Process Operation Procedure for Heat Transfer Silicone (Direct Printing)
This operation procedure outlines the complete workflow for producing high-quality heat transfer labels using silicone direct printing technology. The process involves four primary printing stages-hot-melt adhesive, middle-layer adhesive, thickness layer, and color layer-followed by proper drying, curing, and final heat-press transfer. Each step must be performed carefully to ensure strong adhesion, excellent washing fastness, and long-term durability on various fabrics.
1. Printing the Hot-Melt Glue / Adhesive Layer
Begin with the application of the hot-melt adhesive, which forms the foundation for the transfer's bonding performance. Use XG-360R-2 hot-melt adhesive and print 6–8 rounds depending on the pattern size and fabric characteristics.
Larger patterns or fabrics with deep texture may require additional layers to ensure full coverage and adequate bonding.
Uniform application is essential-irregular coating will affect the final adhesion strength and may lead to partial lifting during washing or wearing.
After each round, perform quick surface drying to stabilize the layer before proceeding to the next print.
2. Printing the Middle-Layer Adhesive
Once the hot-melt base is complete, prepare the middle-layer adhesive mixture.
To XG-360Z-3X middle-layer adhesive, add 10% XG-866B-2 additive to improve cohesion, flexibility, and resistance to delamination.
Print 2–3 rounds, ensuring even distribution across the entire design area.
This layer plays a critical role in preventing separation between the hot-melt adhesive and the subsequent silicone layers.
Proper drying after each print round ensures smooth stacking and prevents bubbling or surface defects.
3. Printing the Thickness Layer
Prepare the thickness layer by adding 3% XG-866B-2 additive to XG-866A-2Y thick-plate silicone, followed by 10% XG-128AH thinner to improve flow and printability.
Mix thoroughly until completely uniform, then print 4–5 rounds.
The number of rounds can be adjusted based on the customer's required raised effect or three-dimensional thickness.
This layer contributes significantly to the visual depth and tactile feel of the final transfer.
Consistent flash-drying at 120°C after each round helps maintain sharp edges and prevents deformation.
4. Direct Printing – Color Layer
For the color layer, add 3% XG-866B-2 additive into XG-866A-2Y heat transfer silicone, then incorporate 10% silicone pigment for coloration and 10% XG-128AH thinner to enhance print smoothness.
After thorough mixing, print 3–4 rounds depending on the required color density and opacity.
This stage creates the final visual appearance, so proper pigment dispersion and clean screen printing are essential for achieving high-resolution, vibrant patterns.
Drying, Curing, and Final Heat Transfer
After every printing step, perform flash drying at 120°C using a tabletop dryer to fix each layer in place.
Once the entire print is complete, place the finished sheets into a closed oven at 110°C for 30 minutes to fully cure the silicone and adhesives.
