The 5 Most Common Automated Heat Press Configurations Explained

When you start looking at upgrading to a dtf press machine, the options can quickly become overwhelming. Unlike a basic manual press, an automated system is modular. You aren't just buying a machine; you are building a production line.

ROQ IMPRESS set up at ROQ Shop MJ CORP

You have to choose between different base models, pre-presses, post-presses, feeders, peelers, and pullers. If you configure it wrong, you might end up with a machine that doesn't fit your workflow. If you configure it right, you will unlock unprecedented throughput and labor savings.

In this guide, we will demystify the options and break down the five most common configurations for the ROQ IMPRESS, the industry's leading commercial heat press machine.

Understanding the Base Models: ROQ IMPRESS 36 vs. ROQ IMPRESS 48

Before we look at automation modules, you need to choose your base unit. The ROQ IMPRESS comes in two primary sizes:

The IMPRESS 36: This model allows for a maximum of two automation modules. You must choose between having a pre-press OR a post-press station. It is ideal for shops with moderate volume, limited space, or those using it for supplemental decoration (like tags and sleeves).

The IMPRESS 48: This model allows for a maximum of three automation modules. It can accommodate both a pre-press AND a post-press station simultaneously. This is the go-to choice for high-volume shops that want full automation flexibility.

Now, let's look at how shops actually configure these machines in the real world.

Configuration 1: The Base Unit, ROQ IMPRESS (No Automation Modules)

The Setup: ROQ IMPRESS 36 or 48 with standard platens, no ROQ FEED, ROQ PEEL, or ROQ PULL modules. Best For: Print-on-Demand (POD) shops and low-quantity custom orders.

Even without robotic automation, an industrial heat press like the Impress significantly outpaces manual presses. For POD shops where every order is a different design and size (1-5 pieces), the setup time for the Feed module isn't worth it. By using the base unit, operators can manually load unique transfers continuously as the platens rotate, increasing productivity by 2-3x over a standard manual press.

Configuration 2: ROQ IMPRESS + ROQ FEED

The Setup: ROQ IMPRESS 36 or 48 + ROQ FEED Module. Best For: High-volume single placements where manual peeling is preferred.

The ROQ FEED module automatically picks up a pre-cut transfer and places it precisely on the garment.

This configuration is great for shops that have consistent, high-volume runs but prefer to have an operator manually peel the carrier sheet and inspect the garment before it comes off the press. Note: The ROQ FEED module requires a digital CNC cutter to pre-cut your transfers uniformly.

Configuration 3: ROQ IMPRESS + ROQ FEED + ROQ PEEL

The Setup: ROQ IMPRESS 48 + ROQ FEED Module + ROQ PEEL Module. Best For: The most popular setup for bulk apparel decorators.

This is where the magic happens.

The ROQ FEED places the transfer, the machine presses it, and the ROQ PEEL module automatically removes the carrier sheet.

This combination is the single most impactful upgrade you can make to your production line. It allows a single operator to load garments while the machine handles the entire application process. This is the ideal automatic shirt press configuration for shops doing runs of 24+ pieces.

Configuration 4: The Fully Automated Line (Feed + Peel + Pull Plus)

The Setup: ROQ IMPRESS 48 + ROQ FEED + ROQ PEEL + ROQ PULL Plus. Best For: High-speed bulk transfer houses and true startups.

This is the ultimate heat press automatic setup.

The operator loads the blank garment. The ROQ FEED places the transfer. The press applies it. The ROQ PEEL removes the carrier sheet. The post-press finishes it.

And the ROQ PULL Plus automatically removes the finished garment and drops it onto a conveyor. This configuration can take a three-person manual pod down to a single operator while running at 300+ pieces per hour.

Note: The ROQ Pull Plus only works with standard apparel (shirts, hoodies, pants). It does not work with promo items like totes.

Configuration 5: The Supplemental Decorator

The Setup: ROQ IMPRESS 36 or 48 outfitted with both platens for standard garments as well as platens for labels and tags (no automation modules). Best For: Screen printers and embroiderers doing some DTF transfers and transferring tags, sleeves, or small promo items.

If you are an existing shop that needs to efficiently press thousands of neck tags or sleeve logos, you don't need full automation. A commercial shirt press configured with small-format platens allows an operator to rapidly load and unload small placements without the bottleneck of a single-head manual press.

Configuration 6: ROQ IMPRESS, ROQ FEED, ROQ Dual Peel Pull+

The Setup: ROQ IMPRESS 48 + ROQ FEED Module + Dual ROQ PEEL Modules + ROQ PULL Plus.

Best For: High-volume DTF production shops, bulk transfer decorators, and operations that want maximum automation with minimal manual handling.

The ROQ IMPRESS Feed Dual Peel Pull+ is built for shops that want a fully automated DTF transfer workflow from placement to finished garment removal.

The operator loads the blank garment, the ROQ FEED automatically places the transfer, the press applies the heat and pressure, the dual peel setup removes the carrier sheet, and the ROQ PULL Plus automatically unloads the finished garment onto a conveyor or collection system.

This configuration is ideal for production environments where speed, repeatability, and labor reduction are the priority. By automating the most repetitive parts of the DTF process, the system helps reduce operator fatigue, minimize placement errors, improve consistency, and keep production moving at scale.

For shops currently relying on multiple people to manually place, press, peel, post-press, and unload garments, the ROQ FEED Dual Peel Pull+ configuration can help consolidate the workflow into a more efficient automated line while maintaining consistent results from piece to piece.

Note: The ROQ PULL Plus is best suited for standard apparel such as shirts, hoodies, and pants. It is not intended for non-standard promotional items like totes or irregularly shaped products.

Which Configuration is Right for You?

The beauty of the ROQ IMPRESS is its modularity. Unlike competing systems that lock you into a fixed package, you can start with a base unit and add automation modules as your volume grows.

Ready to build your perfect production line? Read our [Complete guide to automated DTF heat transfer presses] to dive deeper into the ROI and workflow strategies for each configuration.

Not sure which ROQ IMPRESS configuration is the right fit for your shop?

Fill out the form below to connect with the ROQ Solutions Team. We’ll review your current production volume, labor needs, workflow challenges, and automation goals to help you identify the setup that makes the most sense for your business.