Garment Pressing
There are many ways of pressing garments to produce the perfect finish. The most appropriate method depends on the fabric, type of garment and the quality of finish required by the customer. The experts at Euro Pressing Services are fundamental in ascertaining the most efficient technique for finish and speed while retaining cost effectiveness.
The Steam Tunnel
The garments have to be on hangers and hung on a screw feed conveyor in order to pass through the steam tunnel. The machine is made up of chambers, which steam, dry and then cool down the garment. The number of chambers varies starting with just three. The more chambers in the steam tunnel the more effective the process. The Veit seven chamber steam tunnel at Euro Pressing Services is very efficient and can process 24,000 garments in a normal working day.
The machine can be adjusted for speed and temperature to adapt to each particular garment. The Veit tunnels use a steaming technique, which gives an excellent finish to natural and manmade fibres. Even the most delicate fabrics can pass through almost without being touched because only the steam and air are blown through the garments. So they are not pressed flat.
When merchandise has to travel a long way and needs to be freshened up before gracing a showroom, the steam tunnel fits the bill. However, we recommend that the garments are not individually bagged at the manufacturer. The bags will have to be removed and disposed of to go through the tunnel press. Euro Pressing Services does recycle polythene bags and cardboard but removal of bags that have been paid for and possibly need replacing (unless the customer will accept a bundle bag) cause additional delays and cost.
The Propress
The Propress is a portable steamer. It produces a strong, continuous flow of warm, moist steam, which helps to release any wrinkles in fabric. As the Propress works on a similar principle to the tunnel, it too is perfect for steaming the full range of textiles and fabrics from manmade fibres through to precious yarns.
The steam is applied through a lightweight aluminium nozzle enabling the steam to be directed to the exact spot on hanging garments. This is ideally suited to sprucing up just a part of a garment which is creased, such as collars and sleeves on jackets and coats.
The Propress can be used on garments with unsealed individual bags, unlike the steam tunnel. The bags can be lifted to give access to the area that needs attention and pulled back down after pressing.
The Dolly Press
The Dolly Press also uses steam like the Tunnel and Propress. However, it works the opposite way round blowing from the inside of the garment to the outside. The Dolly is designed for the garment to be placed over the dummy. Experienced operators judge the amount of steam needed to provide the correct finish.
The use of Dolly Presses means that each garment is individual handled and the level of steam tailored to the needs of that garment. It is perfect for finishing leather garments because the steam is not applied to the outside of the garment. This method pushes the steam through the garment without being flat pressed.
Flatbed Press
The flatbed press is ideal for laying out knitwear and T-shirts etc. onto its large table. It has two functions. The first is to send steam up through the table and garment to relax and rejuvenate the fibres. The second is a vacuum to suck all the steam out of the garment, which dries it quickly and fixes the garment into shape.
The pressers operate the steam and vacuum by two foot pedals allowing them control over the amount of steam used. The operator can use special mittens or a Teflon coated pad, to smooth out the garment but keep the presser safe from the heat and steam.
Hand Press
Hand pressing provides a personal touch and is useful for awkward features. It is done by hand with a Teflon coated iron, which can be used with or without steam. The temperature is adjusted according to the fabric as you would at home.
The difference from the domestic method of hand pressing is that a special ironing board is used to produce a vacuum. In effect it sucks the steam out of the garment so that it dries out quickly and fixes the shape with a crisp finish.