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This machine is a reasonably
priced, very rugged, upscale cap press.
Here's why-
First, this press is built like a tank; solid, with a feeling of invincibility.
Second, and perhaps most importantly, is the availability of six
different sizes of lower platens (all other cap press that we know about
only offer three). If you have never done caps before you probably don't
know how critical having the right sized platen is, for efficient, quality
production. The importance of having a perfectly fitted lower platen
cannot be over-stated.
The reason it is so critical
is that in the press, you are putting a curved object on top of another
curved object. If the radii of the two curves don't match (too large
or too small), you will get a "hump" somewhere in the cap front
(unfortunately, usually in the middle). At best, this effect makes some
caps very difficult to imprint. At worst, some types of caps will be impossible
to imprint, without creasing.
The extra, optional
platen sizes are: Youth – 2.5 x 3, Full – 4 x 6.5, Low Crown
– 2.75 x 6.5, Foam Front – 4 x 8 and 6 Panel
– 3 x 5.75.
Third,
is the innovative hold-down device of the Hotronix® Cap press.
Every other cap press has some type of spring-loaded hold-down
at the bottom of the press. With this system, the back of the cap is hooked
onto the hold-down and then you lift the cap and bring it up, to position
it on the lower platen. While the tension is not great, there is enough
(especially on small caps) to often cause a bit of a "struggle",
to seat the cap on the platen correctly.
The Hotronix®
hold-down is so simple. On the Hotronix® press,
the cap is put on the lower platen first. The position of the seated cap
puts the back of the cap very close to the lower platen support. After positioning
the cap, you then push a small lever on the right side of the platen support.
This lever pushes a hold-down bar down, inside the cap, and it is
secured. Very cool!
Other points of interest:
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The platens are very "quick-change". Pull one straight up, out of the centering pins
and put another in its place.
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The 90° opening means that there is no danger of burning your hands.
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The auto-open feature is very handy.
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The largest lower platen (4x8) is big enough to put most "iron-on" patches
on jeans, jackets and shirts.
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Cap presses don't need as much power as a big 16x20 press, but at 500 watts, it is 50 watts
more powerful than others.
This press is a winner, which will serve you well, for many years.
Some closing notes:
The most important benefit is the large selection of lower platens.
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