Heat Transfers
Graphic Heat Transfers on Plastic
About Heat Transfer Decals
Heat transfer decals are pre-printed graphic images that are bonded to the part/substrate using heat and pressure. The image is printed on a carrier that releases the decal to the part under the heat and pressure of hot stamping equipment typically used to apply the decals. The heat transfer decal is more permanent and resistant than most decorating methods and allows for multiple colors applied in one pass.
The Decal
Heat transfer decals are supplied as transferable images printed with special inks and lacquers on a roll of release paper or film (called the carrier). The release paper is printed with “crosshairs” for an electric eye pick-up to sense, for exact placement of the image on the product being decorated. The decal images are transferred by heat and pressure using conventional hot stamp/foil presses.
Applying the Decal
Heat and pressure permanently weld the image to the receiving surface using hot stamp machines. Many of these machines are fitted with web feeders that automatically advance the decal over the part to be decorated. Decal rolls can be printed with a number of indexing options and can be set up for use with most plastic substrates. The product to be decorated is secured in a fixture on the hot stamp press, the part moves directly under the heated platen. The first decal is advanced in place under the platen, but over the product. The platen is lowered; the decal is transferred to the product; the platen is raised; and the next decal is automatically advanced to the next piece to be decorated. Heat transfer decals can be used on most plastics, as well as leather, textiles, metals, painted metals, wood and paper.
Decorating Speed
The decals are shipped on easy to manage rolls. Automated systems like our 15 Ton Hot Stamper, using slide indexing mechanisms can produce a large volume of parts per hour. Our special order decal construction was designed for higher speed applications like uniform plastic parts with minimal operator handling involved.
Quality
We are dedicated to maintaining a continuously improving manufacturing culture whereby quality is built into the product at every step of our process. We do most of our work “in-house”: Artwork, Film, Fixtures, and Printing. Rigorous maintenance of equipment and experienced press operators achieve image quality and registration that rivals all other printing methods in detail and elegance. Printed decals are subjected to a final inspection procedure prior to production and placement to the customer’s product.
Substrates
Decals are manufactured to match “chemically” to the surface it is meant to adhere to. Our heat transfer decals have been successfully applied to the following substrates:
• ABS
• Acrylic (cast and molded)
• Polyphenylene (PPO)
• Cellulose Butyrate (CAB)
• Polyphenylene Sulfide
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• HDPE
• LDPE
• PVC
• Leather
• Wood
• Polysulfone
• SAN
• Styrene (GP & high impact)
• Polyamides (nylon)
• Textiles
• Polycarbonate
• Painted Surfaces (wood, metal, etc.)
• Urethanes
• Polyester (including glass filled)
• Vinyl
Decals can be transferred to any number of additional materials not listed here. We have decorated many types of products and you are encouraged to submit your problem materials to our technical staff for decorating solutions. We recommend you provide samples of any material you wish to decorate. We will analyze the color, adhesion, and properties of the material samples to determine what the optimum ink/lacquer/carrier construction might be.
Uses for Heat Transfers:
Consumer Products
Toys, lawn and garden products, medical equipment, power tools, sporting goods, protective gear, POP displays, footwear, leather goods, baby products, protective equipment, consumer electronics, kitchen appliances
Automotive Products
Dashboard, seatbelts, visors, disclaimers, auto parts, batteries…
Cellular Phones
In-mold applications, lenses, leather and vinyl cases, battery packs, accessories…
Computer Products
And more… • Plastics Molding and Manufacturing
• Decorating / Labeling
• POP / Ad Specialty
• Automotive
• Medical and Pharmaceutical
• Consumer Products
• Toys and Baby Products
• Apparel and Outerwear
• Sporting Goods
• Computers and Electronics
• Tools and Hardware
• Lawn and Garden Products
• Commercial / Industrial