What is Fusing T Shirt Heat Press Machine?

Heat Press Machine

Fusing t shirt heat press machine for garments is very much important to maintain the quality of the products. The press machine carries out fusing by holding the fabric & the fusible interlining between the conveyor belts while heating. To check the uniformity of the fusing area in the fusing area in the fusing machine the following method or procedure should be followed.

  For Conveyor Type Heat Press Machine

• Three stripes of fabrics & fusible interlining should be taken; Length-42” (inch)—each pieces
• The fabrics & interlining (taken before) should be fed into the fusing machine.
• In t shirt heat press machine, machine bed should be divided into three zones ( like zone A,B&C) to identity the lack of uniformity in fusing bond.
• After fusing three samples each of them to be tested for the fusing bond strength & fusing quality by pulling the interlining apart from the fabrics.
• A visual inspection to be carried out in order to ascertain the sharing of the interlining glue with the corresponding fabrics stripes.

 For Flat Bed Type Heat Press Machine

• Three stripes of fabrics & interlining should be taken; Length-42” (inch)—each pieces
• The fabrics & interlining (taken before) should be fed into the fusing machine.
• In fusing machine, machine bed should be divided into three zones ( like zone A,B&C) to identity the lack of uniformity in fusing bond.
• After fusing three samples each of them to be tested for the fusing bond strength & fusing quality by pulling the interlining apart from the fabrics.
• A visual inspection to be carried out in order to ascertain the sharing of the interlining glue with the corresponding fabrics stripes.

To test fusing press machine light color solid T/C fabrics should be used.

This test should be done at least twice a month, & records should be kept in fusing check register. Test will be conducted between 1^st to 3^rd (First) & 15^th to 18^th (Second) day of each month.

Quality in-charge will be responsible to ensure the fusing uniformity of the fusing area to test the fusing machine.

Golden Rules to successful fusing

• Check compatibility of fusing type with fabric end use.
• Carry out tests as per attached test request form.
• George approved certificate to confirm agreed standards for production use.
• Fusing bed records.
• Temperature checks.
• Pressure check.
• Time check.
• Review peel strength
• Wash and/or dry clean result of garment part being fused.
• A sample of the fabric being fused should be maintained as a reference for the operative.

Heat Press Machine Maintenance

• Keep a record of each press.
• We have assembled this guide to make it easier for the factories to assure that the bond strength and the fuse line temperature are according to the requirement as stated in the
• Vilene test report.
• Once agreed compatibility for end use.

Daily Maintenance:

• Clean the whole machine.
• Check and clean the belt with a dried floor cloth when the operation is over.
• Raise the scraper three or four times a day in order to clean.
• Wipe off dusts using a dry floor mat, before inserting the material.
• Check all the screw & nut & Bolt.

Monthly Maintenance:

• Check the electrical wiring system.
• Check the machine for visual damages

Tools

Spring loaded balance : A spring balance is a basic devise, which cannot be as precise as a computerised bond strength-measuring machine, however the results are close enough for comparison.

Temperature strips : Just proceed according to the instruction as follows

Method: Cut the interlining in a width of 7cm and a length of 17cm in machine direction (MD). Cut the fabric a little bit bigger to avoid contamination of the conveyor belt, also cut a small fabric piece as shown. Insert the little piece between the fabric and the  interlining. Add also the temperature strip readingface to fabric. Put it through the fusing press according to the recommended conditions. After fusing cut alongside the temperature strip. Turnover the temperature strip and look for the black square of the highest reading, this is the fuse-line temperature. Here the fuse-line is 121ºC.

Fuse-line temperature reading 121ºC : The fuse-line temperature is the temperature achieved on the adhesive dots during the fusing process. Therefore the temperature strip is used between the fabric and the fusible interlining for correct measuring. It is recommended to always double check the fuse-line temperature prior to production start.

Personal Safety

• Proper personal protective equipment i.e. gloves, visors, and aprons must be used.
• This machine is used in high temperature, so pay attention to your hands and clothes not to be burned.
• Always wait until the machine is fully stationary.
• Do not push finger/ hand through the heated chamber.
• Avoid wearing loose wears.
• First aid equipment such as first aid kit, stretcher, and dressing material box must be stationed in the vicinity.
• Carefully observe announce location and operation of fire extinguishers.
• Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.

Machine Safety

• Switch off the machine.
• After maintenance work always tighten released screw, nut-bolt connections.
• Do not use compressed air on electric and electronic parts directly.
• Confirm that the power plug is properly connected.
• Pay sufficient attention not to make contact with the belt and the upper cover whose temperature rises high nor mount things on them.
• Don’t put anything to the main unit of the press except the materials to be inserted.

SOP for Different Types of Garments Pressing

Pressing: It is the process of application of Heat or Steam or both on a finished garment to provide a desired appearance and stability to the garment making it appealing to the customers.

Importance of Pressing: Pressing is a very important parameter which affects the appearance of a garment. When any customer walks in a store to purchase a garment, he / she look for a visually appealing garment. Apart from this, pressing also provides dimensional stability to the garment.

When should be Pressing done: Pressing should be done just before Packing of the garment so that it is retained properly till the time it reaches the customer.

Different Types of Garment Pressing: Following are the different types of pressing methods done for garments:

• Flat Iron
• Steam Iron
• Warm Iron
• Inside Out Ironing
• Ironing for Puckered Appearance
• Ironing for Crushed Look
• Tie and Dye appearance

Flat Iron: In Flat Ironing, the garment is pressed by the application of heat as well as steam. This results in formation of Crease Marks at the desired point of application. It is done usually for Formal Shirts and Trousers. The figure on the right refers to an example of Flat Ironing.

Steam Iron:  In this method, the garment is pressed only by the application of steam. It provides a Fresh Look to the garment highlighting overall garment. It is generally done for Denims, Skirts and Cargos where we do not want any shine marks. The figure on the right refers to an example of Steam Ironing.

Warm Iron:  In this method, the garment is pressed only by the application of heat. It provides a distinct appearance to the garment. It is done for formal non wash shirts and T-Shirts. The figure on the right refers to an example of Warm Ironing.

Inside Out Ironing:  In this method, the garment is pressed after inverting the garment. It is done to avoid any directional change in appearance. It is done for directional fabrics like Corduroy and Suede. The figure on the right refers to an example of Inside Out Ironing.

Ironing for Puckered Appearance:  In this method, the garment is presses lightly. It provides puckered appearance to the garment.  It is done for washed formal & casual shirts.

Ironing for Crushed Look:  In this method, the garment is pressed roughly. It provides a natural crushed appearance to the garment. It is done for cargo pants and skirts .

Tie and Dye Appearance: Though Pressing plays an important role in appearance as well as dimensional stability of a garment, it is not necessary that all the  garments need to be pressed before packing.  Some garments are visually more appealing without any ironing. It is done for stylized skirts and wrinkle free trousers.

Job Summary of a Inspector for Fusing Press Machine

1. To make a clear understanding of all information regarding quality requirements of fused parts for every style and to collect all information of that style (e.g. Working Instruction, Sealing Sample, Swatch Card etc.) from Supervisor, QC.
2. To ensure that the fused parts in test run (control parameter of the fusing machine and quality of fused parts) is approved by the Unit-In-Charge, QC before the start of bulk production
3. To ensure that the control parameters of the fusing machine are tested properly during bulk production by maintenance personnel.
4. To inspect all fused parts of the garments (100%) according to inspection guideline and to keep records of all non-conformities.
5. To communicate with relevant workers and Supervisor (QC & Production) about the defect and to give a proper direction for minimizing the defect.
6. To send back all defect parts to the sewing section for replace cutting via cutting section and to re-inspect all the replaced parts of the garments.
7. To inspect the quality of interlining pasting in Make Section randomly and to ensure quality requirements.
8. To keep records of fusing test in fusing register and to ensure that the fused parts in test run are properly preserved.
9. To collect the information about the defects which are overlooked by them and identified in the Sewing and Finishing Section and take necessary corrective action.
10. To take care about the cleanliness and hygiene factors of the work place.
11. To maintain and practice COC (Code of Conduct) and ISO related activities regarding QC for the unit of t shirt heat press machine

Engr. Kh. Mashiur Rahman, Garments Auto Machine Technologist, Web: www.autogarment.com, Email: sales@autogarment.com, Cell: +88 017 92 52 53 54