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DIGITAL TRANSFER
Digital Transfer, also called `ink sublimation' is a newer technology for transfer of an image. First a design is created in a graphics program, and is printed onto high quality paper with a specially formulated ink. This image is then placed onto the garment or other item and heat and pressure is applied. This causes the ink to become a gas and the image is actually dyed into item.
Because the image is dyed the item, there is no texture or other change that occurs. Images can be applied to traditional garments such as shirts, jackets, caps which are at least 65 % polyester. In addition items such as specially coated plaques, awards, key chains, puzzles, mouse pads, etc… can also accept digital transfer. It does a superb job of placing photograph images onto sweatshirts, mouse pads and other items. Hanes has developed a special weave material which is Polyester on the outside and cotton on the inside, called “Soft L'ink©” just for this process
Mouse Pads Key Chains Refrigerator Switch Covers Bag/Luggage Tags
Coasters Magnets
Digital transfer does an excellent job of transferring fine detail when compared to the traditional screen printing and Heat transfer. It does, however, have limitations. There is no “White” ink, and since the image is dyed into the item it appears best on white or light colored items.
Car Flags Awards & Plaques Dry Erase & Wood Boxes Puzzles & Specialty
Clipboards with Trivet Puzzles
As discussed earlier, materials which are at least 65% polyester (or spandex, lycra or other man-made fabric) can be digitally transferred. Items made of cotton can also be treated this way but require a special pre-treatment before the image is applied and generally do not last as long.
Laundering the garments is much like any other image transferred item. It is best to wash the item inside-out, in cool or warm water and dry on low or fluff dryer cycle.
Touch the sample below - you will notice that you do not feel any difference in the fabric between the normal fabric without an image and the image itself. Of course, the better the image is to begin with, then the better is the finished product. There is really no limitation on colors except, of course for the color white
Signs Cutting Board License Plates Note Holders Ornaments
& Frames
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