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Other Applications of Thermal Printing
For most of us, when we hear of thermal transfer labels, we think of bar codes and
bar code printers. However, thermal printing has several other applications other
than creating UPC labels. One such application is screen-printing, which is used
to produce thermally applied graphics. In screen-printing, a thick ink deposit
is laid down when compared to other forms of printing, giving tremendous durability
to the graphic and is the only form of printing where opaque white is used as an
primary part of a design. With screen-printing, clear and adhesives can also be
printed, which create reactions specific to customers' individual requirements.
Many times inks are specially formulated, such as those that include ceramic colors,
which after firing become part of the glass, porcelain or ceramic substrate. An
example of this is used in creating the look of painted tiles. If actual paint
were used, the graphic would soon wear away after the tiles were cleaned a few times.
Specially formulated inks that are thermal applied create an image, which is extremely
durable. Screen-printing originally was a process the used an emulsion-coated mesh. The
ink was applied with a squeegee that was pulled across the mesh pressing the ink
through the tiny carried away for the next print. If several colors were needed,
then multiple print stations were used. This was a very timely process. Today, technology has advanced the process into a unique high-volume-production
art form. Heat transfer labels are press onto carrier film, which are then transported
to the customer, where they attach the roll to a Hot Stamp/ Heat Transfer machine
that uses heat and pressure to apply the customer's design permanently onto their
product. Heat transfer or thermal printing has many distinctive advantages including
increased productivity, multiple color application in on simple step, dry decorating
methods, which require no mixing or formulating inks. Heat transfer decorated material
is immediately ready for handling and shipping, with no drying time.
Small business guides: , Thermal Transfer Labels Guide.com |
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