Heat transfer and digital transfer in contrast with direct print techniques requires a two-step process of making imprints. First step is printig on a transfer paper or foil using screen printing method or digital printing - which addicionaly allows to make fullcolour prints. Next the print is covered with heat curel polyester glue. Tle last step is transfering the print to the designated surface.
In practice it means placing the imprint on the fabrique and pressing it with hydrailic heat press that looks like a bombination of press and iron. Time and temperature have to be set individialy depending on the material - different settings are used for cotton, jute and polyester. If the parameteres are incorrectly set the heat can cause the material to melt. Time and temperture are also essential for imprint duarabilitywhich can be either not fully "welded" with the material or burned causing it to crack.
Heat transfer is often used for marking t-shirts, shopping bags and produts with complexed shape like bagpacks caps and hats.