Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the uniqueness of the iDek inline modular heat press many of these questions pertain strictly to it. However, there are common aspects to all types of heat garment decoration and we have included these as well.


What is the importance of having modular components on the iDekusa press?
What if I don’t want to create my own graphic designs?
How is sublimation different than ink jet transfers?
Is it necessary to purchase a printer and/or cutter with my press?
How do I know how long and at what temperature to press a shirt for?
Can I use the 14” x 17” dek™ at the same time as the pocket/universal dek™?
What kind of training classes does iDekusa offer?
Does this press require a special power supply?
Why would I want to turn the upper and lower deks™ from portrait to landscape?
How do I adjust the pressure on my press?


What is the importance of having modular components on the iDekusa press?
Modular components allow you to take advantage of our upgrade options at a budgetary pace that works for you.   For instance if you originally purchased an s1 Professional™, now you could add on a pocket/universal specialty dek™  to diversify your capabilities.  Or, change your s1 Professional into a d2 Commercial™ with the addition of another pedestal and 14” x 17” dek™ or pedestal and pocket/universal dek™.  The options are limitless, and so is your production capacity.


What if I don’t want to create my own graphic designs?
There are several companies that specialize in providing a wide assortment of pre-made transfers.  Most have a complete catalog on line or in print.  Many of these businesses also provide custom design work to your specifications.  These types of transfers are screen-printed using plastisol inks, which means there is no unwanted framing around your contoured image.  Call the iDekusa customer service department for assistance in linking you with recognized industry suppliers.


How is sublimation different than ink jet transfers?
Sublimation utilizes special ink that can be installed in cartridge or bulk format in your ink jet printer.  It utilizes a standard paper, however sublimation paper is available for more vibrant characteristics.  Sublimation penetrates the surface of the substrate or fabric, locking in the color rich, permanent image.  It provides a soft hand or smooth, limp to the touch feel.  In other words, it blends into the garment texture. It does have its limitations, however in that it is best suited for white or light colored fabric, or synthetics like polyester.  The increased awareness and availability of 100% polyester, cool, evaporative apparel is providing new avenues for sublimation.  Sublimation is also the best method for printing on blank promotional product hard goods.  Ink Jet transfers is a polymer coating that has ink particles that fuse to the surface of the substrate.  This creates a more rigid hand, however new technologies have minimized this feel.  Ink jet transfer paper is also available for use on Dark shirts which is beneficial.  Ink Jet transfers are ideal for entering the marketplace and getting acclimated in the simplest manor to reproduce image transfers and heat pressing.


Is it necessary to purchase a printer and/or cutter with my press?
No, it is not necessary, unless you do not have one and want to work with media that those pieces of hardware allow you to work with.  Chances are you already own an ink jet printer.   A cutter is a necessity if you produce your own ink jet transfers.  Especially for colored shirts.  Transfers have a white layer of ink that consumes the entire sheet of paper.  When you go to print, that residue remains in the area that has no image.  When you heat press, there will be a white border outside your image the size of the paper you are using, unless you hand trim, or precisely outline it with the use of an optical eye cutter.


How do I know how long and at what temperature to press a shirt for?
We make it easy with our unique digital control panel.  The iDekusa control console offers the user three pre-programmable settings for instant process recognition, plus one manual setting for custom modification and usage.  Program 1 accommodates specialty materials like vinyl at a press temperature to 350 degrees for 20 seconds.  Program 2 is for light or dark inkjet transfers at a temperature of 375 degrees for 15 seconds and Program 3 is for sublimation with a press temperature of 400 degrees for 30 seconds. Product that falls out of the standard parameters of our settings is adjustable on the manual setting mode of the digital control console.


Can I use the 14” x 17” dek™ at the same time as the pocket/universal dek™?
This can be accomplished if you own a d2 commercial press and have purchased the pocket/universal dek™ as an upgrade, or as an extension to the purchase or a second 14”x 17” dek™ with pedestal.  Press station one can be in use as a 14” x 17” work station while a quikclik™ insert of a pocket/universal dek™ can be used simultaneous by the user of the second work station.


What kind of training classes does iDekusa offer?
iDekusa specializes in offering the best heat press available on the market today. We have studied the promotional product industry and imprinted sportswear arena thoroughly.  The related associations, individual professionals, corporate sponsors and industry trade shows provide the critical information and certified training sessions essential to your success.  Contact your iDekusa representative for guidelines, support and recommendations.


Does this press require a special power supply?
No.  The beauty of the s1 Professional™ or d2 Commercial™ is that they both utilize the same amount of energy.  Either uses a 15 amp household circuit breaker because there is only one heat platen. The lateral movement of the upper heat dek™ does the work of two, minimizing power usage and manpower.


Why would I want to turn the upper and lower deks™ from portrait to landscape?
Simple, adult shirts are wider and fit a landscape format better, youth shirt are slimmer and fit a portrait dek™ shape better.   The cantilevered pedestal enables you to under/over load like a screen-printers technique to further streamline the process.   


How do I adjust the pressure on my press?
Most heat presses have a knob on their heat platen that allows it to be raised or lowered to increase pressure when it is clamped down. The iDek has its pressure regulation beneath the pedestal. The large cylindrical knob raises or lowers the dek. Each pedestal is independent of the other so that if you wish you may have two separate pressure settings on your press at the same time.




Have a question you want answered, or feel we should have up here for the average user? Feel free to Call us at 877-579-9884, Choose Customer Service (Option 2) or e-mail the webmaster.