As craftsmen, we’re always on the lookout for the most efficient tools to help us work in the best possible way 👨🏻🎨. Whether you’re a small, medium or large business, you should always be on the lookout for the best tool available that will save you time and money in the long run.
Investing in quality tools is essential to producing quality products for your customers. Weighing up the pros and cons of the investment is something we all have to do.
So, in this blog post, we’re going to reveal everything you need to know about the Cricut autopress to find out if it’s right for you! 😉
What is an Auto-Press Cricut Machine?
The Cricut Auto Press is Cricut’s latest piece of handcrafted equipment from its royal line of heat presses. This equipment is designed to mix functionally for commercial, domestic and personal use.
Its many new features guarantee the production of more work in less time, and are much more user-friendly for its users. ✅
What are the practical Auto Press Cricut parts and their basic features?
The Cricut Auto Press machine doesn’t just look good. It is also fully equipped for professional use, with a body containing numerous parts that fulfil a specific function and are designed to make your work easier:
Power switch
It is located at the bottom right of the machine, next to the lock button. It switches theAuto Press on and off.
The Hot Plate
It serves as the top plate, measures 38 cm x 30 cm and is made of a non-stick ceramic layer that ensures even heat distribution 🌡️. This is the only part of theAuto Press that emits heat during pattern transfer.
Le Plateau
The tray corresponds to the firm bottom plate which does not heat up, but can become warm during repeated transfers.
The removable mat
A removable anti-slip mat with silicone material is included with the purchase of the Cricut press, and should be placed on the lower platen of theAuto Press Cricut.
This mat is designed to eliminate the need for a hot-press cushion and promotes proper alignment of the project on the machine’s top platen.
The Fan
The fan allows the machine to keep the entire press at the right temperature when the plate is heating 💨. It is indispensable when the press is used for long periods.
Le Cricut Autopress control pod
This tool corresponds to the control box and provides convenient access to pre-programmed time and temperature measurements. This control is adapted to the most commonly used materials. Using the preset buttons, you can choose any of the built-in options. At the same time, you can adjust it manually using the control dials below the time and temperature overview.
Handles
They have two functions. Firstly, the front handle is used to pull down to close the main lid. The rear handle is used to carry the machine when it needs to be transported to another location, or simply put away.
What makes AutoPress different from other heat presses?
Although the general function of the Cricut AutoPress is the same as that of other heat presses (gluing a pattern to a textile substrate), Cricut has really rethought the whole heat press process.
Here are just a few of the features that set it apart from other heat presses on the market:
1️⃣ - General look and feel
The first thing you’ll notice is that instead of being a chunky lump of metal, Cricut has designed the Cricut AutoPress to be smooth and elegant. It fits in perfectly with the design of all Cricut products.
The machine’s appearance may not be a real advantage for many craftsmen, but it’s a little plus!
2️⃣ - Pression
There are three variables in the use of a heat press: time, temperature and pressure. These three variables, when working properly together, create a perfect press on the textile.
Pressure is often the most neglected or misapplied of the three. On traditional heat presses, pressure is usually set by a crank at the top of the machine. You can “test” the pressure by placing a piece of paper between the two plates of the machine and turning the crank until you can no longer remove the paper. This is supposed to be a “medium” pressure.
The problem is that this pressure is difficult to set, and once you change the press pressure for any reason, you have to retest the pressure, which is tedious.
Cricut has therefore decided to do away with manual pressure adjustment altogether. Instead, Cricut AutoPress automatically adjusts pressure on materials up to 5cm thick!
Once you’ve pressed the press to close it, you’ll hear it adjust the pressure from the top plate to the bottom one. It’s really clever, and one of the best features of the AutoPress. 👍
3️⃣ - Four-point hinge
Another innovative feature of the Cricut auto-press is the type of hinge used. There are two types of heat press on the market: the toggle press and the clamshell press. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage of a tilting heat press is that the platen is placed completely vertically on a project and can be adapted more easily to thicker projects. But it requires a lot of space to operate, and the rocker may shake after several uses.
The advantage of a clamshell heat press is that it’s quicker to open and close, and some models have an automatic opening function when the press is finished. But you’re more exposed to the hot plate, and thicker projects are sometimes more complicated to press (they tend to warp when you close the press).
Cricut looked at these designs and thought “Why not do both?”. When you lower the press plate, it will first close like a clamshell and once the plate is about 5cm above the plate below, it will lower vertically, like a flip-flop press.
The Cricut AutoPress gives you the convenience and speed of a clamshell press with the ability to make thicker projects like a toggle press.
4️⃣ - Minimal effort
If you’ve ever worked with another heat press, you’ll know that you have to apply a certain amount of force to the handle to close and open the plate. It’s not for nothing that many people screw their heat press to a table, as it can bounce when opening, especially on high-pressure projects.
With the Cricut AutoPress, on the other hand, there’s no need to put all your weight on the press! To close it, simply lower the handle and press lightly with just 2 fingers. It locks into place and the pressing mechanism starts automatically. When the time is up, it will automatically open too. 🤩
This is an excellent feature for people whose strength is limited by age, disability or other factors.
5️⃣ - Safety functions
With this heat press, Cricut has really thought about the safety of its users. The upper part of the press is cooled by a ventilation system, so it doesn’t get too hot at the top. Unlike other hot presses, which will burn you if you accidentally touch them. This isespecially important if you have children!
The press also has a steeper incline than other clamshell presses, which keeps you as far away from the hotplate as possible.
Last but not least, the automatic function that opens the press once the timer has expired is very useful and ensures that the pressed fabric is not burned.
6️⃣ - Rangement
The Cricut AutoPress can be stored very easily. Remove the power cord, and close it. You’ll then be able to stand it upright. Although it’s a decent size, it slips easily into small spaces. It’s ideal if you don’t need your press all the time and want to free up table space for other work. 😊
What is the maximum temperature of the Cricut Autopress?
The hot plate heats up to 200 degrees Celsius, making it compatible with iron-on flex and sublimation products such as infusible ink .
How long does the Cricut Autopress take to heat up?
On average, the Cricut Autopress takes about 8 minutes to fully heat up to 200 degrees. We therefore advise you to switch on your Cricut press right from the start, while preparing your designs on the side.
What is the Cricut Autopress Control Pod?
The Cricut Control Pod is supplied with the machine, it will allow you tocontrol the temperature and pressing time for each project you need to press with the Cricut auto press, it is connected to the press via a cable. 🔌
The Control Pod has 4 presets that are pre-programmed with the most commonly used materials and bases. If required, the presets can be modified to suit your specific needs.
Preset 1: SportFlex/Polyester – 155° C/25 seconds
Preset 2: Everyday Iron-On/Cotton – 155°C/30 seconds
Preset 3: Glitter Iron-On/Cotton – 165°C/25 seconds
Preset 4: Infusible Ink™/Polyester – 195°C/30 seconds
Why is the Cricut Autopress so expensive?
TheAutopress wasn‘t designed as a simple heat press, it’s a fully functional professional heat press designed to outperform all competitors in this price range on the market.
This machine will not suit every designer. It’s designed for people who love Cricut tools, who make personalized items in large quantities, and who are looking for professional-quality, time-saving results. ✅
Although it’s designed for professionals, that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to use. On the contrary, the Cricut heat press is easy to use, thanks to its automated functions that take the guesswork out of operation.
Setting up the Cricut AutoPress
Installing the Cricut AutoPress is simple. Simply unpack the machine, removing the black box handles to separate the two parts of the box. Use the USB cable supplied to connect the AutoPress control module to your computer. Go to Cricut Setup and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your press. You can also set it up in the Cricut Design Space software by going to the top left-hand menu and selecting New Product Setup.
Mac users: if you have a recent computer that doesn’t have a standard USB drive, you’ll need to purchase a USB to USB-C converter.
Using the Cricut AutoPress
Start by creating your project in Cricut Design Space and cut it out with your Cricut.
While your project is being cut with your machine, unlock the Cricut AutoPress and turn it on. Then, set the control panel to your time and temperature settings based on the Cricut Guide provided to preheat your press.
You will also find other specific instructions for your cut, so read the instructions carefully.
Place the t-shirt or textile of your choice on the base of the Cricut AutoPress, as flat as possible. 👕
Then close the AutoPress and press the handle until it locks. The preheat countdown will start automatically, and when it reaches zero, the press will open (it will beep before opening).
Let the textile cool down. Place the heat transfer design on the textile, and you can also use heat-resistant tape to ensure the design stays in place.
Set the control panel to 45 seconds and press the handle until you hear a click. Again, the countdown will start, and the device will open when the timer reaches zero. ⏳
Let your textile cool down and remove the transfer!
We hope this article helped you learn more about the New Cricut AutoPress machine.
If you feel inspired to create textile flocking projects, you can check out the heat transfer vinyls we offer in our shop!
