← All symptomsSafety stop: Stop the process if there is smoke, an electrical fault, a strong unfamiliar odor, melting, cracked glass, or evidence that the material is not heat-rated. Follow the equipment and blank manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Prioritized checks
Starting order
Confirm or weaken each cause before changing the next variable.
1
Transfer moved while dye was active
Evidence that supports it
- The shadow has one consistent direction.
- The transfer was loose or the press opened abruptly.
Evidence against it
- The doubled edge already exists on the printed transfer.
Safe next actions
- Secure the transfer and stabilize the blank.
- Open and lift vertically without dragging paper across the hot surface.
2
Hot transfer touched the blank again after opening
Evidence that supports it
- Shadowing appears only on handling-side edges.
Evidence against it
- The transfer remained fixed until fully cool under an approved cold-peel process.
Safe next actions
- Plan a clean removal path before pressing.
- Use heat gloves and keep used transfer paper away from the blank.
3
Press or fixture allows movement
Evidence that supports it
- The direction repeats across jobs or a mug wrap is loose.
Evidence against it
- A secured control blank is clean.
Safe next actions
- Inspect platen, fixture, mug element, and wrap stability.
- Do not continue if the press closes or opens unpredictably.
Stop condition: Stop using a press with uncontrolled movement, damaged hinges, or an unsafe closing mechanism.