Introduction to the processing technology of digital transfer printing

The commonly used method of sublimation transfer printing is paper transfer printing. You print the design pattern on paper, place the paper on the fabric, and load the paper through a thermal transfer machine.

In the heat transfer machine, two large rollers are used to heat and extruding the paper and fabric. The high pressure and high temperature cause the ink to immediately change from a solid state to a gas (sublimation), which is absorbed by the fabric. When the fabric comes out of the machine, gas will condense inside the fiber.

Advantages:

Paper transfer printing does not need a steaming machine and a washing machine, only a transfer machine. Therefore, compared with other printing methods, this technology is less destructive to the environment, more easier and cheaper.

Importantly, paper transfer printing can be done on a digital printing machine, which means you can print in large quantities at a faster speed.

Since your printing machine only needs to transport paper, there is no need for conductive belts and thermoplastics. Any ordinary printing machine can do this. Therefore, this method also reduces the initial investment of paper transfer printing.

Although heat sublimation ink is more expensive, the amount of ink per square meter is 20%-30% lower than other printing methods.

Disadvantages:

You need to throw away the paper after you use it up. This will have an impact on the sustainable image of paper transfer printing.

Paper transfer printing can only be done on polyester fabrics.

Through paper transfer printing, the ink will only be fixed on one side of the fabric. This means that the pattern can only be seen on one side of the fabric. If the fabric is subsequently washed in a "rough" washing machine, there is a risk of turning over the yarn. This will produces the "fading" phenomenon of printed fabrics.

Its fastness(light fastness, color fastness, washing fastness and rubbing fastness) is lower than that of the direct printing method . The direct printing method includes active, acidic or direct dispersion printing, etc.