 110 A, 35 mm², depending on the model).
The roller product data describes sublimation transfer paper. For heat transfer vinyl and DTF transfers, a flat press is the usual tool.
Digital control and precision
The original post says many Heatware products have digital controls. In the product data:
| Press type | Temperature | Precision | Timer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multitalent presses, H-PRESS/MUG, H-PRESS/3838 | 93 to 232 °C (200 to 450 °F) | within 2 °C | 1 to 999 seconds |
| H-PRESS/4060 swing-away | up to 400 °C, default limit 270 °C for safety | within 2 °C | 1 to 999 seconds |
| H-PRESS/4060D twin-station | up to 400 °C, default limit 270 °C for safety | within 1 °C | 1 to 999 seconds |
| H-PRESS/2938, H-HOBBY/M5, H-HOBBY/3D | up to 205, 205 and 220 °C | within 1 °C | 1 to 999 seconds |
| H-PRESS/P0, H-PRESS/P1 handheld | up to 250 °C | not stated | 1 to 999 seconds |
In practice, as the 380 by 380 clamshell operation video shows, you set the temperature with its arrow buttons, set the time, wait for the plate to reach temperature, then close the press; the timer counts down to zero and beeps so you can lift the plate before the item scorches. A pressure knob sets how hard the plate presses. Another support video shows how to switch the display between Fahrenheit and Celsius on both the multifunction press and the large swing-away press, and warns that settings above 270 °C on the swing-away press can cause fire and are only for special cases.
Choosing the right Heatware product
| If you want to... | Look at |
|---|---|
| Put logos on sleeves, pockets or bags | H-PRESS/P0 or H-PRESS/P1 |
| Start a T-shirt business | H-PRESS/2938, H-HOBBY/3838C, H-PRESS/3838 or H-PRESS/4050 |
| Press full adult fronts and backs | H-PRESS/4060 |
| Run high-volume apparel with one operator | H-PRESS/4060D or H-PRESS/6080D |
| Do mugs and tumblers | H-PRESS/MUG, H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO, H-PRESS/TUMBLER, H-PRESS/MUG/ALL, or H-PRESS/MUG5 for batches |
| Do caps and pens | H-HOBBY/CAP, H-PRESS/CAP4, H-PRESS/PEN |
| Offer many gift products from one machine | H-HOBBY/M5, H-HOBBY/P5, or a Multitalent from H-PRESS/MT5 to H-PRESS/MT10E |
| Sublimate phone cases and photo plates | H-HOBBY/3D or the 3D shape presses on H-PRESS/MT8 and up |
| Print lanyards and ribbons | H-ROLLER/300/E4 |
| Sublimate sportswear, flags and banners by the metre | H-ROLLER/1600/E6, H-ROLLER/1600/E6P, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9 or H-ROLLER/1700/OIL12 |
| Run industrial wide-fabric production | H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35 or H-ROLLER/3200/OIL58 |
Power is worth checking early. The handheld, mug, tumbler, cap, Hobby, Multitalent and flat presses up to H-PRESS/4060D run on single-phase power. Among the rollers, the 1.7 m 12 kW and 3.2 m models need three-phase 380 V.
User-friendly design, support and warranty
- Manuals: user manuals for the Hobby M5, Hobby P5, Hobby automatic mug press and Hobby 3D are online, and AM.CO.ZA's Heat Press Guide covers the Multitalent presses.
- Videos: AM.CO.ZA publishes unboxing, assembly, operation and troubleshooting videos for the range, listed below, including roller assembly and blanket care.
- Warranty: the main presses and rollers carry a 1 year warranty in the product data. On the Hobby presses the warranty covers the electronic components, and accessories and consumables carry no warranty; the Hobby presses are listed as consumer equipment for hobby use, with a manual included and training not included, and no additional or replacement attachments. Separately sold Multitalent attachments carry no warranty.
- Spare parts and attachments: the Multitalent attachments, including the lock stand for mugs and cups, are sold as separate parts, as the 2018 mini series points out.
- Consumables: transfer papers, mats and thermal tape are sold alongside the presses, for example H-PAPER/A4, H-MAT/3838 and H-TAPE/THERMAL.
What the videos in the original post show
- Customized Diary Book with Gold Foiled Wording Cut by Vinyl Cutter and Pressed on by Heat Press (2020-11-29): as its title says, gold foil wording is cut on a vinyl cutter and pressed onto a diary cover with a heat press. The dump holds no transcript for this video.
- Multi Function Heat Press, Heatware 9 in 1 Combo Function Explained, Mini Series Part 2 Bottom Part (2018-08-28): shows the default T-shirt setup, then swaps the flat support for the shoe press (two shoes at a time) and fits the curved support and element for the cap press, as summarised above.
Videos
- Customized Diary Book with Gold Foiled Wording Cut by Vinyl Cutter and Pressed on by Heat Press (2020-11-29)
- Multi Function Heat Press, Heatware 9 in 1 Combo Function Explained, Mini Series Part 1 Top Part, T (2018-08-28)
- Multi Function Heat Press, Heatware 9 in 1 Combo Function Explained, Mini Series Part 2 Bottom Part, (2018-08-28)
- Multi Function Heat Press, Heatware 9 in 1 Combo Function Explained, Mini Series Part 3 Cup and Mug (2018-08-28)
- Heatware 9 Function Heat Press Function Combo Unit Mug Cap Shoe and T Shirt Press Explained (2018-08-25)
- Comprehensive Heat Press Machines Range from AM.CO.ZA, from Handheld to Multi-Station Heat Presses (2023-09-27)
- Heat Presses Tour of Popular Heat Presses in South Africa Market for Business and Industrial (2024-05-28)
- Heatware Heat Press Range Keeps Expanding with More Automatic Heat Presses (2024-10-13)
- Basic Operation, Temperature and Timer Setting for Heatware 380×380 Clamshell Flat Heat Press! (2024-06-06)
- #SortIT, Change Temperature Display Between Fahrenheit and Celsius on Heatware Heat Presses (2018-08-30)
- Install Shoe Press (H-PRESS/SHOE) on Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Range (2026-05-07)
- Multi Colour Heat Transfer Vinyls Cut on V-Auto Vinyl Cutter and Press T-Shirt Heatware Heat Press (2018-11-09)
- New Heatware Twin-Station Air-Lifting 400x600 Flat Press Heat Press Machine with Crosshair Laser (2025-10-06)
- Roller Heat Press Review and Heatware 220V 1620mm Roller Heat Press Basic Functions Walkthrough (2022-09-26)
- Sublimation Printing FAQ, Large Format Sublimation Printer and Roller Heat Press Usage Guide (2025-02-10)
- H-ROLLER/300/E4 300mm Roller Heat Press for Lanyard, Ribbon Heat Sublimation Transfer (2024-06-27)
- 220V 9kW Oil Heating Roller Heat Press Tested on 7 Meters Long Banner Sublimation Pressing (2024-09-26)
- Basic Operation for 12kW 1700mm Open-Drum Oil Heat Press with Blanket Automatic Centering (Part 1) (2026-02-01)
- Blanket Care and New Blanket Preparation for Roller Heat Press Machines (2025-05-01)
More from AM.CO.ZA
- Heat press gallery
- Heat press videos by tag and roller heat press videos by tag
- Heat press sales handbook and heat press SKU guide
- Related pages: Heatware heat press size guide, budget-friendly Heatware presses and rollers, versatility of Heatware presses and rollers, how Heatware presses give a business a competitive edge, what a Heatware heat press is, why choose Heatware, multi-colour heat transfer how-to, Heatware brand site signpost
FAQ
What is the difference between a heat press and a heat roller? A heat press presses one item, or a small batch, between a heated plate or pad and a support. A heat roller feeds sublimation paper and fabric continuously around a heated drum, so it suits fabric by the metre.
Which Heatware press is the most versatile? The Multitalent range (H-PRESS/MT5 to H-PRESS/MT10E), which swaps flat, mug, cup, plate, cap, shoe and pen attachments on one controller. The Hobby combos (H-HOBBY/M5, H-HOBBY/P5) cover shirts, mugs, caps and plates but cannot take extra attachments.
How precise are the controls? Within 2 °C on the Multitalent and standard presses and within 1 °C on the Hobby flat and combo presses and the twin-station press, with a 1 to 999 second timer on most models.
Can a heat roller do vinyl? The Heatware roller product data describes sublimation transfer paper on fabric. Use a flat press for heat transfer vinyl and DTF transfers.
Do roller presses need three-phase power? Not all. H-ROLLER/1600/E6, H-ROLLER/1600/E6P, H-ROLLER/300/E4 and H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9 run on 220 V single-phase; H-ROLLER/1700/OIL12 and the 3.2 m rollers need three-phase 380 V.
What warranty do Heatware machines have? One year on the main presses and rollers in the product data. On Hobby presses it covers the electronic components; accessories, attachments and consumables carry no warranty.
Where do I buy? On buythis.co.za, or chat with AM.CO.ZA by sending "hi" on WhatsApp to 060 600 6000.
Original post (heatware.co.za, 2024)
Source: https://heatware.co.za/heat-press-heat-roller-introduced
- published: 2024-01-02 17:54:49
- modified: 2024-01-02 17:54:49
- youtube:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWAYtujv05c
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_kyZ8AEaMs
In the world of heat applications, finding the right equipment that combines quality, affordability, and versatility is crucial. HEATWARE™ stands out as a reliable solution, offering a diverse range of high-quality heat press and heat rollers machinery designed to meet the unique needs of various applications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWAYtujv05c
The HEATWARE™ Advantage
Quality Craftsmanship:
- HEATWARE™ takes pride in its commitment to delivering top-notch products. The heat press machines and rollers are crafted with precision, ensuring durability and consistent performance over time.
Affordability without Compromise:
- One of the key highlights of HEATWARE™ is its dedication to providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Whether you are a small business owner or a hobbyist, HEATWARE™ offers options that won't break the bank.
Versatility in Applications:
- The product line caters to a wide range of applications, making HEATWARE™ suitable for various industries. Whether you are into apparel printing, sublimation, or heat transfer, there's a HEATWARE™ solution for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_kyZ8AEaMs
Products Offered
Heat Press Machines:
- HEATWARE™ offers an array of heat press machines suitable for different purposes. From flatbed presses for garments to speciality presses for hats and mugs, the product line is designed to handle diverse materials and applications.
Heat Rollers:
- HEATWARE™ doesn't stop at presses; its heat rollers are designed to provide a seamless and efficient heat transfer process. Whether you're working with vinyl, heat transfer paper, or other materials, these rollers ensure even heat distribution for optimal results.
Digital Control and Precision:
- Many HEATWARE™ products feature digital controls, allowing for precise temperature and time settings. This level of control is essential for achieving professional and consistent results in your heat transfer projects.
Choosing the Right HEATWARE™ Product
Application-Specific Solutions:
- HEATWARE™ understands that different applications have unique requirements. The product range is tailored to accommodate the specific needs of various industries, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your projects.
User-Friendly Design:
- Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, HEATWARE™ products are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Easy-to-understand controls and clear instructions make the equipment accessible to all skill levels.
Customer Support and Warranty:
- HEATWARE™ stands behind its products with excellent customer support and warranty options. This commitment to customer satisfaction adds an extra layer of confidence to your purchase.
In conclusion, HEATWARE™ emerges as a reliable choice for those seeking high-quality, affordable, and versatile heat press and heat rollers. With a commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, HEATWARE™ is poised to elevate your heat transfer projects to new heights. Explore the range and discover the perfect solution for your unique applications.