Thermal transfer printing technology has been used in fabric thermal transfer printing production for a long time. With the rapid development of high technology, thermal transfer printing technology has become more and more widely used.

The types of ink can be classified into heat press transfer type and sublimation transfer type; the objects to be transferred can be classified into fabrics, plastics (boards, sheets, films), ceramics and metal coated plates, etc.; From the classification of printing methods, it can be divided into screen printing, offset printing, gravure printing, embossed printing, inkjet and ribbon printing, etc.; from the classification of printing materials, there are thermal transfer paper and thermal transfer plastic film. The following focuses on heat press transfer and sublimation transfer technology.

1. Heat Press Transfer Technology

Hot Press Transfer Technology first uses screen printing, gravure printing and other printing methods to print graphics and text on heat transfer paper or plastic film. , and then transfer the graphics and text to fabrics, leather and other items through heating and pressure.

The heat transfer process can be referred to as heat transfer, and heat transfer can be divided into the following categories:

1. High temperature heat transfer: mainly used for cotton and mixed knitted garments. Such as T-shirts, pajamas, etc. The pattern has a photo effect and is soft and elastic after ironing.

2. Low-temperature heat transfer: Mainly used for nylon cloth and PU artificial leather, such as elastic sportswear, swimsuits, down jackets, sports shoes, leather gloves, etc. The pattern effect after heat transfer is the same as that of high-temperature heat transfer. Used for stretch clothing, with excellent elasticity effect.

3. Flocking heat transfer: It has a wide range of applications. It can usually be used for women's stockings, men's cotton foam, clothing trademarks, knitted children's clothing, etc. The pattern has a three-dimensional effect and can be matched with multiple colors. It is soft, elastic and has strong adhesion after ironing.

4. Penetration foaming heat transfer: mainly used for cotton, chemical fiber sweaters, woolen sweaters, jeans, etc. The main features are that it penetrates into the fabric, has good breathability, the foamed part has a strong three-dimensional effect, has good convex texture, feels soft after ironing, and has strong adhesion.

Hot stamping methods and precautions are as follows:

(1) Align the patterned side of the transfer paper with the fabric and place it at the desired position.

(2) Use an iron or transfer machine to apply pressure and heat for a few seconds.

(3) Tear off the bottom paper (three methods).

·Cold removal: After complete cooling, slowly peel off the backing paper.

·Hot removal: Tear off the bottom paper immediately while it is hot.

·Warm removal: Wait for a few seconds and tear off the backing paper when it is warm.

(4) When ironing stockings, add silicone paper under the printing surface to prevent hot melt glue from seeping down. General hot stamping process indicators are shown in Table 1 for reference only.

2. Dye-sublimation transfer technology

Traditional dye-sublimation transfer refers to printing the dye-sublimation transfer ink onto paper (or plastic film) through screen printing. The paper (or film) with printed graphics and text is overlapped with the fabric and heated, pressurized or decompressed, and the dye on the paper (or film) becomes a gas phase and sublimates and transfers to the fabric. In addition to fabrics, it can also be transferred to ceramics, metals and other products. The main feature of sublimation transfer technology is that the transferred image is brightly colored and rich in layers, and the effect is comparable to printing. The difference from printing is that the dye in the transfer ink sublimates when heated, penetrates into the surface of the object, and forms a brightly colored image after sublimation. Therefore, thermal transfer products are durable and the images will not peel, crack or fade.

With the rapid development of high technology, thermal transfer technology and level have also been further expanded and improved. Thermal transfer technology widely uses computers for image processing and design, and then uses high-speed and high-quality inkjet printers to The image is printed on paper (or film), eliminating the plate making process. Sublimation ink can also be coated on the plastic film and cut into ribbons for use in smart card printing technology.

The electronic digitally controlled cup baking machine can transfer the pattern on the sublimation transfer paper to the cup in a few minutes. Use a cup baking machine to create a beautiful, full-color picture on a cup. All you need is special transfer ink and a cup with a special coating. The operation is quick and easy. The pattern on the sublimation transfer paper can be transferred to the plate in a few minutes using an electronically controlled baking machine. Equipped with special transfer ink, you can use the baking pan machine to bake various patterns on special plates.

The electronic digitally controlled printing machine can transfer the pattern on the sublimation transfer paper to porcelain and metal plates in a few minutes. Suitable for making medals, certificates of honor, commemorative plaques, and portrait porcelain plates.