Heat transfer printing, also known as thermal transfer printing, is a unique method of imprinting designs onto fabrics. The process is somewhat similar to decalcomania, a decorative technique in which engravings are transferred from specially prepared paper to materials such as glass or porcelain.
In heat transfer printing, the first step involves printing a design onto paper using a special type of ink that contains disperse dyes. This printed paper, also known as transfer paper, is then stored until it is needed by a textile printing factory. Our headband just usd this printing.
When it comes time to print the fabric, the transfer paper is placed face-to-face with the unprinted fabric and passed through a heat transfer printing machine. Under conditions of approximately 210°C (400°F), the dye on the transfer paper sublimates and transfers to the fabric, completing the printing process. No further treatment is required, making this process relatively simple and not requiring the specialized knowledge necessary for other printing methods such as roller or screen printing.
Disperse dyes are the only type of dye that can sublimate, and in a sense, they are the only dyes that can be used for heat transfer printing. Therefore, this process can only be used on fabrics composed of fibers that have an affinity for these dyes, including acetate fibers, acrylic fibers, polyamide fibers (nylon), and polyester fibers.
During the heat transfer printing process, textile printing factories must purchase the transfer paper from highly specialized paper manufacturers. The transfer paper can be printed according to the requirements of the pattern designer and the customer (pre-existing patterns can also be used for transfer paper printing). Heat transfer printing can be used to print garment pieces (such as border prints, pocket embroideries, etc.), in which case specially designed patterns are used.
Heat transfer printing stands out as a complete fabric printing method from the printing process, thus eliminating the need for large and expensive drying machines, vaporizers, washing machines, and stenter machines.
One of the advantages of heat transfer printing is that the transfer paper can be inspected before printing, thus eliminating misprints and other defects. As a result, heat transfer printed fabrics rarely produce substandard products. Transfer prints are lightfast, washable, have strong color fastness, and rich colors, making them suitable for printing on clothing, household textiles (curtains, sofas, tablecloths, umbrellas, shower curtains, luggage), and other products.
In conclusion, heat transfer printing is a versatile, efficient, and high-quality method of printing on textiles, offering a wide range of possibilities for both designers and manufacturers.
Post time: Apr-11-2024