Plastic Heat Transfer Printing - Custom Heat Transfer for Plastic (2024)

FAQs

Can you do heat transfer on plastic? ›

Heat transfer decals can be applied to many plastic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC and acrylic. Depending upon the image size and the number of parts to be decorated, heat transfer decals can be a cost-effective alternative to other decorating methods, especially for larger orders.

Heat Transfer Vinyl is a form that allows you to permanently apply personalized graphics to various substrates using a heating tool such as a heat press or home iron. Meanwhile, printable HTV is a type of permanent vinyl that you can print on using a commercial-grade or home-ready inkjet printer.

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a heat-transfer based print process. The process begins by printing designs onto a transfer film, which is then covered with a thermo-adhesive powder and transferred with a heat press to the final substrate.

Unlike metals, plastics do not have free electrons available for conduction mechanisms. Hence, they are poor conductors of heat.

The plastics that cannot be remoulded or reshaped on heating are called thermosetting plastics/ thermosets. Few examples of thermosets are bakelite, melamine, polyurethane, polyester, etc.

Do you have an inkjet or laser printer? Heat transfer papers are designed to work with either inkjet or laser printers and are not cross-compatible. So, if you have an inkjet printer, you will need inkjet transfer paper. If you have a laser printer, you will need laser transfer paper.

Using overhead transparency film, I placed the film into my inkjet printer so that the text would print onto the smooth side. When creating rub-ons this way, you need to make sure to print text in a mirror image, otherwise it will be backwards when you rub it on your project.

You can use any standard inkjet printer for most printable heat-transfer vinyl brands. No modifications or special inks are needed! You can check the instructions provided with your heat transfer vinyl brand to know more.

Durability. DTF prints are more durable than vinyl or screen-printed designs. The ink is actually bonded to the fabric, so it won't crack, peel, or fade like other methods. DTF prints can also withstand multiple washes without losing their color or quality.

How long does printable HTV last? ›

However, they fade easily after one or two washes. The best printable heat transfer vinyl print should last years before they start to fade.

This can be achieved with a Cricut machine, through transfer paper, and through several other methods (such as screen printing!).

However, there are drawbacks to consider. DTF printing can be slower than other methods, requires regular maintenance, and necessitates proper ventilation due to fumes.

Direct to film/DTF transfers could be great for smaller runs or when you require a high level of detail in your design. Sublimation printing excels when working with larger quantities or when you need all-over prints on polyester-based materials.

This will allow us to make an informed choice in order to find the best heat resistant plastic for these applications. When a plastic is being exposed to heat, it will reach a point where its properties will start to degrade and its molecular structure will be modified.

- Irons should never be directly placed on the plastic, it will melt and make a huge mess. Make sure to cover all plastic with parchment paper before applying the iron.

Apply to project surface

Make sure project surface is clean and dry. Use rubbing alcohol to clean plastic and glass surfaces. Peel vinyl liner away from Transfer Tape and design. If your vinyl doesn't separate from the liner, simply burnish liner back onto the vinyl and peel away again.