Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

Types of press: free-steam press
The best known type of free-steam press is the ‘Hoffman’ press.
The ‘Hoffman’ press
The free-steam press uses live, low-pressure steam, which is blown onto and through the
fabric to eradicate creases and shape the garment. These presses are used on items that
have already been dried. They have a padded buck and padded head. The covering
consists of perforated metal distributors that allow steam to be blown uniformly through
the padding into the garment. The lower buck is fitted with a vacuum to remove the
moisture and therefore help dry the garment after steaming. These presses work at lower
temperatures than the hot head presses and reduce the risk of overheating and damaging
heat sensitive fabrics.
They are often seen in dry-cleaning plants but are also used in laundries where personal
clothing made from heat sensitive fabrics needs finishing.
An air operated free steam press
Safety trip prevents
accidental trapping
of hand or arm
Two handed controls
keep fingers clear of
hazard whilst pressing
Activity 5 Answer sheets p. 7.30
What is the main reason for using a free steam press rather than a hot head press on
temperature sensitive fabrics?
7.16 GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2
Top buck
Bottom buck
Foot pedals for bottom
steam and vacuum