A calendar press is a specialized heat transfer machine used primarily for dye sublimation onto large-format textiles, applying heat and pressure through a rotating drum system to transfer designs from paper onto polyester fabric or coated materials. Known for precision, consistency, and speed, calendar presses are vital in industries such as fashion, sportswear, soft signage, and home textiles.
If you are scaling up from small-scale heat presses or looking to enter high-volume textile sublimation, a calendar press offers unmatched efficiency and production quality. In this article, we’ll explore how it works, what makes it different from traditional heat presses, and why Eastsign’s calendar presses are a top choice for businesses worldwide.
A calendar press (or calender heat press) uses a heated rotary drum and conveyor system to transfer sublimation ink from transfer paper to fabric continuously. This method allows for roll-to-roll or piece-by-piece processing, offering:
● Consistent pressure and heat
● Smooth feeding for long textile rolls
● High-speed output for industrial-scale production
This differs from flatbed or clamshell heat presses, which require manual alignment and operate in batch formats. The calendar press automates and accelerates the workflow, reducing errors and operator fatigue.
Depending on the region or industry, a calendar press may also be called:
▷ Rotary heat press
▷ Roll-to-roll sublimation press
▷ Oil-drum heat transfer press
▷ Continuous heat press
Though terminology may vary, the principle remains the same: a rotating drum heated by oil or electric elements, combined with high-pressure rollers, ensures the image transfer is vivid, even, and durable.
● Heating Drum: Usually filled with thermal oil for even temperature regulation. Drum diameters vary, with larger drums offering more consistent dwell time and temperature.
● Pressure Rollers: Maintain consistent pressure between fabric, transfer paper, and drum.
● Feeding System: Guides fabric and paper into the press, often with tension adjustments.
● Rewinding System: Rolls the printed fabric after processing for easy collection.
● Preparation: Polyester fabric and sublimation paper are fed into the press.
● Transfer: Under high heat (180–210°C) and pressure, sublimation inks turn into gas and bond with the fabric fibers.
● Fixing: The fabric exits with a vivid, permanent image that won’t peel, crack, or fade.
Unlike surface printing, sublimation via a calendar press chemically embeds the dye into the material, making it ideal for soft signage, apparel, and interior décor.
Calendar presses can run continuously, allowing the production of hundreds of meters of printed fabric per hour. This is especially useful for:
● Apparel manufacturers
● Large-format flag and banner production
● Curtain and upholstery textile businesses
Thanks to the even heat and pressure of the drum, calendar presses eliminate banding, ghosting, or inconsistent coloring often seen in flat press methods. This makes them the go-to solution for photographic-quality prints and high-end fashion fabrics.
While the initial investment in a calendar press may be higher than a flat press, the long-term savings in labor, time, and material wastage are significant. Plus, Eastsign offers high-performance models at cost-effective pricing, ensuring excellent ROI.
| Feature | Calendar Press | Flatbed Heat Press |
|---|---|---|
| Production Mode | Continuous (roll or sheet) | Batch (piece-by-piece) |
| Output Volume | High | Low to medium |
| Suitable Materials | Roll fabric, pre-cut sheets | Mostly flat, rigid, or small textiles |
| Image Quality | Superior and consistent | Good, but manual alignment may affect results |
| Ideal Use Cases | Textile mills, fashion brands, signage factories | Custom t-shirts, small crafts, promotional items |
For businesses moving from startup to scale-up, transitioning from flatbed presses to a calendar press often marks a major turning point in operational capacity.
At Eastsign, we specialize in large-format sublimation equipment for businesses of all sizes—from small home-based studios to factory-level operations. Our calendar press machines are designed to deliver the following:
Whether you're working on narrow rolls for scarves and sleeves or wide rolls for sports banners or upholstery, we have models in various widths and drum sizes. Need a custom configuration? Eastsign offers tailored solutions to fit your specific workflow.
We pride ourselves on offering cost-effective calendar presses without sacrificing build quality, temperature consistency, or transfer accuracy. For buyers seeking performance and affordability, Eastsign stands out.
☑ Digital temperature and speed controls
☑ High-pressure drums for flawless results
☑ Safety features including emergency stops, anti-static devices, and fabric tracking sensors
☑ Dual working modes: roll-to-roll and piece-by-piece
From startup entrepreneurs to global textile brands, Eastsign has become a trusted name in the sublimation press industry.
Our calendar presses are used globally in the production of:
● Sportswear and yoga apparel
● Home textiles like curtains, bedding, and cushions
● Trade show displays and banners
● Polyester gift items and accessories
With the rise of digital textile printing, more brands are investing in in-house sublimation equipment to reduce outsourcing and maintain creative control. Eastsign calendar presses help bring these designs to life with precision and speed.
If you’re in the textile printing business and looking to scale up production while maintaining quality and efficiency, a calendar press is the right investment. It’s more than a machine—it’s a long-term production partner.
Whether you’re upgrading from a flat press or entering the market for the first time, Eastsign offers an ideal blend of performance, price, and personalization. With customizable options, full technical support, and machines built for real-world demands, we help businesses take their next step with confidence.
Ready to Upgrade?
Explore Eastsign’s range of calendar heat press machines and contact us for expert guidance on selecting the best solution for your production goals.
