MicroTec Vector 16×24 Auto-Open Clamshell Heat Press with Slide-Out Platen

The MicroTec Vector V1624-AS is a semi-automatic auto-open clamshell heat press with a 16×24 platen and slide-out lower platen. Semi-automatic means the operator closes the press manually and the electromagnetic release system opens it automatically when the timer expires. The 15.7 x 23.6 in platen is the defining feature — it is specifically sized for full back printing on adult garments, oversized DTF gang sheets, and large-format sublimation blanks that a standard 16×20 press cannot handle in a single pass.

For full back printing on adult garments, the MicroTec Vector V1624-AS is one of the best 16×24 heat press options available. The 15.7 x 23.6 in platen provides enough vertical clearance to press a full adult back design in a single pass on garments of all sizes — something a 16×20 press cannot reliably do without repositioning on larger pieces. The electromagnetic auto-open release means the press opens automatically at timer zero, which matters especially on high-value large back transfers where the cost of over-pressing is significant. The slide-out lower platen makes it easier to center and align large designs on the garment before pressing, which is more important on a 16×24 where any positioning error is magnified across a larger surface area. The 3-year heating plate warranty and lifetime technical support from MicroTec USA provide the long-term reliability a production shop doing regular back printing needs.

The actual platen size on the V1624-AS is 15.7 in x 23.6 in. The press is marketed as a 16×24 heat press, which is standard industry naming for this platen size category. The 23.6 in platen length is the key dimension that enables full back printing on adult garments in a single pass, and accommodates oversized DTF transfers and large sublimation blanks that are too long for a 16×20 platen.

The V1624-AS and V1620-AS share the same electromagnetic auto-open system, slide-out lower platen, digital control panel with 3 presets and production counter, gas shock assisted opening, power specs (1,700W, 14.2A, 120V), and warranty terms. The only meaningful difference is platen size: 15.7 x 23.6 in on the 16×24 versus 15.7 x 19.7 in on the 16×20. That extra 3.9 inches of platen length is specifically what enables full adult back printing and oversized transfer applications. The 16×24 is also heavier at 94.6 lbs net versus 85.8 lbs, and has a wider machine footprint at 24 in versus 16 in wide. If you primarily press front designs and occasional back prints on youth sizes, the 16×20 is sufficient. If you regularly press adult back designs or large gang sheets, the 16×24 is the right size.

No. The V1624-AS uses an electromagnetic release system for the auto-open function, not pneumatic air. It plugs into a standard 120V outlet with no air compressor, air line, or CFM supply required. A dedicated 20-amp circuit is recommended because the press draws 14.2 amps, which exceeds the 12-amp continuous load safe limit for a standard 15-amp circuit. This is the same electrical requirement as the 16×20 model.

The V1624-AS is compatible with the full range of flat heat transfer methods: DTF (direct to film) including oversized gang sheets, sublimation on polyester and polymer-coated substrates including large blanks like beach towels and oversized tote bags, HTV (heat transfer vinyl) on apparel and hard substrates, plastisol transfers, and screen-print transfers. The 16×24 platen size is specifically useful for full-back garment printing, wide DTF transfers, and large sublimation blanks that exceed the capacity of a 16×20. It is a flat clamshell press and is not designed for cylindrical items like mugs or caps.

The most important factor in choosing the best heat press for back printing is platen length. A standard adult back print design runs 12 to 14 inches tall, which means a 16×20 press leaves minimal margin for placement error on larger garments. A 16×24 press with 23.6 in of platen length gives the operator comfortable clearance for full adult back designs on all sizes without the tight placement margins that cause consistency problems. After platen size, pressure consistency across the full surface matters — on a large back design, any uneven pressure creates visible variation in transfer quality. An auto-open release system is also important for back printing since back transfers tend to be larger and higher cost than front transfers, making the risk of over-pressing more consequential. The slide-out lower platen on the MicroTec Vector V1624-AS makes it easier to center and align large back designs accurately before pressing, which directly affects the finished result.

The V1624-AS operates on standard 120V power and draws 1,700W at 14.2 amps. A dedicated 20-amp circuit is recommended. At 14.2 amps, the press exceeds the 12-amp continuous load safe limit for a standard 15-amp circuit under NEC guidelines. No air compressor is required. The power spec is identical to the 16×20 model — only the platen size and machine footprint differ between the two.

The MicroTec Vector V1624-AS includes a 3-year warranty on the heating plate and lifetime technical support from MicroTec USA. The 3-year heating plate warranty is significantly longer than the 1-year coverage standard on most entry-level large-format heat presses. Lifetime technical support covers setup, troubleshooting, and operational guidance for the life of the machine. Buffalo Imaging, as an authorized MicroTec dealer, can also assist with warranty service coordination.

Yes. For a shop producing both full-front and full-back garment transfers, the MicroTec Vector V1624-AS is one of the best 16×24 heat press options for handling both applications from a single machine. The 15.7 x 23.6 in platen is large enough for adult back designs in all sizes — which a 16×20 cannot do without repositioning — while still being fully capable for standard full-front placement. The three preset memory slots let operators save separate settings for front and back transfers, making job switching fast. The auto-open electromagnetic release and slide-out platen keep the workflow efficient whether you are pressing 50 front logos or 20 full back designs in a session. The 3-year heating plate warranty and lifetime technical support from MicroTec USA back the press for long-term production use.