Clamshell vs Swing Away Heat Presses

clamshell vs swing away heat presses: which one should you get

Are you in the market for a new (or your first) heat press?? You came to the right place! Pro World carries a broad selection of TransPro heat presses- many of which are eligible for our $200 off deal!*

*If you purchase at least $399 in stock transfers, transfer paper, heat transfer vinyl, sublimation paper, sublimation blanks, and Silhouette products (excluding cutters & custom transfers), a $200 discount will automatically be applied to your cart.

But first, do you even need a heat press? Can’t you just use an iron or handheld heat press?

In some situations, yes. However, a heat press gives you the pressure consistency, temperature control, and larger work area necessary for most projects. Additionally, if you have a steam iron, the holes on the bottom will affect the amount of pressure being applied. Your transfer won’t be receiving any pressure in the areas where the holes are.

So if you have a t-shirt business (or are thinking about opening one), using a heat press will allow you to create MORE shirts in way LESS time. Plus, you’ll be able to feel confident in the quality of your shirts!

Clamshell vs. Swing Away Heat Presses

We carry two different styles of heat presses: Clamshell & Swing Away. While the design may differ, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. When trying to decide between the two styles, keep in mind the type of substrates or garments you’ll be working with, as well as how much space you have available in your work area.

clamshell heat press vs swing away heat press

Clamshell Heat Presses

Clamshell heat presses open and close just like a clam. They have a smaller footprint of the two styles and also tend to be the more affordable option. They’re great for beginners because the design and set up are so simple.

Swing Away Heat Presses

Swing away heat presses have a top platen that lifts and swings completely away from the lower platen. This makes it easier to lay out your garment or substrate without the risk of burning yourself.

The design of swing away heat presses also makes them more conducive to working with thicker items, such as plaques and tiles. This is because the top platen comes down straight and can apply pressure evenly.

Swing away heat presses require more space than a clamshell style. You’ll need to make sure there’s enough room on either side of the machine to swing the top platen.

The TransPro Slide: The Best of Both Worlds!

If you love the affordability and size of a clamshell heat press but also want the ease of laying out your garments safely away from the heat, you may want to consider our TransPro Slide heat press!

The TransPro Slide is a clamshell style, but the lower platen slides out like a drawer. This gives you plenty of space to lay out your garment without having to get too close to the heat.

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Whichever TransPro style you choose, you can feel confident that you’ll be getting a quality heat press at an unbeatable price! Check out all of the TransPro Heat Presses here and don’t forget about our $200 off special!!

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New Digital Art Files

Now that Spring is upon us there are a few holidays right around the corner that are perfect for personalization. If you are looking to make something quick you should check out our NEW DIGITAL ART FILES. We have beautiful designs for Easter, Mother’s Day, and even Spring. Want to see a few of our favorites from the designer Bailey & Ginger?

Happy Easter!

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Spring can stay in bloom forever with this pretty SVG.

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Just imagine this beautiful design on a sign by your door!

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Mom would love this

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Wondering how to work with Design File? Check out this article.

 

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Custom Transfer Options

Have a large order to fill? Use a Custom Transfer!! 

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Wondering what a custom transfer is? Watch this video!

Why use a custom transfer? When it comes to Custom Transfers from PW Custom, everything is included. We are talking Free Shipping, Free Ganging, Free Art Setup. All you have to do is provide print-ready artwork! 

Want to learn more about the types of Custom Transfers that we carry? Scroll down!

If you are looking for the best price, you are going to want to check out our Value Transfers. We have 3 to choose from:

1-Color Value Transfer

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Full-Color Value Transfer

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1-Color Flex Value Transfer which means it will stretch on synthetic materials! 

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If you are looking for a versatile custom transfer, try out the EasyTransIt allows spot color on dark and light fabrics with a durable feel.

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If you are looking for a bright design for a light shirt with spot color, try the VibraTrans it has a very soft feel.

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If you have a full-color design that you want to use, try the ColorTrans This transfer material is great regardless if your shirt is light or dark. 

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Making some activewear? Use EasyFlex it’s perfect for stretchy synthetic fabrics.

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Adding bling? Use our Rhinestone

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or Sequins

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heat transfers. 

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Sublimate a Tote For Easter

If you are looking for a product that you can personalize for Easter. Sublimate our bunny tote bags. They are so cute there’s a chance they will hop right off of your shelf.

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To personalize an Easter Bunny Tote you will need:

To sublimate an Easter Bunny Tote, watch this video!

We want to see what you make for Easter! Make sure you show us. Tag us @proworldinc

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Gifts That You Can Make! Video Tutorials

Want to make a gift from the heart? Today we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite video tutorials for gifts that you can personalize!

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From new homeowners to little kids everyone loves a sublimated pillow!

Add some sparkle by sublimating a Glitter Pillow

Looking for something that feels more luxurious? Sublimate a leathaire pillowcase.

Want something a bit more fun? Check out our sequin heart pillow!

Want to give a gift that WOW’s? Use Color Changing HTV!

Don’t have time to use color-changing HTV? Try a color-changing Heat Transfer.

Want to personalize something that will get a lot of use? Sublimate a linen bag!

If you want to give a gift that is always close at hand make a glitter bottle.

If you want to make something unique, customize a pair of Socks with sublimation!

If you want to give a gift that is personal and will last through the years, sublimate some jewelry!


If you are looking to make a gift that is bright and fun, try out our Sparkleberry-Ink vinyl on a garment!

Want some other gift ideas? Follow us on Instagram!

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Heat Transfers 50% Off

Have you tried using a heat transfer yet? They are so simple to use and are offered in a variety of categories. Check our clearance section to receive half off select transfers www.proworldinc.com!  

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Want to learn more about them? Scroll down!

What is s a Heat Transfer?

Heat Transfers are images pre-printed on transfer release paper. The image is usually printed onto paper with plastisol inks which have the characteristics of being flexible enough for stretching and durable enough for wearability. 

What type of Heat Transfers do you have?

When it comes to Heat Transfers we have thousands of heat transfer designs for both adults and children, in a variety of media types. Take a look for yourself.  You can purchase screen printed transfers, rhinestone/sequins transfers, glitter transfers, solar transfers, glow in the dark transfers, mixed media and you can even design your custom heat transfers!

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What do you need to work with Heat Transfers?

What do you need to get started? All you need is the Heat Transfer, a heat press, and your garment!

How to use a Heat Transfer?

Using a heat transfer is simple!

  1. Select the transfer you will be printing.
  2. Place it face down on your garment
  3. Press it with your heat press per the heat transfers instructions

When are Heat Transfers Used?

When you want to create items quickly! Just find a stock heat transfer on the Pro World website, and heat press it on your shirt. Most Heat Transfers take about 10 seconds to apply.

What are Heat Transfers used on? 

Heat transfers are typically used for decorative purposes and applied to garments, mousepads, pillowcases, face masks, tote bags, and more!

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Have you used a heat transfer in the past? Let us see! Tag us on social media!

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Personalize a Gift with Adhesive Vinyl & Digital Art File

Have you tried using one of our design files yet? If the answer is no, you’ve been missing out! We have thousands of cut file designs ready for you to use. Want to see how they work? Scroll down! But first, take a look at what we made.

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Cute right? If you aren’t familiar with our Digital Art, here are a few answers to your questions.

What is a digital art file? Digital art cut files are downloadable designs that you use with your favorite graphic software. They come in multiple formats and are customizable.

What file types do you receive? The zip folder may contain jpg, pdf, svg, eps, ai, dxf and/or png files. Each product will list the file formats that are included.

You Need:

Want to personalize a blank with a digital art file and adhesive vinyl? Here’s how:

1 – Go to our website and click on the Digital Art Option

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2 – Find a design and add it to your cart

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3 – Follow the steps at checkout.

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4 – After you complete your order, you will receive an email with a link to download your file. Click it!

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5 – Unzip your design file, and open it in your digital cutting software.

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6 – Resize it to fit your product blank.

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7 – Cut as is or customize it further.pw7

8 – Select your material, and click cut!

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9 – Weed your design

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10 – Use your application tape to help you transfer your design onto your blank.

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11 – Admire your results!

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Have you used one of our design files? Show us! Tag us on social media #pwimaker #proworldinc

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Stock up on Siser

Need to replenish your vinyl? Now is the time!!

On March 1st Siser will be having a price increase, which means now is the perfect time to STOCK UP!

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Need some inspiration? Scroll down!

Want to learn how to create like the pros? Watch our top Siser videos!

Understanding Siser

How To Apply Siser Glitter HTV

How To Use Etch Vinyl

How To Apply Siser Brick HTV

Don’t forget the increase happens on March 1st! So stock up now!

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TransPro Heat Presses & Heat Transfer Machines

Are you thinking about getting a heat press? You should! They are great, regardless if it’s for your next business adventure or a social gathering that requires personalized tees, mugs, and more!

When it comes to heat presses, you may be asking yourself, “What heat press should I get?” 

There are many options when it comes to heat presses, so the question you should ask yourself is  What do you want to make?”

If you would like to create a custom mug or water bottle, you will want to check out our Mug Presses! One of our favorite presses is the TransPro Plus Mug Press The extra-long heating element gives you the ability to easily print any size skinny tumbler – including a 20oz or 30 oz skinny tumbler! 

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If you are looking for a garment heat press. The TransPro 15 x 15 is the #1 selling heat press. This heavy-duty product has all you need to print on T-shirts, mousepads, jean jackets, and more!

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“I searched for months to find the perfect heat press with a warranty and excellent customer service, this is it!!” Our customer Billie Jean gave an amazing review for the USA’s most popular heat press! 

Looking for a wider surface? Try the TransPro Swinger! The 16 x 20 heat press has a wider opening than most heat presses on the market.

TRANSPRO SWINGER 16×20 HEAT PRESS

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If you’d like to start making hats you will want to get a hat press! The  TRANSPRO AUTO OPEN CAP HEAT PRESS is a nice option. We love it because of how easy it is to use, thanks to the hydraulic automatic opening feature! 

Hopefully, this Heat Press overview helped you on your buying journey. If you have any other questions just ask! And remember, you can check out the whole collection of Heat Presses here

findout what heat press

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10+ Things To Make For Valentine’s Day

Looking to create something new for Valentine’s Day? Today we are rounding up all of our love-ly products that you can customize!

Besides having close to 20 Jewelry Sublimation Blanks for you to choose from the one that really catches our eye for Valentine’s Day is our Heart Charm Bangle Bracelet! Add a photo, or your favorite print and you have a custom one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to give!

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If your Valentine likes to cuddle, give a custom pillow! We have over 20 types to choose from, but we think you will love the heart pillows for this special occasion!

Fuzzy Heart Sublimation Blank

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Sequin Heart Pillow

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Glitter Pink Heart Pillow

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If you are looking for a gift that will be loved forever make a Heart Rock Slate.

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If you want your Valentine to feel the love even when on the road make a keychain! Here are a few of our favorites!

Heart Keychain

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Metal Keychain

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Leather Heart Keychain

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If you would like to make a shirt that is quick and easy use a Heat Transfer!

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Or you can use heat transfer vinyl to design your own image or use one of our digital art files!

Don’t forget to gift your pup with a Valentine gift. This heart dog tag is perfect!

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