This article gives more information about how heat transfer numbers can be used during the silk screen printing process.
Heat transfer numbers are most commonly used in the making of sports jerseys. Because each player on a team needs to be identified and accounted for, there is a number assigned to each jersey. Although it may appear to be very similar to iron ons. Heat transfers are not iron ons. Iron on items are attached using a melt-glue backing. Heat transfer items are permanently bonded to the fabric using a film.
Heat transfer numbers use the method of thermal conduction to attach it's imagages to fabric. This process is a subject of study in thermal engineering. Conduction being the means of heat transfer between two solid objects, in this case, the two heat press panels. The process is known as steady state conduction. Where the amount of heat entering a section is equal to the amount of heat coming out. The fabric and the film being heated from both sides at the same temperature, is what creates the permanant bond. It is just a matter of time before the two are bonded perfectly.
Screen printers will sometimes uses heat transfer film to create a permanant image screen, instead of using a stencil, for images that are used regularly. Although screen printing is an easy process, it is time consuming. It also requires alot of space. This is not so with heat transfer numbers. Because you can cut these film by hand; your only need to create the permanant bond is the heat press. However, there is new technology on the market that will allow you to design your image, lay the materials out underneath its cutter, and with the press of a button your image is ready to be heat pressed.
Heat transfer materials come in roll form or in pre-sized sheets to be used with a vinyl cutter, a flatbed cutter, or a print/cut system. The type of heat transfer film that you choose will depend upon the fabric being used. There are kits available for those who would like to try their hand at creating their own wearable art.
It is very easy to apply these heat transfer numbers on your favorite jacket and t-shirt. In three easy steps, one can change the look of their t-shirt and jacket. One thing you must remember that this is a heat transfer so you will not get any result if you apply cold transfer. The fabric that are suitable for this transfer are cotton and polyester. Water proof fabric and nylon fabric should be avoided as the process cannot be done on these fabrics.
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