Abstract: The present hot printing machine aims to be easier to use and comprises a printing platten for carrying the item to be printed which is reciprocatable between a forward loading and unloading position and a rearward printing position, a downwardly movable printing head including means for heating a printing die, means for linking the downward movement of the printing head with the rearward movement of the reciprocatable platten so that, before contact of the die with the item to be printed, the reciprocatable platten has been moved to its rearward printing position and means for supporting a length of printing foil beneath the heated die so that when the die is pressed against the item to be printed, the foil is sandwiched therebetween to give the printing effect required. Preferably, the heated platten carrying the printing die is pivotally mounted so that it can be turned outwardly to expose the underside of the heated platten for the ready attachment of the printing die.