Heat-transfer printing equipment and laser processing equipment

Heat transfer printing process — It is possible to first create a steel intaglio plate by etching the necessary printing film, then use a surface print head made of silicone rubber to transfer the ink from the intaglio onto the surface of the anthropomorphic head. Finally, by pressing against the surface of the desired object, text, patterns, and other designs can be printed. This thermal transfer printing process operates on a principle similar to that of stamping in everyday work. Furthermore, this method requires inks with high pigment content, fast‑drying resins, and solvents that evaporate rapidly.

Laser processing—The fundamental principle of laser‑based machining involves generating a high‑energy, continuous laser beam within a laser generator. This concentrated beam is directed onto the workpiece, causing the surface material to melt or vaporize instantaneously. By precisely controlling the laser’s path across the material’s surface, the desired pattern or graphic is produced. Laser marking machines employ a scanning method in which the laser beam is deflected by two mirrors; computer‑controlled scanning motors rotate these mirrors along the X and Y axes, focusing the beam onto the target workpiece to create the characteristic laser‑marking mark.

In contrast, Heat transfer printing process The process is quite complex: the supply line requires multiple steps to prepare the material for machining and also relies on manual operation. A single print takes 1–5 seconds when performed by the machine, while manual execution is slightly slower. Certain processing materials—such as inks and adhesives—have particularly stringent requirements; inks contain chemical substances that can have a measurable environmental impact. Laser processing equipment offers advantages unmatched by conventional thermal‑electric machinery: during operation, the laser does not come into contact with the workpiece, thus avoiding any potential damage. Processing speeds are exceptionally fast, making it ideal for high‑volume production, and the system is remarkably easy to operate—simply set the parameters via computer. Costs are low, with no need for additional consumables, allowing for a zero‑cost investment that delivers high returns. The results are fine, precise, durable, and resistant to degradation. Importantly, the technology is highly environmentally friendly and safe, eliminating concerns about pollution.

In heat-transfer printing, another common technique is—pressing.

As the name suggests, heat transfer involves printing a design onto PET film, applying a white primer and a resin coating, and then heat‑transferring it onto the fabric. The resulting rubberized layer offers a smooth hand feel, vibrant colors, and crisp, clear patterns, making it suitable for cotton, polyester, knitted fabrics, nonwoven materials, leather goods, and luggage fabrics, among others.

Compared with the heat-transfer printing technique introduced earlier, hot‑press transfer shoes have the advantage of being applicable to fabrics such as cotton and knitwear. However, their drawbacks include a noticeable change in the fabric’s texture and an obvious presence of adhesive on the garment. Additionally, the printed designs tend to fade easily, and the color fastness is relatively low.

According to Heat transfer printing process The heat-transfer printing process can be categorized into three methods: pre‑peel, cold‑peel, and hot‑peel. Glass-bead hot stamping employs the pre‑peel technique: before stamping, the design is peeled from a PET film and then placed onto the fabric to be printed.