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Commercial Heat Press 14" x 16" Auto-Release Clamshell

Commercial Heat Press 14" x 16" Auto-Release Clamshell

Vendor: George Knight & Co ⸱ SKU: DK16A

$1,469.00 - $1,469.00
$1,469.00
$1,469.00 - $1,469.00
$1,469.00

Free Shipping to Lower 48

Item ships in 5-7 business days for delivery in 7-14 days

Overview

The DK20A is the automatic pop-up version of Geo Knight’s largest manual clamshell press, offering a semi-automatic experience without the need for a compressor. Featuring a 16" x 20" platen and integrated digital control system, the DK20A automatically opens at the end of each timing cycle, streamlining production and reducing operator fatigue.

A key feature of the DK20A is its HOVER mode. When the handle is lowered without full engagement, the platen hovers above the material. Ideal for curing transfers or heat-sensitive applications. This press combines advanced functionality with a compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for shops where space and mobility are priorities.

The clamshell design lifts upward and away from the rear, providing full access to the lower platen for easy garment placement. The unit supports interchangeable bottom platens, enabling fast adjustments for various job sizes. With its blend of automation, portability, and production efficiency, the DK20A is a practical solution for decorators seeking faster cycle times and improved ergonomics without transitioning to a swing-away or air-operated system.

Specifications 
Weight : 83 lbs
Electrical : 1500W / 12A / 110V
Counter Footprint :  26"D x 14"W
Shipping Dimensions : 32"L x 17"W x 16"H
Vendor : George Knight & Co
SKU : DK16A

 

Features 

  • Auto-release "Pop-Up" function: Clamshell closes manually, opens automatically

  • Hover mode: Press hovers above the item for curing soft transfers

  • 14" x 16" platen size: Perfect for standard garment runs and space-conscious setups

  • All-Thread™ table loading: Full drape clearance for easy shirt loading

  • Back-opening clamshell: Safer access with no awkward wrist bends

  • SuperCoil-Microwinding™ heater: Fast, even heat across the entire platen

  • Fully digital control system: 32°–600°F, dual timers, and ±2°F accuracy

  • 70 programmable presets: Save and recall settings for efficiency

  • Digital pressure bar graph: Monitor and adjust pressing force in real-time

  • Supports materials up to 2" thick

  • User-selectable end-of-cycle alarms

  • Press cycle tracker for job monitoring

  • Teflon-coated ¾" thick platen: Reduces sticking, simplifies cleaning

  • Includes stand with lockable casters for flexible placement

  • Rotatable and interchangeable tables for adaptable setups

Product Sheets

Owner's Manual

 

Warranty
  • FREE LIFETIME Tech Support!
  • Lifetime warranty on heat platen
  • 5-year warranty on frame
  • 3-year warranty on controller
  • 1 year warranty on parts
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Manufacturer's Warranty

With Lifetime Tech support

Made in the USA

Proudly manufactured in Massachusetts

Chat With Us

We offer 24-hour chat support

Success Starts with the Right Press

Success Starts with the Right Press

The DK16A is the kind of machine that proves you don’t need a massive footprint to get serious output. It’s compact. It’s capable. And thanks to the auto-release "Pop-Up" feature, it brings a semi-automatic edge to the traditional manual heat press. You can leave the air compressor at home.

With a 14" x 16" heat platen, this press is perfectly sized for busy shops that value floor space but can’t compromise on power or reliability. You close it like a standard clamshell, but once the timer runs out, it pops open automatically, so you stay in rhythm without wearing out your shoulder. It's subtle, but once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to go back.

Need to hover for curing? You’ve got it. The HOVER mode allows the press to sit just above your transfer, which is perfect for specialty materials or soft-setting inks. And like all Geo Knight presses, it’s built to last. Constructed with a solid welded steel frame and outfitted with SuperCoil-Microwinding™ heating tech for fast, even heat distribution.

The DK16A also comes with interchangeable bottom platens for versatile pressing, plus a heavy-duty stand with locking casters to make it easy to move when needed, and rock solid when it’s time to press.

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Commercial Heat Press 20" x 16" Twin Automatic Digital Swing Away

Commercial Heat Press 20" x 16" Automatic Digital Swing Away

Commercial Heat Press 20" x 16" Automatic Digital Swing Away

Frequently Asked Questions

The timer does not start when I close the heat platen, or the timer does not reset when I open the press up.
  • There are several probable causes for this. The timer is activated by a micro-tilt sensor stuck to the pressure arm.
  • First: When the head of the machine is opened, the tilt sensor needs to be tilted slightly upward to signal the controller to stop/reset. When the head of the machine is closed, the timer sensor needs to be tilted downward (towards the floor) to signal the controller to start counting.
  • Second: Check the wire connection from the tilt sensor into the control panel. The timer and pressure signals go to a small black 6-pin connector on the top of the circuit board in the control box. Check to make sure this is firmly seated and plugged into the board.
The control displays “Err” when it first comes on, and I cannot set the temperature or use the press.

The “Err” message will display if the heating signal from the platen has been cut off, interrupted, or the heating sensor has failed.

First, check the lime green temperature connector that plugs into the digital control. At the top of the controller, there is a green connector that plugs in with two small wires. This is the temperature sensor wire. Check to make sure it is properly seated.

If, after unplugging and plugging the lime green connector, the “Err” message still appears, unplug the green connector and remove the two tiny wires from the lime green plug. Cut them back 1/4”, strip them so they have new connections, and reconnect them to the lime green plug so they are screwed in tightly and cannot pull out. Plug the green plug back in and turn the press on.

I press the keys on the keypad, and there is no sound or response from the controller.

Check the connection of the keypad to the controller. This is inside the top panel.

  1. Unplug the power cord.
  2. Remove the two screws in between the clamp/linkage that hold down the top panel.
  3. Carefully lift the panel up and look inside at the digital controller.

The keypad connector passes in through the top panel. It should wind around the first circuit board and be seated fully into the connector. Check the black keypad connector that plugs into the circuit board to see if it has pulled apart. Also check the area where the keypad connects to the front membrane to see if the leads have been damaged. The membrane keypad may need to be replaced.

The gas springs are not lifting the head as easily as when the press was new, or the gas springs have lost their pressure.

After a large volume of use over an extended period of many pressing cycles, the gas springs will slowly lose their original force.

These hydraulic lifter springs are extremely easy to replace, and are surprisingly similar in cost—or even lower—than conventional mechanical springs. Contact the factory for replacement gas springs if the machine is no longer able to keep the platen open. Note: The gas springs must have the silver rod face down, and the black tube face up.

The press has shut off and will not come back on after checking the power cord.

Test for power coming from the back side of the power cord inlet socket. Then, test for power coming from the back side of the on/off switch. Finally, test for power coming to the end of the black and white wires that run from the on/off switch into the control board.

This will help narrow down which power-handling component needs replacement. The RPK-DKPWR is a common replacement kit that includes all these components.

I pressed a transfer upside down. The inks and transfer material have burned onto the heat platen.

Cool the press down. Using a non-abrasive detergent or cleaner, thoroughly scrub the heat platen surface.

Do not use an abrasive scrubber or a pad that will scratch the Teflon coating of the platen. If you're still unable to remove the transfer material, obtain Teflon heater block cleaner from the factory.


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Overview

The DK20A is the automatic pop-up version of Geo Knight’s largest manual clamshell press, offering a semi-automatic experience without the need for a compressor. Featuring a 16" x 20" platen and integrated digital control system, the DK20A automatically opens at the end of each timing cycle, streamlining production and reducing operator fatigue.

A key feature of the DK20A is its HOVER mode. When the handle is lowered without full engagement, the platen hovers above the material. Ideal for curing transfers or heat-sensitive applications. This press combines advanced functionality with a compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for shops where space and mobility are priorities.

The clamshell design lifts upward and away from the rear, providing full access to the lower platen for easy garment placement. The unit supports interchangeable bottom platens, enabling fast adjustments for various job sizes. With its blend of automation, portability, and production efficiency, the DK20A is a practical solution for decorators seeking faster cycle times and improved ergonomics without transitioning to a swing-away or air-operated system.

Specifications 
Weight : 83 lbs
Electrical : 1500W / 12A / 110V
Counter Footprint :  26"D x 14"W
Shipping Dimensions : 32"L x 17"W x 16"H
Vendor : George Knight & Co
SKU : DK16A

 

Features 

  • Auto-release "Pop-Up" function: Clamshell closes manually, opens automatically

  • Hover mode: Press hovers above the item for curing soft transfers

  • 14" x 16" platen size: Perfect for standard garment runs and space-conscious setups

  • All-Thread™ table loading: Full drape clearance for easy shirt loading

  • Back-opening clamshell: Safer access with no awkward wrist bends

  • SuperCoil-Microwinding™ heater: Fast, even heat across the entire platen

  • Fully digital control system: 32°–600°F, dual timers, and ±2°F accuracy

  • 70 programmable presets: Save and recall settings for efficiency

  • Digital pressure bar graph: Monitor and adjust pressing force in real-time

  • Supports materials up to 2" thick

  • User-selectable end-of-cycle alarms

  • Press cycle tracker for job monitoring

  • Teflon-coated ¾" thick platen: Reduces sticking, simplifies cleaning

  • Includes stand with lockable casters for flexible placement

  • Rotatable and interchangeable tables for adaptable setups

Product Sheets

Owner's Manual

 

Warranty
  • FREE LIFETIME Tech Support!
  • Lifetime warranty on heat platen
  • 5-year warranty on frame
  • 3-year warranty on controller
  • 1 year warranty on parts