What is thermal transfer printing
- 27.01.2023
What is thermal transfer printing and how to transfer thermal transfer
Thermotransfer technologies have recently been widely used in all areas of production — trade, logistics and other industries where labels, tags, price tags for goods are needed. In addition, we often see a variety of images on T-shirts, sweatshirts and other textiles, and on such products, differences in texture, saturation, and color are clearly visible. On some fabrics, the pattern looks dense, while on others it does not stand out at all. It depends primarily on the printing method.
A drawing can be applied in several ways:
- thermal transfer;
- using sublimation.
Thermal transfers — This is a special way of applying a picture or an inscription on bulk products. Thermal transfer technology is available for decorating paper, textile, synthetic and other materials. Thermal transfer printing is done under pressure. But first, we need to have an image that will be applied to the product. To obtain a high-quality image by thermal transfer methods, an appropriate printer is used.
You can create thermal printing at home, but for this you need to know how to choose a good quality thermal transfer printer. You can buy such equipment in Kyiv in the online store. Experts recommend paying attention to TM "Zebra".
How thermal transfer technology is implemented
The transfer of the thermal transfer image occurs under the influence of high temperature. To make a thermal transfer transfer, it is enough to have a picture and a product at hand. The resulting image is placed on the surface of the textile and it is recommended to fix it with adhesive tape so that it does not move out during the thermal transfer process. The entire workpiece must be covered with a sheet of paper. In the case of applying an application using thermal transfer technology to clothes, a heat press is used. Then you need to carefully remove the top film — and the printed product is ready.
If you need to create multi-colored shapes, two types of film are used. Appropriate samples are made from each and thermal transfer is carried out step by step in a sequential order. After application, the product is not dried, the adhesive substance quickly takes a solid form even at room temperature.
Sublimation and thermal transfer printing: what is it and what is the difference
Sublimation — another type of transferring high-quality images to a variety of products, only thermal transfer is carried out with film, and sublimation transfer can be done without it — only the coloring pigment remains on the material, which penetrates tightly into the tissues and is firmly fixed. The technology for printing plastic cards is carried out in a similar way.
In thermal transfer, the distinguishing feature is color reproduction. In addition, the main thing is that the fabric can withstand the high temperature during the application process. With sublimation, a significant limitation is the presence of at least 50% polyester in the fabrics.
On all products or goods bought in stores, we see barcodes, it is with the help of sublimation that they are made. Detailed information about what a barcode scanner is and how it is applied is in another article. Knowing what thermal transfer is, you can even create beautiful things at home.