Abstract
The basic principle of transfer printing, the technological advantages and limitations, and the impact of marketing techniques in the textile industry are reviewed vis-a-vis conventional textile printing. Variables such as properties of dyestuffs, print-paste composition, gravure technique, printing machines, and transfer conditions are discussed.
It is apparent from the patent literature that an enormous research effort is being expended worldwide to improve the present technology, to develop new machinery, and to extend the process to substrates other than polyester, such as polyamide, polyacrylic, and to natural hydrophilic fibers.
Innovations which have already achieved a degree of commercial success and their anticipated impact on the industry are examined—e.g. the Saueressig Printing Machine, vacuum-transfer calenders, and the Hecowa Print Process for polyester/cotton blends. Some possible new approaches based on chemistry and technique are paper coating, various novelty effects, and transfer resist printing.
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