Categories and Benefits of Heat Transfer Printing

In the past, the heat transfer method was commonly used in printing novelty items like T-shirts and polyester tops. However, nowadays, this method of printing has gained popularity in most industries particularly in the gift industry as a substitute for printing more exceptional personalized gifts.

The following are the categories of heat transfer printing:

Sublimation Printing

This kind of heat printing method is ideal for microfiber, dryfit, polyester, quick dry T-shirts, jerseys and coated surface materials like coated plates and mugs. The sublimation printing process involves using sublimation paper and sublimation ink. The sublimation ink is transferred on the fabric through high pressure and temperature in a single minute. Sublimation printing normally leaves a vivid, permanent image that has a soft feel.

Transfer printing

This method is suitable for printing different fabrics of various colors, including polyester tee, cotton tee and cap among others. The transfer printing method uses a transfer paper and pigment ink in the printing process. The transfer papers are of two types namely the light based paper that are suitable for white colored t-shirts and the dark based, which are suitable for color t-shirts.

Vinyl Printing

This kind of printing is applicable on vinyl transfer films like PU, Flock, Glow in Dark, Hologram and Reflective materials. This kind of printing is limited to a single color printing. The artwork is usually designed in software after which the outline is sent to a plotter or a vinyl cutter to cut. After cutting, the unwanted vinyl is removed from the original vinyl transfer film and heated to the fabric.

The heat transfer printing method can be used on different types of materials and surfaces, including fabric and ceramic. There are many benefits of using this method of printing. The following are a number of them.

Cost effective

Most printing methods require customers to order many t-shirts so that they can be printed in a cost effective manner. However, with a heat press, your customers will not have to make huge bulk T-shirt orders. You can accept small orders and still make a profit. By accepting both huge and small orders, you will have lots of customers, which will help you to earn more money.

Faster Printing

Heat press machines usually print faster compared to other types of t-shirt printing machines. Unlike in other printing methods, fewer steps are used to complete a printing task using heat transfer printing. Printing using this method is also simple and therefore printing tasks are completed faster.

Long Lasting

T-shirts printed using the heat transfer printing method last longer as compared to those printed using other methods. The ink will remain on the T-shirts for long without fading. This means that customers will be happy with your services and will keep on visiting you.

High quality printing

The kind of print you get from heat transfer printing method is of high quality and many people like it.

These are just a few of the benefits of using a heat press machine to perform your printing. If you have a graphic design business, you can consider buying a heat press machine to enjoy these benefits and many more.