WHAT IS A HEAT TRANSFER LABEL/TAG?
A heat transfer is a method of taking a printed image and fixing the image directly to the garment in order to copy the image onto the garment itself. Typically, this technology has been used for customising t-shirts and, more recently, for the application of “tag-less” labels.Because the heat transfer process ensures that the design is embedded into the sublayers of the printed surface, the design will last the lifetime of the garment.
The unique selling feature for this technology has been ‘No More Scratchy Labels’ but there are technical advantages too! For example, in sports-related garments - where every reduction in weight equals performance improvement. Typically, these labels are used in automotive products and apparel/garments that have direct skin contact such as underwear, t-shirts, and swimwear.
HOW DOES HEAT TRANSFER PRINTING WORK?
1. The design image is printed onto special transfer paper or synthetic film. This substrate has a special coating known as a release layer. This aids the transfer of the image onto the garment. The image is printed in reverse on one side with the coating.
2. Methods of printing include Silk Screen, Flexo, Digital or sometimes a combination of two of these systems.
3. The printed image is applied to the garment through a heat press at a controlled temperature, under specific pressure and an exact time. Heat presses can be a sample clam shell design or semi-automated in a production line.
4. The textile substrate is laid on the press, and the printed transfer paper or film is then placed on top with the inked side in contact with the fabric.
5. The press is set to the recommended pressure and time.
6. The handle is lowered to clamp the heat press shut; an alarm will sound when the time is up.
7. The transfer paper is then peeled off (some types must be left until they are cold; others should be removed while still warm) leaving the inked design permanently transferred into the fibres of the garment.