Personalization by transfer is a marking technique. It grants the blending of different types of clothing. Close-up on this printing method.
What is transfer personalization?
This technique involves transferring a logo or text onto a paper backing that is then heated and placed on a textile substrate. Using a professional heat press, this transfer offers a result similar to XL screen printing . However, for more complex images, this transfer method is preferable. It is suitable for printing photos or logos composed of multiple colors. The technique is applied using a digital printer. Contrasting colors are transferred directly onto a roller attached to the machine. These colors are then cut out to create the final image.
What are the different types of transfers?
Companies use various processes for textile communication or printing advertising stickers (paper). When creating workwear, they adopt either digital transfer or screen printing.
Screen printing transfer
This is a screen printing process . The logo or initials are transferred onto a paper backing, which is then heat-transferred onto the fabric using a professional press.
Digital transfer
In contrast, digital transfer is a more precise printing process. The logo is transferred onto the fabric using a heat transfer medium heated to 145 degrees Celsius. Similar to screen printing , this method also utilizes a professional heat press.
What are the advantages of these processes?
The screen printing transfer process allows for the mixing of different fabric materials. It handles a single order. Large-format displays, such as XL screen printing, meticulously reproduce the logo's shape and color registration. However, this method does not accommodate color gradients.
Digital transfer has the advantage of reproducing a logo, photo, or multi-color image in four-color process. Complex shapes, colors, and gradients are printed with precision and quality thanks to digital transfer . However, the final result depends entirely on the quality of the supplied file. This process carries the risk of a white border appearing around the image.
What types of clothing can be personalized by transfer?
The transfer printing technique is ideal for personalizing jackets, pants, sweatshirts, and t-shirts within a single order. It's also possible to print a series of additional transfers. Subsequent orders will then be processed accordingly. This technique is suitable for marking any type of garment. However, it's not suitable for mixing and matching on fabrics such as nylon, fleece, knit, or wool.
How to guarantee the transfer takes place?
Regarding the care of garments personalized with transfer printing , washing at a maximum of 40°C is required. For optimal care, tumble drying is not recommended. The garment should be ironed inside out. As the durability of the transfer is not guaranteed, it is advisable to take the necessary precautions to maintain the garment in good condition. Extra care is required when using industrial laundering.
What is the cost of production?
Applying a transfer print involves several steps: printing the films for screen printing in reverse for each color and logo, positioning them on the screen, flashing them, and aligning the screens and the transfer sheet. This process therefore incurs technical customization costs . However, it allows for pre-printing batches of transfers, which are then stored for quick replenishment. This results in a volume discount. The cost is always calculated based on the quantity required, whether for clothing or large-format screen printing.
