← 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
Uneven contact or pressure
Evidence that supports it
- The weak area repeats in the same platen location or follows a seam/edge.
Evidence against it
- The transfer print already has uneven density.
Safe next actions
- Inspect for seams, raised edges, debris, warped blanks, and platen alignment.
- Use the product-approved pad or fixture.
2
Platen temperature is not uniform
Evidence that supports it
- The same zone fails across different blanks.
Evidence against it
- Rotating the artwork, not the platen position, moves the defect.
Safe next actions
- Verify platen uniformity with an approved method.
- Refer repair to qualified service.
Stop condition: Do not open electrical equipment or bypass press safety controls.
3
Moisture or surface contamination blocked transfer
Evidence that supports it
- Random pale spots, fibers, or steam-pocket marks appear.
Evidence against it
- The defect repeats exactly by platen location.
Safe next actions
- Clean and lint-roll the blank.
- Pre-press only when the product guidance permits it.