Properties, designs and applications
Heat transfer - a technology for the decoration of products
Properties, designs and applications
Heat transfer - a technology for the decoration of products
IN SHORT
IN SHORT
- Heat transfer technology (HTF) is a process for decorating
- Decors with up to 11 layers of paint can be transferred in a single operation
- In contrast to other printing techniques, HTF has many advantages
- HTF is not suitable for all products
- Heat transfer technology (HTF) is a process for decorating
- Decors with up to 11 layers of paint can be transferred in a single operation
- In contrast to other printing techniques, HTF has many advantages
- HTF is not suitable for all products
Diamonds are formed under high pressure.
Heat transfer technology also uses pressure (and heat) to create great finishes on products – in an equally impressive but less costly way.
In this article, we dive into this special decoration using heat transfer foil, which transforms ordinary products into colorful, brilliant highlights.
Unexpectedly resource-saving and faster than you think.
Finishing experts explain
WHAT IS HTF?
Finishing experts explain
WHAT IS HTF?
Heat transfer technology (HTF) is an efficient process that makes it possible to apply multi-layer and therefore multi-colored designs to different materials in a single operation.
This method is often used in the consumer goods industry to make products ready for sale by means of brilliant illustrations and written information.
Heat transfer technology (HTF) is an efficient process that makes it possible to apply multi-layer and therefore multi-colored designs to different materials in a single operation.
This method is often used in the consumer goods industry to make products ready for sale by means of brilliant illustrations and written information.
Let’s take a closer look
How does this process work?
Let’s take a closer look
How does this process work?
High-quality films can transfer up to eleven layers of paint/metal in a single work step.
The decoration process begins with the creation of a digital design, which is then applied to the carrier film in several layers of color using the gravure printing process.
If metallic effects or effects or elements in the decor are desired, the films are then metallized.
On the carrier film there is a release and protective layer above the ink layers and the adhesive layer underneath.
Each of these levels fulfills very specific tasks in the heat transfer process, which are explained in the individual tabs.
PET
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) serves as a carrier material and ensures stability and durability during the entire transfer process. The carrier film is removed at the end of the decoration process.
Release
This layer makes it possible to remove the image or design cleanly and completely from the carrier material (PET) and transfer it to the desired surface. It also serves as the (top) protective layer for the design on the product.
Color
This is the color layer(s) that contains the actual image or design. Depending on the complexity and color intensity of the design, up to 11 color layers are possible.
Metal effect
This optional layer gives the design a metallic sheen or special effects. Metallization takes place in a separate work step. The finest metal particles are applied.
Glue
The adhesive layer is crucial for permanently fixing the image or design to the target surface.
Different substrates require different types of adhesive to ensure perfect adhesion and durability.
Graphical representation of the heat transfer process.
First, the product to be wrapped is placed in the machine. The heating unit with a silicone plate provides the necessary heat to transfer the design from the transfer film to the product.
A film positioning sensor ensures that the film is precisely and correctly positioned before the transfer process begins.
During the transfer, the transfer film is placed over the product and moved forward evenly by the film feed.
As soon as the transfer is complete, the empty film is automatically forwarded to the pick-up device, where it is properly rolled up.
Step 1: Pressure and heat are applied first.
Step 2: The motif now adheres to the product. The PET layer is removed.
High-quality films can transfer up to nine layers of paint/metal in a single work step.
The decoration process begins with the creation of a digital design, which is then applied to the carrier film in several layers of color using the gravure printing process.
If metallic effects or effects or elements in the decor are desired, the films are then metallized.
On the carrier film there is a release and protective layer above the ink layers and the adhesive layer underneath.
Each of these levels fulfills very specific tasks in the heat transfer process, which are explained in the individual tabs.
PET
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) serves as a carrier material and ensures stability and durability during the entire transfer process. The carrier film is removed at the end of the decoration process.
Release
This layer makes it possible to remove the image or design cleanly and completely from the carrier material (PET) and transfer it to the desired surface. It also serves as the (top) protective layer for the design on the product.
Color
This is the color layer(s) that contains the actual image or design. Depending on the complexity and color intensity of the design, up to 11 color layers are possible.
Metal effect
This optional layer gives the design a metallic sheen or special effects. Metallization takes place in a separate work step. The finest metal particles are applied.
Glue
The adhesive layer is crucial for permanently fixing the image or design to the target surface.
Different substrates require different types of adhesive to ensure perfect adhesion and durability.
Graphical representation of the heat transfer process.
First, the product to be wrapped is placed in the machine. The heating unit with a silicone plate provides the necessary heat to transfer the design from the transfer film to the product.
A film positioning sensor ensures that the film is precisely and correctly positioned before the transfer process begins.
During the transfer, the transfer film is placed over the product and moved forward evenly by the film feed.
As soon as the transfer is complete, the empty film is automatically forwarded to the pick-up device, where it is properly rolled up.
Step 1: Pressure and heat are applied first.
Step 2: The motif now adheres to the product. The PET layer is removed.
From simple to extravagant
This technology allows you to let off steam creatively: While other decoration processes such as screen printing require the tedious transfer of motif elements layer by layer, this technology makes it possible to combine all colors of the CMYK spectrum and optionally all spot colors to create a brilliant color result in a single operation.
INTENSIVE COLORS, shine and luminous effects.
When selecting a suitable supplier, you should pay attention to how many color/effect layers their process allows in one operation. This is because only this multi-color capability enables a combination of uncompromising color reproduction, exceptional color brilliance and creative freedom.
Multi-layeredness is therefore the most important quality criterion when decorating with heat transfer films.
From simple to extravagant
There are a number of ways to design a product by means of wrapping. Depending on which target groups are to be addressed, there are different looks.
Good to Know: CMYK and spot colors
CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and key plate (black).
The number 100 means that 100% of the respective color is used, which represents the most intense form of this color.
Spot colors are pre-mixed to provide specific tones that are not achievable with CMYK, such as metallic or fluorescent colors.
From simple to extravagant
This technology allows you to let off steam creatively: While other decoration processes such as screen printing require the tedious transfer of motif elements layer by layer, this technology makes it possible to combine all colors of the CMYK spectrum and optionally all spot colors to create a brilliant color result in a single operation.
Intense colors, shine and luminous effects.
When choosing a suitable supplier, you should pay attention to how many color/effect layers their process allows in one operation.
It is this multi-color capability that enables a combination of uncompromising color reproduction, exceptional color brilliance and creative freedom.
Multi-layeredness is therefore the most important quality criterion when decorating with heat transfer films.
From simple to extravagant
There are a number of ways to design a product by means of wrapping. Depending on which target groups are to be addressed, there are different looks.
Good to Know: CMYK and spot colors
CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and key plate (black).
The number 100 means that 100% of the respective color is used, which represents the most intense form of this color.
Spot colors are pre-mixed to provide specific tones that are not achievable with CMYK, such as metallic or fluorescent colors.
Added value for products
ADVANTAGES
Added value for products
ADVANTAGES
Cost efficiency and resource conservation
The ability to apply several colors in a single operation has economic advantages and is also resource-saving. If you compare HTF technology with screen printing, for example, significant savings are achieved in terms of personnel costs, materials and energy.
Attractive design even when space is limited
Heat transfer technology offers creative freedom in design, making it possible to accommodate all the necessary information on even the smallest product surfaces and still ensure an appealing appearance.
Resilience
While other decor technologies can result in worn surfaces or unsightly chipping, heat transfer prints remain intact even with intensive use.
Good to Know: Impulse buying
According to a study from 2024, 65% of customers only decide what they want to buy at the point of sale (POS)*.
To encourage impulse purchases, highly visible placements, emotional appeals and an eye-catching, appealing design are crucial.
Heat transfer technology helps to design products in such a way that they stand out on the shelf and attract customers’ attention.
*Source: EHI Retail Institute
What works?
What is not possible?
Concave and convex shapes
These shapes make it difficult to apply evenly and often lead to wrinkling.
Help for self-assessment:
Does the bubble of a spirit level remain in the middle when placed on the substrate? And: Is there no gap when a string is laid tightly from the beginning to the end of the surface to be printed? Perfect!
The following applies to the substrate itself:
We do not exclude any materials from the outset. In addition to tried and tested materials such as plastic, other substrates are also suitable. For some of these, we are able to prepare them professionally that layers of paint adhere properly despite all initial resistance.
What works?
What is not possible?
Concave and convex shapes
These shapes make it difficult to apply evenly and often lead to wrinkling.
Help for self-assessment:
Does the bubble of a spirit level remain in the middle when placed on the substrate? And: Is there no gap when a string is laid tightly from the beginning to the end of the surface to be printed? Perfect!
The following applies to the substrate itself:
We do not exclude any materials from the outset. In addition to tried and tested materials such as plastic, other substrates are also suitable. For some of these, we are able to prepare them professionally that layers of paint adhere properly despite all initial resistance.
Conclusion:
Every heat transfer solution is as individual as a fingerprint. The numerous customization options and precise implementation make each solution a unique product on the shelf.
With our comprehensive expertise, we are at your side to develop individual solutions that are precisely tailored to your requirements.
Conclusion:
Every heat transfer solution is as individual as a fingerprint. The numerous customization options and precise implementation make each solution a unique product on the shelf.
With our comprehensive expertise, we are at your side to develop individual solutions that are precisely tailored to your requirements.
