MicroTec Vector 16×20 Double Station Auto-Open Heat Press

The MicroTec Vector V1620-A2 is a double station auto-open heat press with two independent lower platens that slide side to side along a base rail system. Unlike a single-station press, where the operator must wait for one cycle to finish before loading the next garment, the V1620-A2 lets the operator load and align the next item on the second platen while the first is being pressed. A gas shock assisted lid opens automatically at the end of every cycle. It runs on a standard 120V outlet, draws 14.2 amps at 1,700W, requires no air compressor, and is rated for up to 150 units per hour.

For a shop that has outgrown a single-station press and needs to increase output without switching to pneumatic equipment, the MicroTec Vector V1620-A2 is one of the best double station auto open heat press options available. The two independent sliding lower platens eliminate the idle time a single-station press loses between cycles, letting one operator keep the press running continuously. Because the second platen stays away from the upper heating element during setup, the operator works in a heat-free space when loading garments and aligning transfers, which is safer and more comfortable during long shifts. The gas shock assisted auto-open and upgraded digital time and temperature display round out a press built specifically for the jump from entry-level single-station production to 150 units per hour.

The V1620-A2 has two independent lower platens mounted on a sliding base rail system. One platen sits under the upper heating element during the press cycle. The second platen remains pulled out to the side, away from the heat, where the operator can load the next garment and align the transfer without working near a hot surface. Once the first cycle completes and the lid auto-opens, the operator manually slides the finished platen out and the loaded platen into position for the next press. This back-and-forth workflow keeps the press running with minimal downtime between cycles.

No. The V1620-A2 uses a gas shock assisted auto-open mechanism, not pneumatic operation, and requires no air compressor, air line, or CFM supply. It plugs into a standard 120V outlet and draws 14.2 amps at 1,700W. A dedicated 20-amp circuit is recommended because the press exceeds the 12-amp continuous load safe limit for a standard 15-amp circuit under NEC guidelines.

The V1620-A2 is a gas shock assisted double station press that does not require an air compressor and relies on the operator to manually slide platens in and out of position. The pneumatic dual station model uses air pressure to drive the pressing motion, includes automatic station switching where the heating element moves to the opposite platen at the push of a button, and adds 8-point infrared laser alignment for precise transfer placement. Both reach up to 150 units per hour and share the same 15.7×19.7 in platen size, but the pneumatic model requires an external air compressor and costs more, while the V1620-A2 offers dual-station efficiency without the added equipment and electrical requirements of pneumatic operation.

The V1620-A2 is compatible with the full range of flat heat transfer methods: DTF (direct to film) transfers, HTV (heat transfer vinyl), sublimation on polyester and polymer-coated substrates, plastisol transfers, and screen-print transfers. Temperature range is 0 to 437°F with a 0 to 999 second timer. The upgraded digital display with preset memory makes it straightforward to switch between transfer types across a production run without manually re-entering settings each time.

For a shop running high throughput or a two-person workflow, the best auto open heat press needs a design that keeps the press active rather than idle between cycles. The MicroTec Vector V1620-A2 is built around exactly that. Two independent sliding lower platens let one item press while the next is loaded, and because the loading platen sits away from the heating element, the workspace for garment setup stays heat-free and comfortable even during long shifts. The gas shock assisted auto-open reduces operator fatigue and prevents over-pressing, while the reinforced structural frame is built for years of daily production rather than occasional use. At up to 150 units per hour, the V1620-A2 gives growing shops a meaningful output increase over single-station presses without the added cost and electrical requirements of pneumatic equipment.

The MicroTec Vector V1620-A2 has a net weight of 242 lb and machine dimensions of 41 x 31 x 25.3 in. Shipping weight is 332.2 lb in a 44.5 x 35.8 x 32 in shipping crate. The substantial weight and reinforced frame are part of what gives the press the stability needed for consistent pressure delivery during sustained high-volume production, compared to lighter single-station entry-level presses.

The MicroTec Vector V1620-A2 includes a 3-year warranty on the heating plate and lifetime technical support from MicroTec USA. The heating plate warranty covers manufacturing defects in the heating element. Lifetime technical support covers setup, troubleshooting, and operational guidance for the life of the machine. Buffalo Imaging, as an authorized MicroTec dealer, can assist with warranty service coordination. Contact Buffalo Imaging at 2015 Saybrook Ave, Commerce, CA 90040 for warranty questions or service assistance.

For a growing print shop or experienced operator looking to increase output without moving to pneumatic equipment, the Vector V1620-A2 is one of the best professional double station heat press options at its price point. The two independent sliding platens, gas shock assisted auto-open, upgraded digital display, and reinforced structural frame deliver a real step up from single-station production at up to 150 units per hour. It requires no air compressor, no dedicated pneumatic infrastructure, and no laser alignment learning curve, making it an accessible upgrade path for shops that are not yet ready for full pneumatic production equipment. Buffalo Imaging has supplied professional print shops, sublimation studios, and custom apparel businesses with equipment and supplies since 1989.