How to use a portable hand press in 5 steps

An eyelet hand press is so simple to operate that anyone, with the right materials, can use it. They are also known as manual grommet machines, and they are the most compact on the market. Compared to automatic machines, some eyelet hand presses are very easy to transport and to take anywhere where a piece of work needs to be finished. They feature a sturdy, firm structure and, depending on the manufacturer, they can work with PVC banners, textiles or rigid materials such as coroplast, among others. Some models are recommended only for PVC banners, mesh, materials of plastic origin or rigid materials, since if they are used in textile-like materials they can generate wrinkles.

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Characteristics of the HPS025 Eyelet Hand Press

Because of its dimensions and weight, it is very easy to move and transport, so it is recommended both for use in a workshop and for those operators who need to travel to different places to set eyelets. For example, if you work against the clock and when you place the banner in the area where it will be exhibited you realize that new fixing points are needed, with this eyelet machine you can do the job without any difficulties. It will not be necessary to disassemble the previous work done to take the piece to the workshop and make the respective changes.

The HPS025 model is 44cm high and weighs approximately 5kg. In addition, it is not necessary to pre-cut the material as the machine itself punches the material and sets the eyelet and the washer. Maximum comfort and effectiveness in small details result in great time savings.

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Features of the HPS020R Hand Press

At PLASTGrommet, we have another model that in addition to setting eyelets in materials such as PVC banners or mesh, it is also used for textile applications. It allows to pre-cut the fabric and then place the eyelet. It is the perfect hand press to set eyelets on decorative curtains. This machine needs to be fixed to a table or workbench.

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Types of eyelets used with hand presses

Manual eyelet machines can be designed to work with plastic eyelets or metal eyelets. Both eyelets have no difference of use in terms of resistance, however, we recommend clear plastic eyelets because of the durability of the material. Plastic eyelets, in addition to being transparent, do not suffer from corrosion problems that can stain the banner and wear the material like it happens with many types of metal eyelets.

In addition, plastic eyelets are recyclable, making them the best choice when working with PP or PE tarpaulins as there is no need to remove them for separate recycling processes. This type of banner is widely used in advertising and, with clear plastic eyelets, the aesthetic appearance is improved since they do not interfere with the image being shown on the media.

Next, we'll look at the simple steps that need to be followed in order to use a hand press with plastic eyelets.

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Steps for using a self-piercing hand press to set eyelets

Step 1: Put the eyelet machine in a stable place to have the best position at the time of setting.

Step 2: Place the material and make a small guide mark where you want to set the eyelet (In the case of banners, a perimeter reinforcement is recommended to strengthen the material itself).

Step 3: Place the washer and eyelet on the machine dies. In this step, it is important to check that they are well inserted in the working point of the eyelet machine to avoid damaging the material at the time of pressure.

Step 4: With the help of your hand, move the material until the mark that we have made is in the center of the setting area.

Step 5: With the other hand, push down the lever to exert the necessary pressure until you can verify that the two pieces of the eyelet are joined together. With the HPS025 model, you will not need to make any previous cut, as the setting of the eyelet is very simple.

Once you have set the first eyelet, you will see how easy and fast it will be to place the rest in the different fixing points.

In the following video, you can see how to work with the HPS025 manual machine from PLASTGrommet.

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