What exactly is "digital heat transfers"?

February 14th, 2006, 07:21 AM

I know transfers are popular especially with t-shirts, but can somebody please clue me in? What's the difference between "digital heat transfers" and "screened heat transfers"?

Thanks for the enlightenment.

Marc · February 16th, 2006, 05:16 AM

Digital Heat Transfers - Using digital printers (inkjet printers, thermal wax printers, etc.) to print a design on a special paper. The printed design is then applied on the substrate using a heat press.

Screened Heat Transfers - Using a traditional screen printing press to print a design on a special paper. The printed design is then applied on the substrate using a heat press. For mass production, flat-bed presses with vacuum table is optimal

Of course there are more differences, but that's basically the gist of it.

imadork · November 9th, 2007, 10:51 AM

Great explanation Marc! Very helpful.

wiseminds · February 1st, 2008, 03:30 PM

what about doing heat transfers on poly/spandex fabric? if not heat transfer what is the best print method?

SewMe · January 25th, 2009, 11:10 PM

Are the digital transfers more crisp and clean looking than the screened transfers? It always seemed to me that the screened ones don't look as clean or maybe I'm just encountering a poor product.

tonka27 · January 14th, 2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiseminds

what about doing heat transfers on poly/spandex fabric? if not heat transfer what is the best print method?

Yes, this can be done on spandex.....contact the company called Stahl.