Detailed Steps for Making Clothing Labels Using Heat Transfer Silicone
In the apparel industry, labels not only serve as important brand identifiers but also play a key role in enhancing the added value of products. With the advancement of technology, heat transfer silicone has become widely used in clothing label production due to its excellent weather resistance, high elasticity, and good printing quality. This article provides a detailed guide on how to make clothing labels using heat transfer silicone.
1. Materials Required
Heat Transfer Silicone: The core material responsible for transferring the label design onto the garment.
Curing Agent: Used to adjust the curing speed of the silicone, ensuring the stability of the label design.
Color Paste: Used to color the silicone to achieve the desired visual effect.
Intermediate Layer: Enhances the adhesion between silicone and hot melt adhesive or hot melt powder.
Hot Melt Adhesive or Hot Melt Powder: Improves the adhesion between the label and the garment.
Silicone Release Transfer Film: The medium that carries the silicone design, allowing for easy transfer.
Oven: Used for drying and curing the silicone design.
2. Steps of Operation
1. Silicone Mixing and Coloring
Mix the heat transfer silicone with the curing agent according to a specific ratio, depending on the product instructions).
Add color paste in proportion (e.g., 5-10%) to achieve the desired color.
Using screen printing technology, apply the mixed silicone onto the silicone release transfer film, ensuring the design is clear and evenly printed.
2. Printing the Intermediate Layer
After the coloring is completed, print the intermediate layer. The purpose of this step is to increase the bonding strength between the silicone and the hot melt adhesive or hot melt powder, preventing the silicone label from delaminating.
3. Applying Hot Melt Adhesive
Once the intermediate layer is surface-dry, print several layers of hot melt adhesive, or evenly sprinkle hot melt powder onto the silicone. This step enhances the adhesion between the silicone and the fabric. The hot melt adhesive should be diluted with cyclohexanone beforehand to ensure easy application and curing.
4. Silicone Drying and Curing
Place the silicone-printed transfer film in the oven for low-temperature baking (e.g., at 80°C) to dry the surface of the silicone.
Then, bake it at a higher temperature (e.g., 150°C) to fully cure the silicone. The baking time may vary depending on the silicone thickness and the desired result.
5. Transferring the Label Design
Align the silicone design with the desired position on the garment.
Use a heat press machine or hot press at an appropriate temperature and pressure (e.g., 150°C for 6-8 seconds) to transfer the silicone design onto the garment.
After cooling, gently peel off the silicone release transfer film to reveal the label design firmly adhered to the garment.
3. Important Considerations
Ensure that all materials (including silicone, curing agent, color paste, etc.) are sealed and stored properly to avoid moisture and contamination.
The baking temperature and time should be adjusted according to specific materials and desired results to ensure optimal curing and design stability.
When using a heat press machine, follow the equipment's operational guidelines to ensure safety.
Perform quality checks on the finished product to ensure the label design is clear, complete, and securely attached to the garment.
4. Conclusion
Using heat transfer silicone to create clothing labels is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective method. By accurately mixing materials, following precise operational steps, and maintaining strict quality control, you can produce clothing labels with excellent weather resistance, high elasticity, and a great printing finish. This technique not only enhances the brand image and market competitiveness of the clothing but also provides manufacturers with more creative and design possibilities.