Affordable Sublimation That Lasts: Warranty, Spare Parts and Upkeep for AM.CO.ZA Heat Presses and Inks

This page started as an August 2023 sublimationinks.co.za post, "Unlocking Affordable Excellence: AM.CO.ZA's Sublimation Printing Inks and Products". The post said AM.CO.ZA's sublimation range is affordable without giving up quality, and that support is there when you need it. Affordable is not only the price on the day you buy. It is also what the kit costs you over its life: how long the warranty runs, whether you can buy the part that wears out, and whether a small fault stops your business for a week. This deepened version answers those questions for the AM.CO.ZA Heatware heat presses, roller presses, inks and papers, with every part linked. The original post is kept at the bottom.

Other sublimationinks pages cover other angles: every product family in one place on the AM.CO.ZA sublimation range, mapped, printer and printhead compatibility on buying sublimation ink: a compatibility checklist, pack contents, re-ordering and returns on buying sublimation ink from AM.CO.ZA, driver and press settings on the benefits of sublimation ink, what to buy first on low-cost sublimation, and business models on five ways sublimation can improve your business.

Facts come from the AM.CO.ZA product data behind buythis.co.za (product JSON on am.im, including each product's category and warranty field; dump dated up to 2026-10-20) and from AM.CO.ZA's own YouTube videos. Prices change, so check the current price on each linked Buythis page. Stock is not shown here. The full warranty and returns terms are on each product page; this page only reports the warranty period field.

Quick answer

Heat presses carry a 1 year warranty. Every Heatware single-purpose, multifunction and roller press in the product data shows "1 Year", except H-PRESS/MT6E, whose record shows no period, so ask sales before you rely on it.
Electrical spares carry 6 months. Heating elements, the roller heating conductor, slip ring, drive motor, motor controller, vibration motor and the pen silicone attachment show "6 Months".
Consumables and most mechanical parts show no warranty period. Inks, papers, cleaner, thermal tape, blankets, handles, gears and brackets have no period in their records. Treat them as wear items and keep spares.
The parts that wear out can be bought on their own. Mug and tumbler heating pads, flat heating boards, multifunction arms and handles, roller blankets, elements, motors and gears are all separate SKUs, so one worn part does not mean a new machine.
Most early failures are avoidable. Thermal tape stops paper shifting and ghosting, and a new roller blanket needs a long run-in before real work (see the care routine below).

Warranty period by product family

Family	Warranty period in the product record	Examples
Hobby heat presses	1 Year	H-HOBBY/MUG, H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO, H-HOBBY/TUMBLER, H-HOBBY/CAP, H-HOBBY/3838C, H-HOBBY/3D, H-HOBBY/M5, H-HOBBY/P5
Flat, mug, tumbler, cap and pen presses	1 Year	H-PRESS/2938, H-PRESS/3838, H-PRESS/3838C, H-PRESS/4050, H-PRESS/4060, H-PRESS/4060D, H-PRESS/6080D, H-PRESS/MUG, H-PRESS/MUG5, H-PRESS/MUG/ALL, H-PRESS/TUMBLER, H-PRESS/CAP4, H-PRESS/PEN, H-PRESS/P0, H-PRESS/P1
Multifunction (Multitalent) presses	1 Year, except MT6E (none stated)	H-PRESS/MT5, H-PRESS/MT5E, H-PRESS/MT6, H-PRESS/MT6E, H-PRESS/MT8, H-PRESS/MT8E, H-PRESS/MT9, H-PRESS/MT9E, H-PRESS/MT10, H-PRESS/MT10E
Roller heat presses	1 Year	H-ROLLER/300/E4, H-ROLLER/1600/E6, H-ROLLER/1600/E6P, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL9, H-ROLLER/1700/OIL12, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL35, H-ROLLER/3200/OIL58
Electrical spares	6 Months	H-1600/ELEMENT, H-1700/CONDUCTOR, H-1700/ELEMENT, H-3200/ELEMENT, H-PRESS/MOTOR/90W, H-PRESS/MOTOR/CONTROL, H-PRESS/MOTOR/VIBE, H-PRESS/PENS, H-ROLLER/1700/RING
Heating pad and board attachments	none stated	H-PRESS/MUG320, H-PRESS/MUG320/H, H-PRESS/TUMBLER/S, H-PRESS/FLAT, H-PRESS/FLAT/E and the other attachments below
Roller blankets and mechanical spares	none stated	H-1600/BLANKET, H-1700/BLANKET, H-3200/BLANKET/2, H-PRESS/1600/GEAR, H-ROLLER/GEAR/60
Inks, papers, cleaner, tape	none stated	H-INK/COMBO/100, H2-INK/COMBO, H-PAPER/A4, F-AQUA/CLEAN, H-TAPE/THERMAL/T20

The warranty field on heat presses describes a limited warranty on machine parts against faulty materials or poor workmanship, not wear and tear or misuse. Read the full terms on the product page before you claim.

Desktop presses: which replacement fits which machine

The heating pad is the part of a mug or tumbler press that does the work, and it is sold separately. Match the pad to your press by SKU, and check the plug and wire count before you order.

Your press	Replacement heating pad	Notes from the product record
H-HOBBY/MUG	H-PRESS/MUG320/H	Metal shield, 4-pin plug, standard 320 ml mug. The description also names H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO.
H-HOBBY/MUG/AUTO	H-PRESS/MUG320/A	Metal shield with rubber sleeve, named for the automatic Hobby mug press.
H-PRESS/CUP stand	H-PRESS/MUG320/6	Metal shield 320 ml pad with 4-pin plug, named for this stand.
H-PRESS/TUMBLER and H-HOBBY/TUMBLER	H-PRESS/TUMBLER/S	Plugged metal shield tumbler pad, 4-pin plug.
H-PRESS/MUG/ALL	H-PRESS/TUMBLER/H	Wired metal shield tumbler pad with connection wires.
Other 320 ml mug presses	H-PRESS/MUG320/3, H-PRESS/MUG320/4	The 3-wire pad uses a K-type thermocouple; the 4-wire pad needs a press with the same 4-wire connection. Compare your old pad's wires first.

Multifunction (Multitalent) presses. The MT models with a plain number use a 290 x 380 mm flat board and the E models use a 380 x 380 mm board on an extended arm (explained in #SortIT Difference Between Heat Press Combo Extended Version and Standard, How Cap Press Works (2021-02-05)). Parts sold separately:

Flat heating boards: H-PRESS/FLAT (290 x 380 mm) and H-PRESS/FLAT/E (380 x 380 mm, for presses with the extended arm).
Frame and controls: H-PRESS/ARM (extension arm with column housing), H-PRESS/ARM/E (extension arm for the 3838 unit), H-PRESS/HANDLE (handwheel with crank), H-PRESS/PLUNGE (plunger arm with handle and bracket) and H-PRESS/SUSPENSION (suspension pad with six springs that keeps pressure even).
Shape attachments, to add a job or replace a worn one: H-PRESS/MUG320, H-PRESS/MUG240, H-PRESS/CUP350, H-PRESS/CUP500, H-PRESS/DISK12, H-PRESS/DISK15, H-PRESS/CAP, H-PRESS/SHOE. The shoe platen install is shown in Install Shoe Press (H-PRESS/SHOE) on Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Range (2026-05-07).

Other desktop spares. H-PRESS/FLAT/4060D is the 400 x 600 mm heating element for the twin-station 4060 press. H-PRESS/PAD6 and H-PRESS/PENS replace the 6-slot silicone pads on the pen press. H-PRESS/KNOB/5 is a pack of five red ball knobs for the multi-station mug press. H-PRESS/MOTOR/VIBE is a 12 V, 5,000 RPM, 0.08 A vibration motor for compatible heat presses; compare voltage, current, mounting and connector before you order. H-PRESS/SWITCH/LEVER is a short roller-lever microswitch with about 0.5 m of heat-resistant wiring.

Roller heat presses: spares by width

Roller presses run for hours at a time, so the blanket, heating parts and drive are the parts to plan for.

Part	1600 / 1620 mm presses	1700 mm oil presses	3200 mm presses
Nomex felt blanket	H-1600/BLANKET (1600 mm wide, about 1420 mm long, 5 mm thick)	H-1700/BLANKET (1710 mm long, 8 mm) or H-1700/BLANKET/2 (2000 mm long, 8 mm)	H-3200/BLANKET/2 (3200 mm long, 9 mm)
Heating	H-1600/ELEMENT (3 kW tube for H-ROLLER/1600/E6)	H-1700/ELEMENT (1.2 kW/1.5 kW rod), H-1700/CONDUCTOR (60 A conductor rod), H-ROLLER/1700/RING (slip ring for the oil press)	H-3200/ELEMENT (2 kW rod)
Paper handling	H-PRESS/1600/FEED, H-PRESS/1600/STRETCH, H-PRESS/1600/UP with brackets H-PRESS/B/FEED, H-PRESS/B/STRETCH, H-PRESS/B/UP	Take-up system built in	Ask sales
Gears and handwheels	H-PRESS/1600/GEAR, H-PRESS/RING/GEAR, H-PRESS/STUD/9, H-PRESS/1600/WHEEL	Ask sales	Ask sales

Drive and electrical parts that fit across roller presses: H-PRESS/MOTOR/90W (220 V 90 W variable-speed motor with gearbox, motor 51K90RGU-CF, gearbox 5GU-100K), H-PRESS/MOTOR/CONTROL (speed control unit for 90 W to 120 W motors, 5-pin square plug), H-PRESS/MOTOR/90P (speed feedback sensor for that motor), H-PRESS/MOTOR/GEAR (15-tooth gear for the 90 W motor), H-ROLLER/GEAR/60 (cast aluminium 1:60 cranking gearbox), H-PRESS/HANDLE/100, H-PRESS/HANDLE/ROD (handwheels) and H-ROLLER/12KW/KIT (heating element connection kit for presses up to 12 kW). The product records ask you to confirm compatibility, and to use professional installation for the slip ring.

Roller blanket care: the routine from the AM.CO.ZA video

A damaged blanket shows up as ripples, "smiley" marks or ghosted patches with no ink. Blanket Care and New Blanket Preparation for Roller Heat Press Machines (2025-05-01) gives this routine:

Loosen the blanket as far back as it goes, then switch on the press, the roller motor and the heating.
Adjust the tensioning arms on both sides equally, about two turns at a time per side, until the blanket rolls forward straight. Uneven arms bend or twist the blanket, and that damage is permanent.
For a brand-new blanket, set the heat to 200 °C and run it, tight but not pressing, for 100 to 200 hours in total over several days before real work, to flatten it.
Check every 10 minutes that the temperature holds within about 5 °C and that the blanket is not creeping left or right. If it creeps, stop and run it in reverse, then forward again.
On a normal working day, let the press run at the set temperature for at least half an hour before pressing, so the blanket holds heat evenly. Skipping this gives dull, under-pressed areas.
Keep a logbook of run-in hours, follow the machine's cool-down instructions, and never leave the blanket forward when you stop.

The newer 12 kW 1700 mm oil press keeps the blanket centred with an air-cylinder deskewing system that needs a compressor; see How Blanket Deskewing System Works with Air Cylinder on Roller Heat Press Machine (2026-01-21) and New Heatware 12kW Open-drum Oil Heat Press with Automatic Blanket Central Positioning (2026-01-25).

Thermal tape: small cost, fewer ruined blanks

How Thermally Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tapes Works, Why You Need Thermal-Tape for Heat Press (2021-05-29) explains that tape holds the printed transfer in place so it cannot move and cause smudging or ghosting, and that thermal tape conducts heat rather than blocking it, so the print under the tape is not faded. Pick the right one:

Tape	What the product record says	Best use
H-TAPE/THERMAL/T20	20 mm Teflon-based, 0.08 mm thin, 100 m roll, white, no residue; holds transfer paper and protective sheets during pressing	Sublimation and heat-press work
H-TAPE/THERMAL	10 rolls of 5 mm copper-film tape, about 220 m in total	Narrow strips, small items
H-TAPE/THERMAL/20	5 rolls of 20 mm silicone-based tape, blue, no residue	Heat-press equipment and electronics
H-TAPE/THERMAL/8	10 rolls of 8 mm silicone-based tape, blue, no residue	General thermal bonding

Habits that keep running costs down

Use the right paper for the blank. Standard sublimation paper is for polyester and coated items; cotton needs H-PAPER/A4L, H-PAPER/A3L or, for dark fabric, H-PAPER/DARK/A4, H-PAPER/DARK/A3. The wrong paper wastes the blank as well as the sheet.
Set time and temperature from the press guide, not by guessing. How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29) shows how to set them on the mug and tumbler presses.
Buy ink in the size that matches your volume. The 100 ml bottles suit office printers; the 1 kg bottles suit large format printers. See 100 ml easy-pour bottles and 1 kg combo packs.
Keep the printhead clean. The water-based cleaners F-AQUA/CLEAN, F-AQUA/CLEAN/100 are listed with the sublimation inks.
Keep one spare of the part that wears fastest. For a mug business that is the heating pad; for a roller press it is the blanket.

The 2023 claims, checked

2023 claim	What the current product data shows
Uncompromising quality, colours that "withstand the test of time"	No lab, wash-fastness or fade figures are published in the product data, so do not quote any.
Budget-friendly affordability	Prices are on each Buythis page and are linked to the exchange rate, so they change. No price is quoted here.
Comprehensive range	True: inks, cleaner, papers, single, multifunction and roller presses, attachments, tapes, blank mugs and spare parts are all listed (see the range map).
Expertise and support	Presses carry a 1 year warranty and electrical spares 6 months, and spare parts are sold separately. AM.CO.ZA has showrooms in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Eco-friendly, less ink per print	No environmental claim or ink-per-print figure is published in the current product data, so do not promise one.
Innovation	Newer products include the 12 kW 1700 mm open-drum oil roller press with automatic blanket centring (2026 videos).

FAQ

What warranty does a Heatware heat press have? The product records show 1 year for the heat presses. H-PRESS/MT6E shows no period, so confirm with sales. The warranty covers faulty materials or workmanship, not wear and tear or misuse.

Is sublimation ink covered by warranty? No warranty period is stated for inks, papers, cleaner or tape. See buying sublimation ink from AM.CO.ZA for how consumables returns work.

My mug press stopped heating. Do I need a new press? Usually not. The heating pad is sold separately. Find your press in the table above and order the matching pad, after checking the plug and wire count.

Can I upgrade my multifunction press to a bigger flat board? H-PRESS/FLAT/E is the 380 x 380 mm board for presses fitted with the extended arm. Ask sales whether your frame takes it.

How long should I run a new roller blanket before pressing? The AM.CO.ZA care video says 100 to 200 hours at 200 °C, spread over several days, checking every 10 minutes.

Why do my roller prints have ripples or blank patches? The care video links ripples, smiley marks and ghosting to a twisted or un-flattened blanket and to pressing before the blanket has held temperature for half an hour.

Does thermal tape leave a mark on the print? No. It conducts heat, so the area under the tape still transfers. The Teflon tape H-TAPE/THERMAL/T20 is listed as no-residue.

Videos

Blanket Care and New Blanket Preparation for Roller Heat Press Machines (2025-05-01): blanket care and new blanket preparation for roller heat presses.
How Blanket Deskewing System Works with Air Cylinder on Roller Heat Press Machine (2026-01-21): how the air-cylinder blanket deskewing system works.
Basic Operation for 12kW 1700mm Open-Drum Oil Heat Press with Blanket Automatic Centering (Part 1) (2026-02-01): basic operation of the 12 kW 1700 mm open-drum oil press.
How Thermally Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tapes Works, Why You Need Thermal-Tape for Heat Press (2021-05-29): why you need thermal tape for heat pressing.
How to Use the Mug & Tumbler Press Machines from AM.CO.ZA, Set Temperature and Time (2025-04-29): setting temperature and time on the mug and tumbler presses.
Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Combo with 9 Attachments for Sublimation Heat Press Application (2018-07-28): the multifunction combo with nine attachments.
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) and Multi Function Heat Press, Heatware 9 in 1 Combo Function Explained, Mini Series Part 3 Cup and Mug (2018-08-28): the 9-in-1 combo series, top part, bottom part, and cup and mug.
#SortIT Difference Between Heat Press Combo Extended Version and Standard, How Cap Press Works (2021-02-05): extended versus standard combo, and how the cap press works.
Install Shoe Press (H-PRESS/SHOE) on Heatware Multifunction Heat Press Range (2026-05-07): installing the shoe press attachment.
Heat Presses Tour of Popular Heat Presses in South Africa Market for Business and Industrial (2024-05-28): a tour of popular heat presses.

Original post (2023, sublimationinks.co.za)

Source: https://sublimationinks.co.za/affordable-sublimation-printing-inks

published: 2023-08-10 13:51:07
modified: 2023-12-27 21:16:41

In the ever-evolving world of printing technology, sublimation printing has emerged as a captivating method for transferring vibrant and durable designs onto various substrates. With the market flooded with options, AM.CO.ZA has carved a niche for itself by offering a range of sublimation printing inks and products that cater to budget-conscious enthusiasts without compromising on quality.

For those on a tight budget, AM.CO.ZA presents an enticing proposition, enabling them to achieve professional-grade sublimation results without breaking the bank, which you can shop via the https://sublimationinks.co.za/shop or the Buythis.co.za websites. Let's delve into why AM.CO.ZA's line of sublimation products stands out as the optimal choice for those seeking excellence on a budget.

Uncompromising Quality: AM.CO.ZA understands that low-budget doesn't mean low quality. Their sublimation inks are formulated to deliver impressive colour vibrancy, sharpness, and longevity. Whether you're printing on fabric, ceramics, metal, or other materials, you can expect consistent and professional results that rival higher-priced alternatives. This commitment to quality ensures that your creations will not only look stunning but also withstand the test of time.
Budget-Friendly Affordability: One of the most significant advantages of AM.CO.ZA's sublimation range is its affordability. Traditional sublimation inks can be quite expensive, often making it challenging for small businesses, hobbyists, or startups to invest in the technology. AM.CO.ZA's products break down this barrier, making high-quality sublimation accessible to a broader audience. By choosing these products, you're investing in technology that offers excellent value for your money.
Comprehensive Product Range: AM.CO.ZA doesn't just offer sublimation inks; they provide a comprehensive range of products designed to meet all your sublimation needs. From inks and papers to heat presses and blanks, AM.CO.ZA covers every aspect of the sublimation process. This eliminates the hassle of sourcing components from multiple suppliers and ensures compatibility across the entire workflow.
Expertise and Support: Despite their budget-friendly focus, AM.CO.ZA doesn't compromise on customer support. They provide expert guidance and assistance to help you navigate the world of sublimation printing successfully. Whether you're a beginner seeking advice on getting started or an experienced user facing technical challenges, AM.CO.ZA's team is readily available to assist you.
Eco-Friendly Considerations: AM.CO.ZA's commitment to excellence extends to their consideration of environmental impact. Their sublimation inks are formulated to minimize waste while maintaining quality. This means less ink is used for each print, reducing the overall environmental footprint of the printing process. By choosing AM.CO.ZA, you're not only making a budget-conscious decision but also an environmentally responsible one.
Innovation in Affordability: In a rapidly advancing field, AM.CO.ZA continually seeks ways to innovate their products, making them even more accessible without compromising on performance. By choosing their sublimation range, you're aligning with a brand that prioritizes staying ahead of the curve, ensuring you have access to the latest advancements in sublimation technology.

Conclusion: AM.CO.ZA's range of sublimation printing inks and products is a testament to the fact that affordability doesn't equate to compromised quality. With their commitment to excellence, comprehensive offerings, and unwavering support, they have carved a space for themselves in the market as the go-to option for those seeking to embark on a sublimation journey without breaking the bank. By choosing AM.CO.ZA, you're choosing affordability, quality, and a partner in your creative endeavours. Browse the Sublimation Ink Shopfor savings today!