The principle of thermal transfer printing is somewhat similar to that of transfer printing. In thermal transfer printing, the pattern is first printed on paper with disperse dyes and printing inks, and then the printed paper (also called transfer paper) is stored for use by textile printers. In fabric printing, the transfer paper and the unprinted paper are laminated face-to-face by a heat transfer printing machine, and the dye on the transfer paper is sublimated and transferred to the fabric at about 210°C (400T), and the printing process is completed without further treatment.
The process is relatively simple and does not require the expertise required for production roller or screen printing. Disperse dyes are the only dyes that can sublime and, in a sense, the only dyes that transfer heat, so this process can only be used on fabrics composed of fibers that have an affinity for such dyes. Includes acetate, acrylic, polyamide (nylon) and polyester.
