Thermal transfer is an advanced printing technique that has been introduced from abroad for over a decade. This process involves two main methods: transfer film printing and direct transfer printing. In the case of transfer film printing, patterns are pre-printed on the surface of the film using dot printing with a resolution of 300 dpi. The result is a rich, colorful, and detailed image with minimal color variation and excellent reproducibility, making it ideal for mass production. The second method, direct transfer, uses a thermal transfer machine to apply heat and pressure, transferring the fine pattern from the film onto the product's surface. Once applied, the ink fuses with the material, creating a lifelike and visually appealing finish that significantly enhances the product’s overall quality.
Due to its high technological requirements, many materials used in the process need to be imported. Thermal transfer is widely applied to various surfaces such as ABS, PP, plastics, wood, and coated metals. Custom-designed thermal transfer films are produced based on customer specifications, allowing for high-quality, personalized prints that improve product aesthetics and value. This technology is commonly used across industries like plastics, cosmetics, toys, electronics, construction materials, gifts, food packaging, and stationery.
The equipment required for thermal transfer includes specialized heat press machines such as baking cup machines, flat heat transfer presses, and moving head heat transfer units. Alongside these, thermal transfer papers and inks are essential, while printers, computers, and digital cameras can also be integrated into the process.
Thermal transfer is particularly effective for small-batch, customized products, especially those featuring full-color images or photographs. The process involves printing a digital design onto special transfer paper using sublimation ink, then applying high heat and pressure to transfer the image directly onto the product’s surface.
Different types of transfer materials can be used to achieve various effects, with film transfer and sublimation transfer being the most common. Film transfer uses adhesive-coated paper, where the pattern is transferred onto the product via heat and pressure. Cool Music Network uses imported transfer paper and ink, resulting in thin, breathable, non-sticky, and durable prints. Unlike many domestic alternatives, their transfers do not crack or peel off easily. They use this method for 100% cotton clothing.
Sublimation transfer is a newer, more advanced technique that uses special sublimation inks and papers. When applied to polyester-based fabrics, the ink turns into gas and bonds directly with the fibers, similar to traditional dyeing. This results in vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for colorful designs. Cool Music Network uses this method for fast-dry and comfort shirts.
Not all products are suitable for thermal transfer, as factors like heat resistance and surface smoothness must be considered. However, with continuous technological improvements, a wide range of items have been successfully developed using this method, including t-shirts, fabric bags, hats, pillows, mugs, tiles, watches, mouse pads, coasters, banners, medals, and more.
Cool Music Network continues to explore and implement the latest thermal transfer technologies to offer more personalized and unique products, covering everything from clothing to daily-use items, ensuring customers get exactly what they desire.
Common textile transfer methods include film transfer and sublimation transfer:
1. **Sublimation Transfer**: This technique is best suited for polyester-based fabrics, such as fast-dry and comfort shirts. White garments provide the clearest results, though colored clothes can also be printed, although the colors may shift slightly due to ink interaction with existing fibers.
2. **Film Transfer**: Ideal for high-cotton-content garments, this method allows for a wide range of colors. Dark-colored clothes require special transfer paper, which is more expensive and less stable. Cool Music Network currently avoids dark-colored garments until the technology matures further.
For ceramic products, thermal transfer involves sublimation at around 200°C, producing sharp, reliable patterns. However, regular mugs require a special coating before printing.
A digital printing machine enables one-time, multi-color, complex, and gradient printing on flat surfaces like leather, fabric, plexiglass, metal, plastic, glass, wood, and coated paper. It eliminates the need for plates, reduces drying time, and causes no damage to the material. Since its introduction, this technology has received high praise from industry professionals, with increasing numbers of factory customers opting for it.
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