A Heat Press for Every User and Application: The HEATWARE Range by User, Item and Volume
This page started as a 2022 heatware.co.za post saying Advanced Machinery (AM.CO.ZA) has a heat press for every user, from hobbyists to factories. Its model lists were embedded product blocks that no longer show up in the text, so the headings were left empty. This version fills them in with the current Heatware models, sorted by who is buying, what they press and how many they press. The original post is 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, including the two linked in the original post. Prices and stock are not shown here; check the linked buythis pages for current prices. For press types and the Multitalent attachment build-up in more depth, see Heatware Heat Press Machinery Explained; for sizes, see the Heat Press Size Guide.
Quick answer
- Hobby or trying it out: a Heatware Hobby press. The H-HOBBY/M5 5 in 1 combo (290 by 380 mm flat press, 320 ml mug press, cap press and plate sponges) or the H-HOBBY/P5 portable combo covers shirts, mugs, caps and plates on household 220 V power.
- Side business with mixed orders: a Multitalent combo, H-PRESS/MT5 to H-PRESS/MT10, or the E version with the bigger 380 by 380 mm flat press, such as H-PRESS/MT5E.
- Mostly shirts, full time: a dedicated flat press, such as the swing-away H-PRESS/4060 (400 by 600 mm) or the twin-station H-PRESS/4060D and H-PRESS/6080D for production.
- One item type in volume: five mugs at once with H-PRESS/MUG5, six pens at once with H-PRESS/PEN, tumblers with H-PRESS/TUMBLER or the automatic H-PRESS/MUG/ALL, caps with H-PRESS/CAP4.
- Fabric by the roll: a roller heat press, from H-ROLLER/300/E4 for lanyards and ribbon to 1.6 m, 1.7 m and 3.2 m wide sublimation rollers.
- Small or awkward spots: a handheld press, H-PRESS/P0 or H-PRESS/P1.
What a heat press actually does
How Things Work: Heat Press Machinery (2026-08-31) explains it in a few lines. Electricity heats the upper platen, typically to between 130 and 220 °C depending on the material. When the platen closes on the transfer and the item, the heat turns sublimation ink into a gas, and the pressure pushes it into the fibres or coating of the item. A digital timer sets the pressing time, and once the press opens the ink cools and stays bonded. The same heat and pressure stick heat transfer vinyl and DTF prints to shirts, as the original post says.
Pick by who you are
| You are | What usually fits | Heatware models | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| A hobbyist or someone trying sublimation for the first time | Small Hobby presses on household power | H-HOBBY/M5, H-HOBBY/P5, H-HOBBY/3838C, H-HOBBY/MUG, H-HOBBY/CAP, H-PRESS/P0 | Low power (for example 850 W for the M5 and 320 W for the Hobby mug press), compact, manual included |
| A small side business in a garage or spare room | One multifunction press that does most items | H-PRESS/MT5, H-PRESS/MT6, H-PRESS/MT8 and their E versions | One controller, many attachments; 1,400 W on single phase |
| A shop that does mostly shirts | A dedicated flat press | H-PRESS/3838, H-PRESS/3838C, H-PRESS/4050, H-PRESS/4060 | No attachment swapping, bigger platens, built for one job |
| A production line | Twin-station air-lifting presses | H-PRESS/4060D, H-PRESS/6080D | Load one station while the other presses; crosshair alignment lasers |
| A business making one product in volume | Dedicated high-volume shape presses | H-PRESS/MUG5, H-PRESS/PEN, H-PRESS/MUG/ALL | Several items per press cycle, or automatic pressing |
| A textile or sportswear printer | Roller (calender) presses with a large format sublimation printer | H-ROLLER/1600/E6, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35 | Roll-to-roll transfer of printed sublimation paper onto polyester fabric |
The Hobby presses are listed in the product data as consumer electronics for hobby use: manual included, training not included, and the warranty covers electronic components only.
Pick by what you press
| Item | Presses that handle it |
|---|---|
| T-shirts and other flat items | Flat presses H-PRESS/2938 (Hobby automated, 290 by 380 mm), H-HOBBY/3838C, H-PRESS/3838C, H-PRESS/3838, H-PRESS/4050, H-PRESS/4060, twin-station H-PRESS/4060D and H-PRESS/6080D; the flat press on every Multitalent and Hobby combo |
| Mugs | H-PRESS/MUG (single 320 ml holder), H-HOBBY/MUG, H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO (automatic sensing and clamping), H-PRESS/MUG5 (five mug holders); mug attachments H-PRESS/MUG240 and H-PRESS/MUG320 for the Multitalent |
| Cone-shaped cups | Attachments H-PRESS/CUP350 and H-PRESS/CUP500, included from the MT8 up |
| Tumblers | H-PRESS/TUMBLER (27 cm skinny tumblers, or two standard 320 ml mugs per press), H-HOBBY/TUMBLER (85 mm diameter, 270 mm long), H-PRESS/MUG/ALL (automatic, up to 85 mm by 270 mm, and occasionally other mugs and cups) |
| Caps, hats and beanies | H-PRESS/CAP4 (four interchangeable pads), H-HOBBY/CAP (with a cap stretcher and 70, 75 and 100 mm pads), the H-PRESS/CAP attachment on every Multitalent |
| Plates | Attachments H-PRESS/DISK12 (for 200 mm and larger plates) and H-PRESS/DISK15 (for 250 mm and larger plates), plus the plate sponges in the Hobby combos |
| Pens | H-PRESS/PEN (six pen slots), and the pen press in H-PRESS/MT10 and H-PRESS/MT10E |
| Shoes and sneakers | The H-PRESS/SHOE attachment, included in the MT9 and MT10 |
| Phone cases, stone, aluminium and crystal plates | H-HOBBY/3D vacuum 3D press |
| Polyester fabric by the roll, table cloths, sportswear | Roller presses H-ROLLER/1600/E6, H-ROLLER/1600/E6P, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL12, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL58 |
| Lanyards and ribbon | H-ROLLER/300/E4 (300 mm wide, up to 260 °C) |
| Teddies, hats, shoes and other spots a flat press cannot reach | Handhelds H-PRESS/P0 and H-PRESS/P1 |
The multifunction combos: Standard and Extended ranges
The original post split the Multitalent combos into a Standard range with a 29 by 38 cm flat press and an Extended range with a 38 by 38 cm flat press. That split still holds:
| Standard (290 by 380 mm flat press) | Extended (380 by 380 mm flat press) | Attachments named in the product data |
|---|---|---|
| H-PRESS/MT5 | H-PRESS/MT5E | Mug press, two plate presses, cap press |
| H-PRESS/MT6 | H-PRESS/MT6E | Two mug presses, two plate presses, cap press |
| H-PRESS/MT8 | H-PRESS/MT8E | All seven 3D shape presses (mugs, plates, cups, cap) |
| H-PRESS/MT9 | H-PRESS/MT9E | Shoe press plus all 3D shape presses |
| H-PRESS/MT10 | H-PRESS/MT10E | Shoe press, pen press and all 3D shape presses |
All ten list 1,400 W on single phase power, a temperature range of 93 to 232 °C held within 2 °C, and a 1 to 999 second timer that stops heating automatically. The spare flat boards are H-PRESS/FLAT (290 by 380 mm) and H-PRESS/FLAT/E (380 by 380 mm with an extended arm).
What the explainer video says about Standard and Extended
The explainer linked in the original post, #SortIT Difference Between Heat Press Combo Extended Version and Standard, How Cap Press Works (2021-02-05), makes these points:
- The MT5 and MT5E are almost identical. The only difference is the flat pressing area, 29 by 38 cm against 38 by 38 cm.
- Every attachment made for the standard model also fits the extended model, so you can move up to an E version and keep the attachments you already have.
- The cap press is fitted slightly differently. On both, you disconnect and remove the flat press panel, remove the mat and the screws at the base, and attach the base of the cap press. On the standard MT5 you use the two inner holes. On the MT5E you first turn the suspension pad unit 180 degrees so its slot faces the back, then use the two outer holes. If you skip that on the MT5E, the top and bottom of the cap press will not line up.
A newer clip, Correct Way Install Cap Press Attachment on Upgraded MT5/MT6/MT8 Multifunctional Heat Press Machine (2025-08-23), covers the upgraded cap press attachment on current MT5, MT6 and MT8 units. The gap was reduced so the attachment sits firmly without wobbling, which makes it hard to push straight in; push it in at an angle instead. For the shoe press, see Install Shoe Press (H-PRESS/SHOE) on Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Range (2026-05-07). The Hobby combo has its own guide: How H-HOBBY M5 Heat Press Combo Press Mugs, Caps, Flat T-Shirt and Plates (2025-05-25).
The original post also links a short demo series on the attachments: Heatware attachment demo playlist.
Single-function presses: clamshell or swing-away
The original post asks you to note the difference between clamshell and swing-away flat presses. In Start a Business with Heat Press Machines, All Kinds of Heat Press & Sublimation Machines Explained (2021-02-20), the presenter walks through the range:
- Swing-away (the 600 by 400 mm press): the head swings aside so the base is clear and cool while you lay out the shirt. Pressure is adjusted from underneath with a screw. The control panel sets temperature and an automatic timer.
- Clamshell (the 380 by 380 mm press): the top hinges down like a shell. Height (pressure) is adjusted with a screw on top.
- Both are described as industrial presses made to last for one purpose, shirts and other big flat items. The multifunction presses in the same video do more than shirts because you unscrew the flat press and plug in a mug, cap or plate press.
The current single-function flat presses are:
| Model | Style | Platen | Power and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-PRESS/2938 | Hobby automated (autopress) | 290 by 380 mm | 930 W, up to 205 °C |
| H-HOBBY/3838C | Hobby clamshell | 380 by 380 mm | 1,200 W, up to 205 °C |
| H-PRESS/3838C | Clamshell | 380 by 380 mm | Single-function flat press |
| H-PRESS/3838 | Swing-away | 380 by 380 mm | 1,400 W, 93 to 232 °C; also works with the Multitalent mug, plate, cap and shoe attachments |
| H-PRESS/4050 | Clamshell with sliding base | 400 by 500 mm | 1,400 W |
| H-PRESS/4060 | Swing-away, heavy duty | 400 by 600 mm | 1,800 W, die-cast heating surface, head swings up to 180 degrees, height-adjustable base |
| H-PRESS/4060D | Twin-station air-lifting | 400 by 600 mm | 3,000 W, pneumatic pressure (6 bar or more of air, compressor not included), crosshair alignment lasers |
| H-PRESS/6080D | Twin-station air-lifting | 600 by 800 mm | 4,800 W, crosshair alignment lasers |
The 400 by 600 mm swing-away press is shown in Heatware 1800W 400×600mm Swing Away Heavy Duty Flat Press Heat Press Machine, for T-Shirt Printing (2018-08-14), and the twin-station presses in New Heatware Twin-Station Air-Lifting 400x600 Flat Press Heat Press Machine with Crosshair Laser (2025-10-06) and New 2025 Double Station Heat Press Operation Guide on Manual and Automatic Mode (2025-06-23).
Mug, tumbler, cap and pen presses
The original post lists high-volume presses that can do five mugs or six pens at once. Those are H-PRESS/MUG5 and H-PRESS/PEN. The other dedicated presses are:
- H-PRESS/MUG, a 1,400 W mug press with one 320 ml cylinder mug holder and a 93 to 232 °C range.
- H-HOBBY/MUG, a 320 W portable Hobby mug press, up to 210 °C.
- H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO, a 280 W automatic Hobby mug press that senses and clamps a standard 320 ml mug with a single fixed pressure (timer 1 to 100 seconds). See Operation Guide for Heatware Hobby Automatic Mug Heat Press, One Button Simple Auto Press (2025-08-03).
- H-PRESS/MUG/ALL, an automatic tumbler press up to 85 mm across and 270 mm long. In Automatic All Size Mugs, Cups and Tumblers Heat Press Machine Debut (2025-01-27) you switch it on, set time and temperature and press start, and then only load and unload.
- H-PRESS/TUMBLER and H-HOBBY/TUMBLER for skinny tumblers. Setting time and temperature on the mug and tumbler presses is shown in How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29).
- H-PRESS/CAP4 and H-HOBBY/CAP for caps, hats and beanies.
- H-PRESS/PEN with six pen slots; the replacement silicone pad set is H-PRESS/PAD6.
Portable and handheld presses
The original post calls the portable press small and affordable, good for someone new trying sublimation, and handy as a spare in a business that already has presses.
- H-PRESS/P0 is the smallest Heatware press: 300 W, up to 250 °C, under 0.45 kg, with a holder stand, spray bottle and cleaning cloth. The Smallest Heat Press That We Sell - P0 Heat Press (2026-02-23) says it suits small objects from hats to shoes and even teddies, gets into places that are hard to press, and beeps when the timer ends.
- H-PRESS/P1 is a 1,000 W handheld with a 300 by 250 mm area, up to 250 °C, a holder stand and a free silicone foam mat. Both handhelds create medium pressure by high-frequency vibration, and you add more pressure by hand.
- H-HOBBY/P5 is the portable 5 in 1 combo with a 250 by 300 mm flat press plus mug, cap and plate parts.
In High-Frequency Portable Handheld Heat Press and Test on Heat Transfer Vinyl and Sublimation Print (2021-02-20), AM.CO.ZA tests a handheld press: 155 °C and about 7 seconds per layer for heat transfer vinyl, and 200 °C for 90 seconds for a sublimation print. The tester warns that the handheld's curved edges did not reach the corners of a larger print, so test your design size first.
Roller presses for roll-to-roll sublimation
The original post ends with "the big roller press" for roll-to-roll work such as table cloths and fully sublimated T-shirts. The current rollers are:
| Model | Width | Heating and power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-ROLLER/300/E4 | 300 mm | Electric, 4 kW, 220 V, drum 210 mm | Up to 260 °C; for lanyards and ribbon |
| H-ROLLER/1600/E6 | 1,620 mm | Electric, 6.4 kW, 220 V | 35 minute pre-heat; 0.3 to 3 m per minute; work table with two feed and two collecting rollers |
| H-ROLLER/1600/E6P | 1,620 mm | Electric, 6.4 kW, 220 V | As the E6, with extra brackets for a liner (tissue) paper roll; see Difference Between 1600mm Roller Heat Press E6 and E6P Model for Additional Linear Paper Brackets (2025-07-10) |
| H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9 | 1,700 mm | Open-drum oil, typical 9 kW (maximum 12 kW), 220 V single phase | About 50 minute pre-heat; automatic blanket deskewing and cooling |
| H-ROLLER/1700/OIL12 | 1,700 mm | Open-drum oil, 12 kW, 380 V three phase | As the OIL9, on three-phase power; see New Heatware 12kW Open-drum Oil Heat Press with Automatic Blanket Central Positioning (2026-01-25) |
| H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35 | 3,200 mm | Oil, 35 kW, 380 V, 420 mm drum | 4 to 8 bar compressed air needed |
| H-ROLLER/3200/OIL58 | 3,200 mm | Open-drum oil, 58 kW, 380 V, 420 mm drum | 4 to 8 bar compressed air needed |
The 1.6 m and 1.7 m rollers need a flat 10 mm tempered glass top that is not included, and the bigger ones need a dedicated power cable and breaker, which the product names spell out. Ask AM.CO.ZA to check your power supply before you choose.
What else you need to start
The 2020 BusinessNow episode BusinessNow S1E1 - Start Sublimation Business, Heat Presses Complete Guide on Functions and Options (2020-11-18) lists the basics for a shirt and sublimation business on top of a multifunction press: heat-resistant tape such as H-TAPE/THERMAL/20, sublimation ink and sublimation paper, an inkjet printer, and blank shirts. Keep to one ink brand so the colours stay consistent. Replacement silicone mats include H-MAT/3838, H-MAT/4060 and H-MAT/6080.
Warranty and support
Every press and roller in this range lists a 1 year warranty in the product data, except H-PRESS/MT6E, whose warranty field is blank, so confirm it with sales. Hobby presses cover electronic components only, include a manual and do not include training. AM.CO.ZA sells, repairs and gives training on the machines, and has showrooms in Sunnyrock (Johannesburg area) and Montague Gardens (Cape Town) where you can see the presses before you buy.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Standard and Extended Multitalent combos? Only the flat press size: 290 by 380 mm on the standard models and 380 by 380 mm on the E versions. Attachments fit both, but the cap press is mounted on the outer holes, with the pad unit turned 180 degrees, on the E version.
Which press should a beginner buy? For mixed small jobs, a Hobby combo such as H-HOBBY/M5 or a Multitalent such as H-PRESS/MT5. If you only want shirts, a single flat press is simpler.
Which press does five mugs or six pens at once? H-PRESS/MUG5 holds five mugs, and H-PRESS/PEN holds six pens.
Clamshell or swing-away? Clamshell presses are compact and quick. Swing-away presses move the hot head away from the base, which makes laying out the item easier and safer, especially for thicker items.
Can a heat press do fabric by the metre? Yes, with a roller heat press. The 1.6 m, 1.7 m and 3.2 m rollers transfer printed sublimation paper onto polyester fabric continuously.
Where are the prices? Not on this page. Each linked buythis page shows the current price.
Videos
- Start a Business with Heat Press Machines, All Kinds of Heat Press & Sublimation Machines Explained (2021-02-20)
- #SortIT Difference Between Heat Press Combo Extended Version and Standard, How Cap Press Works (2021-02-05)
- BusinessNow S1E1 - Start Sublimation Business, Heat Presses Complete Guide on Functions and Options (2020-11-18)
- How Things Work: Heat Press Machinery (2026-08-31)
- Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Combo with 9 Attachments for Sublimation Heat Press Application (2018-07-28)
- Correct Way Install Cap Press Attachment on Upgraded MT5/MT6/MT8 Multifunctional Heat Press Machine (2025-08-23)
- Install Shoe Press (H-PRESS/SHOE) on Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Range (2026-05-07)
- How H-HOBBY M5 Heat Press Combo Press Mugs, Caps, Flat T-Shirt and Plates (2025-05-25)
- How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29)
- Automatic All Size Mugs, Cups and Tumblers Heat Press Machine Debut (2025-01-27)
- Operation Guide for Heatware Hobby Automatic Mug Heat Press, One Button Simple Auto Press (2025-08-03)
- The Smallest Heat Press That We Sell - P0 Heat Press (2026-02-23)
- High-Frequency Portable Handheld Heat Press and Test on Heat Transfer Vinyl and Sublimation Print (2021-02-20)
- New 2025 Double Station Heat Press Operation Guide on Manual and Automatic Mode (2025-06-23)
- New Heatware Twin-Station Air-Lifting 400x600 Flat Press Heat Press Machine with Crosshair Laser (2025-10-06)
- Heatware 1800W 400×600mm Swing Away Heavy Duty Flat Press Heat Press Machine, for T-Shirt Printing (2018-08-14)
- Difference Between 1600mm Roller Heat Press E6 and E6P Model for Additional Linear Paper Brackets (2025-07-10)
- New Heatware 12kW Open-drum Oil Heat Press with Automatic Blanket Central Positioning (2026-01-25)
Original post (2022)
Source: https://heatware.co.za/what-heatpress-heatware
- published: 2022-02-10 17:15:51
- modified: 2022-02-10 18:47:43
- youtube:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmQc4jETSYo
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jJx-pROsxs
Heat presses are used for a wide range of applications and processes but generally have the main function of ensuring adhesion of heat transfer vinyl - printed or solid colour, powdered film with DTF prints to the surface of an item such as a T-shirt, or provide consistent heat during for sublimation – a process to transfer prints by changing the ink from solid to gas and back to solid, for example, the sublimation coffee mug. These heat presses are generally high-ticket items and customers will be limited it what they can afford to buy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmQc4jETSYo
Advanced Machinery is changing all of that with a comprehensive range of heat presses for a wide range of applications at affordable prices. Its product range caters not only for companies handling large-volume orders but, also for individuals doing T-shirt and mug printing as a hobby where volumes and production requirements are small. The product range includes heat presses for both half T-shirt and full T-shirt pressing in the sizes 290 x 380mm (bust size) and 380 x 380mm (half size) right up to the full shirt size of 400 x 600mm.
However, heat presses can be used for a number of different products and, Advanced Machinery caters for every application. Its range includes heat presses capable of handling small items and which cost in the region of R1000 right up to large items handled on industrial models costing many thousands of Rands. The product range even features heat presses which can handle a range of applications with many fitments and accessories allowing plates, cups, pens, T-Shirts and other materials to be handled, ensuring customers can meet a full range of production requirements.
For companies which specialise in a specific type of product, there are high-volume presses, such as a press capable of handling five mugs or six pens at once, a large press with swing-away feature for full T-shirt production capable of handling many shirts per hour and even a roll-to-roll device for customers doing sublimation printing onto polyfabric for items such as table cloths and also for full-sublimated, full-colour T-shirt making. However, for individuals, small one-man operations and hobbyists, there are small presses capable of handling individual items such as a single mug or cap.
So, whether you are doing shirt printing as a hobby, as a small side business in your garage or, whether you are looking to make this a full-time business, Advanced Machinery has the heat press for you at a price which can match your budget and for your specific level of required productivity. If you are in the market for a heat press, look no further than Advanced Machinery – the largest supplier of heat presses on the local market. Visit the Buythis online store and find the right heat press for your needs and to fit your pocket.
Below is a list of our models, to give you some idea of the extent of the product range:
Popular Models, the Multifunction Heat Press Combo
Standard size range, with 29cm x 38cm flat (T-shirt) Press:
Extended Size Range, an upgrade of size of flat press to 38cm x 38cm:
What is the differances between Standard & Extended Ranges? - See this Explainer Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jJx-pROsxs
We also have a small demo series that show the main features of attachments.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzBvQWB-VKx_GCn2G3Fdsc5Sk3cHabC8p
Single Function Press, dedicate press for dedicated use:
Flat T-Shirt Presses (Note the differances between Clamshell & Swing away style Presses)
Mug Press (printing mug is very common use of sublimation print)
Portable Press (just small and affordable, good for new client to try sublimation/head press, or spare press for business with lots of press already because they are very handy:
Then the big roller press for business to roll to roll press