Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1490460
G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 • G R A P H I C S P R O 6 3 "Nylon and waterproof jackets are some of the bigger challenges our cus- tomers come to us with," Mazade adds. "We're able to help out with specific water- based products that can be applied at low temperatures." Heat transfer printing moving into 2023 is seeing a few trends, like the addi- tion of more and more material options, as well as a desire for multiple colors, quick and efficient applications, and high-qual- ity substrates. "ere's definitely more DTF for heat transfers. We've seen a humongous explo- sion from commercial prints down to home-based creators," Conner says. "It has the same benefits of DTG." DTF transfers are full-color, heat-ap- plied transfers that are printed onto film and applied to a garment. ey are pressed by a heat press, and then the transfer is peeled off, leaving the image. "e manufacturers of the machines are creating a stir. ey are printed on a special machine with an adhesive back," Digital hybrid transfers applied to promo items such as a T-shirt, Kraft paper gift bag, and corrugated box. (Image courtesy Howard Custom Transfers, Inc.) (Left) Goof Proof screen-printed heat transfer gang sheets that can be filled with artwork from different customers. This example includes artwork for two shirts on three locations that can be fit on one sheet, maximizing the profit for the job. (Image courtesy STAHLS' Transfer Express) Insta Graphic Systems says High Density II is a 3D, CPSIA- compliant, custom screen-printed heat transfer that adds texture and loft to graphics. says Cris Saunders, director of sales and marketing for Insta Graphic Systems, a Cerritos, Calif.-based manufacturer of custom heat transfers and heat seal equip- ment. "It's new in the industry, new and revolutionary." at's because DTF heat transfers are versatile, not limited by color count, and applicable for photo realism, gradients, and fades, Conner says. ey can be used for small quantity jobs of one or a few pieces and quick applications, such as hot peel transfers for wash and wear, he adds. STAHLS' Transfer Express, for exam- ple, sells plastisol-printed transfers called Goof Proof, ready-to-apply and pur- chased on demand, in bulk, and across different sizes. e customer submits a file and receives the transfers, which they can cut out and apply using a heat press. e same plastisol inks used in traditional screen printing are printed on a carrier or gang sheet, essentially a hot peel transfer paper printed with the plastisol, instead