Advantages of heat transfer film

The colors produced by thermal transfer printing tend to be rather monochromatic. In contrast, heat‑transfer printing can achieve photo‑realistic results—as long as you provide a high‑resolution image file, you can reproduce photographic quality. However, the sublimation‑paper print from a heat‑transfer machine is not as sharp or crisp as direct heat‑transfer printing. Fabrics printed with sublimation paper contain polyester; the higher the polyester content, the more vibrant the colors. Of course, these colors also depend on temperature and duration: generally, the longer the process and the higher the temperature, the brighter the final hue will be.

Next, let’s talk about the hand feel after heat transfer. With sublimation printing, the ink penetrates deep into the fabric, resulting in a softer touch. In contrast, Hanli’s thermal transfer prints have a hot-melt adhesive on the back, making it difficult to apply a protective film—almost as if something is stuck directly onto the fabric.

Of course, their temperature and duration differ! Typically, the hot‑stamping temperature should be maintained between 130°C and 150°C, with a dwell time of no less than 6 seconds and no more than 10 seconds. However, these settings may vary depending on the specific product. As for sublimation paper, the temperature should be set between 200°C and 230°C, with a transfer time of approximately 15 to 20 seconds.

To evaluate a product, one must start with its raw materials, as the production of PE thermal transfer film directly determines the quality of the finished lettering film. In particular, the adhesives and color pigments play a crucial role in enhancing product performance; only when the initial materials are of high quality can a superior lettering film be produced. The adhesive layer and color pigments used in our lettering films are sourced from world‑renowned manufacturers, which help minimize the risk of delamination between the color layer and the adhesive, as well as reduce adhesive bleed. Of course, in the manufacturing process of lettering films, attention must also be paid to coating equipment, production techniques, and quality‑control systems to ensure consistent product quality.

Let’s start with the characteristics of lettering films. Take PE heat-transfer TPU elastic lettering film as an example—this is a popular product on the market. Such films are soft, highly stretchable, and offer excellent coverage. Crucially, they are easy to engrave, cut, and dispose of, and they retain their shape even after high‑temperature ironing. At present, most lettering films are primarily applied by heat transfer onto textiles such as luggage and apparel.