Hotronix Auto Open Clam Heat Press – Magnetic Auto Release Heat Press for HTV & DTF
Hotronix
The Hotronix® Auto Open Clam opens automatically when the timer ends — preventing over-application and scorching while you multitask. Patented magnetic auto-open and magnetic-assist lockdown make it easy on your wrists, and over-the-center pressure delivers even, edge-to-edge results. Three platen sizes; made in the USA.
Price range: $1,350.00 through $2,250.00
Description
The world’s most popular auto-open clamshell — it pops open at the end of the timer so you never scorch a garment, and the patented magnetic assist makes lockdown effortless. Over-the-center pressure keeps heat even edge to edge across HTV, DTF, sublimation and transfers, in three platen sizes to fit any job.
Why Shops Choose the Auto Open Clam
Patented Magnetic Auto-Open
The press opens by itself the instant the timer ends — no air compressor — preventing over-application and scorching while you load the next job or run a second press.
Magnetic-Assist Lockdown
Locks down easily with a patented magnetic assist that generates maximum pressure with less effort, reducing fatigue on wrists and shoulders over a long shift.
Over-the-Center Pressure
Delivers even, edge-to-edge heat and pressure regardless of substrate thickness — consistent results from job to job.
No Cold Spots
A cast-in tubular heating element every 2″ and a Platinum RTD sensor keep the platen evenly heated with accurate temperature control.
Three Sizes, Quick-Change Platens
Available in 11″×15″, 16″×16″ and 16″×20″, and compatible with optional Stahls’ Quick-Change platens for bags, sleeves, pockets and more.
Twin Timer™
Pre-set two independent time settings for two-step application or for pre-heat and application — handy for layered HTV and specialty transfers.
What You Get
See It In Action
The Technology Inside
Built to UL Standards
Certified by SGS to UL standards and CE/RoHS approved, with a Platinum RTD heat sensor for precise, repeatable temperature.
Even Heat Every 2″
The cast-in tubular heating element runs every 2″ across the platen to eliminate cold spots, and recovers heat quickly between presses.
Made & Supported in the USA
Built by Stahls’/Hotronix in Pennsylvania and backed by Blue Ribbon lifetime tech support.
What You Can Press
Apparel & Flat Goods
Tees, totes, bags and flat textiles with HTV, DTF, sublimation and screen-print transfers.
Hands-Free Multitasking
Auto-open lets one operator run two presses or prep the next job while this one finishes.
Specialty Substrates
With optional Quick-Change platens, press coasters, cutting boards, sleeves, pockets and more.
Auto Open Clam — Size & Power
| Size | Electrical | Actual Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 11″×15″ | 120V / 8.3A / 1000W | 59 lb |
| 16″×16″ | 120V / 15A / 1800W | 77 lb |
| 16″×20″ | 120V / 15A / 1800W | 87 lb |
Why Buy Your Stahls’ / Hotronix from River City Supply
✔ Authorized Stahls’ / Hotronix Dealer
A genuine Hotronix press shipped factory-direct from Stahls’/Hotronix — not a gray-market or refurbished unit.
💰 Same Price as Buying Direct
You get authorized-dealer pricing with the support of a real supplier behind it — no premium for ordering through us.
🌟 Serving Printers Since 2008
17+ years outfitting print shops. You talk to people who actually run this gear — not a call center.
💬 We Help You Choose
Not sure which press or platen size fits your work? Message us on Tidio, email, or call (512) 454-0505.
🏭 Factory Warranty & Support, Direct
Warranty and tech support are handled directly by Stahls’/Hotronix, the manufacturer — backed by their Blue Ribbon lifetime tech support.
📦 Complete Decorating Ecosystem
Presses, transfers, vinyl, inks and supplies on one invoice — everything your shop needs from one supplier.
Equipment Financing Available
Spread the cost of your press through our financing partner. Section 179 tax advantages may apply on qualifying equipment — consult your tax advisor. Fast approvals, low monthly payments.
Ships Directly from Stahls’
This press ships directly from Stahls’ / Hotronix. River City Supply does not stock these in our San Antonio warehouse. They are typically in stock and ready to ship. If you need it quickly, message us on Tidio or call (512) 454-0505 to verify the current lead time before ordering. Larger sizes ship by freight on a pallet — we’ll coordinate delivery. Once an order is placed and has shipped, it cannot be canceled.
Support & Service by Stahls’
All warranty, technical support and service for this press are handled directly by Stahls’ / Hotronix, the manufacturer — not by River City Supply. lifetime on the heating element, 5-year framework, 2-year circuit board, and 1-year parts & labor — plus Blue Ribbon lifetime tech support.
To reach Stahls’ directly with any product issue, warranty claim or service request: (800) 727-8520 (press 1) · [email protected]
For sales, pricing or order questions, you can reach River City Supply at (512) 454-0505 or our contact page.
Please Note Before Ordering
Heat-press sales are final and non-returnable — please confirm the press fits your work before ordering. Made in the U.S.A. Larger sizes ship by freight on a pallet.
Related Products & Resources
Multitask Without Scorching
Order the Auto Open Clam in your size, or message us to match the right platen to your work.
Technical Specifications
| Hotronix® Auto Open Clam Heat Press — Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Press type | Auto-open clamshell heat press (magnetic auto-open) |
| Platen sizes | 11″×15″, 16″×16″, 16″×20″ |
| Pressure | Over-the-center adjustment; patented magnetic-assist lockdown |
| Controls | Digital time, temperature & pressure display; Twin Timer™; programmable |
| Heater / sensor | Cast-in tubular element every 2″; Platinum RTD heat sensor |
| Temperature range | 205°–420°F (°F or °C) |
| Electrical | 11×15: 120V/8.3A/1000W · 16×16 & 16×20: 120V/15A/1800W (240V available) |
| Weight | 11×15: 59 lb · 16×16: 77 lb · 16×20: 87 lb |
| Approvals | UL (SGS) / CE / RoHS |
| Origin | Made in the U.S.A. |
| Warranty (via Hotronix) | Lifetime heating element, 5-year framework, 2-year circuit board, 1-year parts & labor; Blue Ribbon lifetime tech support |
| Ships from | Direct from Stahls’/Hotronix — larger sizes ship by freight on a pallet |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At the end of the timer the press releases and opens by itself — no air compressor needed. That prevents over-application and scorching and lets one operator multitask or run two presses at once.
11″×15″ suits smaller shops and tight spaces; 16″×16″ is a flexible middle; 16″×20″ handles full adult prints and any job. Message us and we’ll match the size to your work.
The 11×15 runs on a standard 120V/8.3A circuit; the 16×16 and 16×20 draw 15A and should be on a dedicated circuit. 240V options are available.
The Auto Open Clam is a flat press, but it accepts optional Stahls’ Quick-Change platens for sleeves, pockets, bags and specialty flat items. For caps or mugs, see the Hotronix cap presses or GeoKnight mug presses.
Handled directly by Stahls’/Hotronix, the manufacturer: lifetime heating element, 5-year framework, 2-year circuit board and 1-year parts & labor — with Blue Ribbon lifetime tech support.
It drop-ships directly from Stahls’/Hotronix — usually within 1–2 business days. Larger sizes ship by freight on a pallet; we’ll coordinate delivery.
Heat-press sales are final and non-returnable, so please confirm the size and platen fit your work before ordering.
Yes — equipment financing is available through our financing partner, and Section 179 tax advantages may apply. See financing options ›
Questions about the Auto Open Clam? We’re happy to help.
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