#SortIT, Problem Solving and Usage Guide (SortIT.co.za)

Your Heat Press Blanket is the heart of your setup, and taking care of it means better prints and a machine that lasts. Let’s walk through the steps to keep it in top shape and dodge those annoying printing issues.

Step 1: Loosen Up and Start the Machine
First off, crank the blanket all the way back to loosen it completely. Then, fire up the Heat Press—flip on the motor and the heat. Let the roller get going and make sure the blanket (or mat, same thing) is moving nice and smooth.
Grab the tool that came with your press and tweak the tension screws on both sides. Back them off until the blanket stops rolling while it’s fully loosened. The trick is to adjust both sides evenly so the blanket stays straight and doesn’t get wonky.

Step 2: Get the Tension Just Right
With the press humming and the blanket in position, it’s time to tighten things up to pull the mat forward.
Use your tool and give one side two turns.
Switch to the other side and do the same—two turns.
Keep alternating until the blanket starts moving forward again.
The big deal here is keeping the tension even. If one side’s tighter than the other, you’re asking for trouble, like a bent or twisted blanket that’ll mess up your prints.

Step 3: Break in a New Blanket (or Spruce Up an Old One)
This step’s a must for a fresh blanket, but it’s also a solid move for older ones if you’re getting serious about maintenance.
Set the press to 200°C.
Roll the blanket forward until it’s snug but not crazy tight.
Run the machine for 100–200 hours over a few days to help the blanket settle in and flatten out. No need to do it all in one shot—spread it out.
Check the temp every 10 minutes to make sure it’s holding steady, within about 5°C.
If the blanket starts sliding left or right, hit “stop” and reverse the roller to straighten it out.
For a blanket that’s been around the block, follow the same steps but zero in on:
Getting it warmed up to your usual printing temp.
Running the press for at least 30 minutes before you start printing. This helps the blanket soak up heat evenly, so your ink transfers like a dream.

Step 4: Keep a Log
Write down how many hours you’re running the press during that 100–200-hour break-in. A quick logbook keeps you on top of your blanket’s lifespan and makes future maintenance a breeze.
A couple of pro tips:
Check your machine’s manual for the right temp settings.
Don’t leave the blanket pulled forward when the press is off—it’s a fast way to wear it out.

Why This Stuff Matters
Skimp on blanket care, and you’ll see problems like:
Wavy lines across your prints
Ghosting or those goofy “smiley” marks
Ink that looks patchy and uneven
These are dead giveaways your blanket’s not tensioned or heated right. Stick with these steps, and you’ll keep those issues at bay.

That’s It!
Follow these steps, and your heat press blanket will keep pumping out awesome prints for the long haul.
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Keep pressing like a pro!

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