A heat press device is provided that includes a support structure, a first platen and a heating element assembly that includes a heating element and a second platen. The heat press device further includes a movement assembly configured to change a pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in a closed configuration. The heat press device can also include an indicator that is configured to convey the pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in the closed configuration.

A heat press device is provided that includes a support structure, a first platen and a heating element assembly that includes a heating element and a second platen. The heat press device further includes a movement assembly configured to change a pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in a closed configuration. The heat press device can also include an indicator that is configured to convey the pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in the closed configuration.

In an imaging method an image or multiple images, an ink specification and substrate or substrates for imaging are selected. A central computing device (CCD) determines a volume of ink required to form the images and communicates with a plurality of printers that are geographically remote from the CCD. Each of the plurality of printers communicates to the CCD an ink specification available at the printer, a volume of ink available and optionally substrates that are available at the printer location. The CCD selects a printer or printers from the plurality of printers to fulfill the print job considering the geographic location of the printer(s), the ink specification available to the printer, and the volume of ink available at the printer. The CCD provides to the printer information and specifications which may include an image specification, an ink specification, a waveform specification and a substrate specification.

A press includes an upper platen assembly having a first heating element, a lower platen assembly disposed beneath the upper platen assembly, the lower platen assembly having a second heating element, and a support head adapted to move the upper platen assembly between an open position and a closed position with respect to the lower platen assembly. The press further includes at least one heater controller operatively coupled to the first heating element and to the second heating element, and configured to separately apply power to the first heating element and to the second heating element.

A press includes an upper platen assembly having a first heating element, a lower platen assembly disposed beneath the upper platen assembly, the lower platen assembly having a second heating element, and a support head adapted to move the upper platen assembly between an open position and a closed position with respect to the lower platen assembly. The press further includes at least one heater controller operatively coupled to the first heating element and to the second heating element, and configured to separately apply power to the first heating element and to the second heating element.

A pad printing machine is arranged for enabling the transfer and application of multiple layers of ink from an ink source both into and onto an ink receiving member. The pad printing machine comprises a depth enhanced ink well (about 0.0015 to about 0.0035 inches deep) for peripherally enclosing an absorbable pattern of ink, a vertically and horizontally displaceable temperature controlled ink transfer print pad, and a temperature controlled printable item support print fixture for supporting an ink receiving printable item member, to enable multiple layers of ink to be simultaneously transferred after pickup by the print pad as one layer, and inversely and simultaneously applied as multiple layers into and onto the ink receiving printable item member on the support print fixture.

In an imaging method an image or multiple images, an ink specification and substrate or substrates for imaging are selected. A central computing device (CCD) determines a volume of ink required to form the images and communicates with a plurality of printers that are geographically remote from the CCD. Each of the plurality of printers communicates to the CCD an ink specification available at the printer, a volume of ink available and optionally substrates that are available at the printer location. The CCD selects a printer or printers from the plurality of printers to fulfill the print job considering the geographic location of the printer(s), the ink specification available to the printer, and the volume of ink available at the printer. The CCD provides to the printer information and specifications which may include an image specification, an ink specification, a waveform specification and a substrate specification.

A press can include an upper platen, a lower platen, a support arm, and an adjuster. The support arm can be adapted to move the upper platen substantially parallel to the lower platen between an open position and a closed position. The adjuster can have a cam adapted to engage a surface of the support arm and to rotate between a first rotational position and a second rotational position relative to the support arm. Rotation of the cam from the first rotational position to the second rotational position can move the upper platen toward the lower platen.

A heat press device is provided that includes a support structure, a first platen and a heating element assembly that includes a heating element and a second platen. The heat press device further includes a movement assembly configured to change a pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in a closed configuration. The heat press device can also include an indicator that is configured to convey the pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in the closed configuration.

A heat press device is provided that includes a support structure, a first platen and a heating element assembly that includes a heating element and a second platen. The heat press device further includes a movement assembly configured to change a pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in a closed configuration. The heat press device can also include an indicator that is configured to convey the pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in the closed configuration.