Transfer Printing
Transfer printing is named after the fact that each motif is printed on an intermediate medium and then transferred to the desired print material. Different printing techniques can be used for this purpose. Transfer printing is therefore not a printing process in its own right, but refers to a group of processes that are used in a specific way. The production of transfer prints is similar to that of stickers. However, when transferred to an object, the ink is detached from the intermediate carrier.The most common technique of transfer printing, which is also conducted here at VKF Renzel, is digital print heat transfering. This involves digitally printing a design onto transfer printing paper using either inkjet or laser printers. The print is then transferred to the target material using heat and pressure.
Digital Heat Print Transfer Method
The first steps when creating a design with this kind of printing is to create the design. This can be done digitally with graphic design software and can include anything the customer can image. For example a customer can choose to create an image or graphics. Text or a combination of any type of elements can be created to heat print transfer. The main important thing for these digital designs is that they are either in a vector format or in a very high resolution format to ensure that the print is sharp and clear.
The next steps of digital print heat transfer is the digital printing of the design that was created in the first step onto special heat transfer paper. This is done with a digital printer using either inkjet or laser technology. The type of ink used for the printing is also typically formulated for optimal adhesion to different surfaces. This is so that the pattern or design stays on the desired medium for as long as possible.
Before the design can be transferred onto its new surface, the material must be prepared to secure the best adhesion. The way the surface is prepared is by cleaning the surface, ironing it so there are no wrinkles, and removing any loose fibers or contaminates. All of these steps will ensure the best material surface to receive the printing of the design as well as maximum adhesion.
Before the design can be transferred onto its new surface, the material must be prepared to secure the best adhesion. The way the surface is prepared is by cleaning the surface, ironing it so there are no wrinkles, and removing any loose fibers or contaminates. All of these steps will ensure the best material surface to receive the printing of the design as well as maximum adhesion.
After the surface has been prepared the heat press machine can be set up to whatever setting necessary for the project or order being done. Depending on the type of transfer material or paper being used, the machine might need to have its temperature, timer or pressure controls adjusted to certain settings.
After your machine is set up to the liking of your project being done, the transfer paper placement can be made. The design is accurately placed face down onto the material. Once the transfer paper is placed in the correct position on top of the material, the heat press machine can be closed. The heat plate within the machine heats, applies heat and pressure evenly to the transfer paper and material, and that heat and pressure activates the ink to move from the transfer paper to the desired material. The ink then bonds with the surface of the material until the vibrant design or graphic is permanently part of the finished product.
After your machine is set up to the liking of your project being done, the transfer paper placement can be made. The design is accurately placed face down onto the material. Once the transfer paper is placed in the correct position on top of the material, the heat press machine can be closed. The heat plate within the machine heats, applies heat and pressure evenly to the transfer paper and material, and that heat and pressure activates the ink to move from the transfer paper to the desired material. The ink then bonds with the surface of the material until the vibrant design or graphic is permanently part of the finished product.
Now that the design has adhered to the material and is no longer part of the transpfer paper, the paper can be peeled back. Depending on the transfer paper, some need to be peeled away from the product while still hot and others need to first be cooled before peeling. After the transfer paper has been peeled you now have the digitally printed design permantly fused to the material!
Cost Effective
High Quality Images
Durable and Versatile
Easy Customisation
Advantages of Digital Print Heat Transferring
- cost effective for smaller to medium size batches
- high-quality images
- easy customisation
Unlike screen printing, digital print heat transferring can be done as a one-off and there is no need for a screen or plate for each colour to be created.
Advantages of Digital Print Heat Transferring
- cost effective for smaller to medium size batches
- high-quality images
- easy customisation
Unlike screen printing, digital print heat transferring can be done as a one-off and there is no need for a screen or plate for each colour to be created.