If you’re a crafting enthusiast looking for a reliable heat press, you’re in for a treat. The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 has just been released, and I had the opportunity to test it out and demonstrate its capabilities across six unique projects. With an upgraded design and improved features, this machine promises versatility and efficiency for various heat transfer applications. Here, I’ll share my experience, highlight key features, and guide you through six different projects to showcase what this press can truly do. Let’s jump in!
Disclosure: I received the Press to review and test out. All opinion are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you
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HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 Review
Introduction to the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2
HTVRONT has built a reputation for making quality crafting tools, and the Auto Heat Press 2 is no exception. This new version builds on the strengths of the original press while incorporating user-friendly enhancements. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, understanding what this machine offers is crucial.
I created a full video for you demonstrating the heat press and a sample of 6 projects, check it out below:
Key Features of the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2
When unboxing the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2, a few standout features immediately caught my attention:
- Large Digital Display: The first noticeable feature is the sizable digital display, equipped with clearly labeled buttons for power, time, temperature, pressure, and mode. This display makes it easy to navigate and adjust settings with precision.
- Customizable Modes: The machine comes with four preset modes that cater to common applications. If those don’t fit your project’s needs, you can create custom settings for a truly tailored experience.
- Enhanced Pressure Settings: One of the most appealing features is the adjustable pressure, which ranges from 50 to 170 lbs. This versatility allows you to handle a wide variety of materials, from thin fabrics to thicker substrates.
- Pull-Out Drawer: Like its predecessor, the Auto Heat Press 2 features a 15×15-inch pull-out drawer, making it safe and convenient to load and unload projects.
- Thicker Clearance: The press’s larger clearance allows for pressing thicker items, which expands its functionality to handle more complex projects.
What’s Included in the Box?
HTVRONT includes a few essential accessories with the press:
- User Manual: The comprehensive manual is written in multiple languages and explains how to use all buttons, preset modes, and custom options. It also contains a helpful chart with suggested time and temperature settings for various materials.
- Teflon Sheet: This protective sheet helps prevent designs from sticking to the heat plate, ensuring a clean and efficient transfer.
The press itself weighs around 43 lbs and has a durable metal surface that heats up during use. The pull-out drawer includes a heat mat, and the machine features safety warnings to prevent accidental burns.
Project Demonstrations: What Can This Heat Press Do?
To test the capabilities of the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2, I completed six projects using different substrates and materials.
Supplies Used
- HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 – Use code A50 for savings
- Heat Press Table
- Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation Paper
- Butcher Paper
- Custom ColorPro DTF Prints by Pro World
- Custom Full Color Value Heat Transfers by Pro World
- Smart Iron On Vinyl
- Polyester Napkins
- Ceramic Ornaments
- Hardboard MDF Photo Frame
- Canvas Tote Bag
- Pillow Cover – IKEA
- Cooling Block
- Heat Tape
Here’s a detailed look at each project:
1. Sublimation Dinner Napkins
I kicked off my demonstrations by creating festive Christmas monogrammed dinner napkins. For this project, I set the temperature to 400°F and pressed for 60 seconds at 50 lbs of pressure. The machine’s digital display made it easy to set the desired time and temperature. I placed my design on the napkin, secured it with heat tape, and used butcher paper above and below to protect the heat plate from ink bleeding.
The results were impressive! The transfer was vibrant, and there was minimal ink left on the butcher paper, indicating a successful and thorough sublimation. This project demonstrated the machine’s efficiency for pressing fabric items like napkins, t-shirts, and other similar materials.
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2. Two-Sided Ceramic Ornaments
Next, I decided to test double-sided sublimation on ceramic ornaments. I set the temperature to 400°F and the time to 180 seconds. The Auto Heat Press 2 maintained consistent pressure throughout the entire process, and I was pleased to see that I could press both sides of the ornaments simultaneously without flipping them over.
The finished ornaments were clear and detailed, showcasing how well the machine handles harder substrates like ceramics. This project highlighted the value of the press’s adjustable pressure, which ensured even, consistent results.
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3. Sublimation on MDF Photo Board
For my third project, I used an MDF photo board with a sublimation coating. MDF is thicker than fabric or ceramic, so this was an excellent opportunity to test the press’s capability with more substantial substrates. I set the temperature to 355°F and the time to 150 seconds, adjusting the pressure to 90 lbs for a firm press.
The press heated up quickly and maintained a consistent temperature. To achieve an even press, I rotated the board halfway through the process to avoid any potential fading or uneven transfers. This step proved effective, as the final result was vibrant and well-transferred. The machine’s thick clearance allowed for this project to be done smoothly without compromising the quality of the design.
4. Custom Tote Bag Branding
I wanted to test a straightforward yet functional project next: branding a cotton canvas tote bag. I used a pre-printed heat transfer from Pro-World and set the machine to 315°F with a pressing time of 10 seconds at 90 lbs of pressure. Pre-pressing the bag helped remove any moisture and wrinkles, ensuring a smooth application.
This project was a success, with the design fully embedded into the fabric. The tote bag branding looked professional, making this press perfect for small businesses or hobbyists who want to personalize items for resale or gifts.
5. HTV on a Pillow Cover
I also tried heat transfer vinyl (HTV) on a cotton canvas pillow cover from IKEA. The Auto Heat Press 2 was set to 340°F for 30 seconds, with a reduced pressure of 50 lbs. I opted for auto mode, which activated the press as soon as the drawer was pushed in—an excellent feature for hands-free pressing.
The HTV adhered well and didn’t lift upon cooling, thanks to a cooling block that sped up the process. The press’s ease of use and adjustable settings make it perfect for different HTV projects, including shirts, bags, and home decor items.
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6. DTF on a Tote Bag
One of the standout projects I created was with DTF (Direct-to-Film) tote bag. For this project, I used a 100% cotton canvas tote bag and a vibrant DTF print from Pro-World featuring a festive Christmas cow design. Setting the temperature to 325°F with the highest pressure at 170 lbs for a 15-second press, the results were outstanding. The transfer adhered perfectly, showcasing the machine’s consistent heat distribution and pressure. The DTF design was flexible and lightweight, making it ideal for tote bags and apparel.
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Tips and Final Thoughts
Overall, the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 exceeded my expectations. It’s user-friendly and versatile, suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Here are some final thoughts and tips for using this machine:
- Guidelines and Testing: While the machine comes with recommended settings, it’s wise to test small samples to ensure optimal results for your specific project. This is particularly true when working with various types of vinyl or different substrates.
- Pressure Metrics: One area for improvement would be providing more thorough guidelines on pressure metrics. Clarifying whether the settings are in PSI or simply pounds could help users achieve even more precise results.
- Safety and Clearance: The larger clearance is a huge plus for pressing thicker items, such as MDF boards or layered projects. Just remember that the metal surface heats up significantly, so handle it carefully and use heat-resistant gloves as needed.
Conclusion
The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 is a great investment if you’re in the market for a reliable, versatile heat press. Its customizable settings, ability to press thicker items, and user-friendly design make it an excellent addition to any craft room. Whether you’re working on small, detailed projects or larger items, this machine has you covered.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use digital display
- Adjustable pressure for varied materials
- Automatic and custom mode options
- Ideal for thicker substrates
Cons:
- Limited guidelines for precise pressure measurements
I hope this review and demonstration have helped you get a clearer idea of what the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 can do. If you have questions or need more project ideas, drop a comment below. Don’t forget to like and follow for more craft tutorials and reviews.
EXCLUSIVE DEAL:
Use my exclusive coupon code Michelle60 for savings on the pre-sale price! Shop here with my link.
Happy crafting!
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Are you interested in other HTVRONT products? Check these out..
Unboxing and Reviewing the New HTVRONT Mini Heat Press 3
A Comprehensive Review of the HTVRONT Manual Heat Press
HTVRONT Hat Heat Press Review
HTVRONT Heat Press and Mini Heat Press Review
PIN FOR LATER!
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Michelle Stewart
Owner at Michelle's Party Plan-It
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