water transfer and thermal transfer of heat transfer aluminum plate differences

The printing method in which the graphic on the intermediate carrier film is transferred to the substrate with corresponding pressure is called transfer. According to the different pressure, transfer is divided into: thermal transfer, water transfer, air transfer, screen transfer, low temperature transfer, and so on.

I. Thermal transfer technology

Thermal transfer is a technology that prints a pattern on a heat-resistant adhesive tape, and prints the pattern of the ink layer on heat transfer aluminum plate by heating and pressing. Even for multi-color patterns, since the transfer operation is only one process, customers can shorten the printing pattern operation and reduce the loss of materials (finished products) due to printing errors. Using thermal transfer film printing, multi-color patterns can be drawn at once, no need for color registration, and simple equipment can print realistic patterns.
Thermal transfer equipment is used to decorate aluminum and various metal plates, which can achieve the effect of wood products or marble. The thermal transfer equipment is based on the principle of thermal sublimation. It can quickly transfer the required wood grain or marble pattern to the surface of the aluminum powder coating in 3-5 minutes and can penetrate into the coating interior Microns. Aluminum transfer printing production process: First, use a film machine to roll the thermal transfer film to the required size. The second is to weld the cut transfer film using a transfer ultrasonic packaging machine according to the size of the workpiece to ultrasonic welding into a workpiece wrapping bag. The third is to insert a worker into a workpiece wrapping bag made of a transfer film on a packaging platform. The fourth is to place the workpiece with the transfer film on the platform of the thermal transfer machine. 18 heat transfer aluminum plate can be placed in turn. The two ends of the aluminum material are connected with a vacuum tap and locked. Turn on the vacuum switch. At this time, the transfer film is tight. Close to the aluminum. The trolley automatically sends the aluminum material to the baking oven. The oven automatically heats up to 220 degrees and keeps warm for 3 minutes. The trolley automatically exits the oven. Fifth, loosen the vacuum tap and remove the workpiece. Sixth, remove the transfer film and check the quality of the workpiece.

In the production process of lithographic thermal transfer, the first is to use a film cutter to cut the thermal transfer paper roll into the required size. The second is to attach the thermal transfer paper film to the surface of the workpiece and place it on a flatbed thermal printer. The third is to push theat transfer aluminum plate to the heating area of the plate heat transfer machine, press the switch of the pressure plate, the platen presses the heat transfer paper tightly on the workpiece, and heats and keeps it for one minute. The fourth is to raise the pressure plate, push the workpiece to the piece, remove the transfer film, remove the workpiece and check.

Heat transfer technology is widely used in electrical appliances, daily necessities, building materials decoration, etc. Because it has the properties of anti-corrosion, impact resistance, aging resistance, wear resistance, fire resistance, and no color change for 15 years in outdoor use, almost all products are labels made in this way. For example, when you open the phone case, you can see the dense label with barcode inside. Many labels require that they can withstand the test of time, do not deform and discolor for a long time, cannot be worn due to contact with solvents, and cannot deform and discolor due to high temperatures. Therefore, a special material printing medium and printing material must be used to ensure these characteristics. Inkjet and laser printing technologies are unattainable.

2. Water transfer technology

Known as a more environmentally friendly technology, it is also a new and efficient printing production, which is probably related to his separation from the ink in the printing process. Water transfer uses water pressure and activator to dissolve and transfer the release layer on the water transfer carrier film.
 
The basic process is:
A) Printing of the film: printing various patterns on the polymer film;
2) Spray primer: Heat transfer aluminum plate must be coated with a layer of adhesive, such as metal, ceramic, etc. To transfer different patterns, different background colors must be used, such as brown, brown, khaki, etc. Stone patterns are basically white, etc .;
C) Extension of the film: let the film lay flat on the water surface, and wait for the film to stretch and flatten;
4) Activation: The pattern of the transfer film is activated into an ink state with a special solvent (activator);
5) Transfer: use the water pressure to print the activated pattern on the heat transfer aluminum plate;
6) Water washing: Wash the impurities remaining on the printed workpiece with water;
7. Drying: drying the printed workpiece, the temperature depends on the nature and melting point of the material;
8) Spray paint: spray transparent protective paint to protect the surface of the printed object;
9) Drying: Dry the surface of the finished object.