Images Magazine Digital Edition October 2018

www.images-magazine.com OCTOBER 2018 images 75 TheMagicTouch: HTP123 Clam Press TheMagicTouch continues to introduce new and innovative transfer solutions, offering a wider range of marketing opportunities for users. “Having pioneered the ultimate in affordable dark garment decoration with the award-winning, no cutting, no weeding, WoW transfer process, we are again ready to introduce some real ‘game-changing’ applications using the same toner-based printer technology,” reports Jim Nicol, the company’s UK MD. TheMagicTouch transfer process offers the ability to produce full-colour imaging onto a wide range of garments and textiles regardless of colour together with numerous promotional and B2B gift products. Jim comments: “In an increasingly competitive market customers need to offer more products and services to their existing clients. We have a tried and tested method perfected over the past 25 years that works and is affordable and effective in generating sales and enhancing the customer/supplier relationship”. This year has seen the introduction of a range of colours in enamel mugs, water bottles, hip flasks and soon- to-be-launched slate products. Jim adds that one application that continues to grow in popularity is sleeve printing with full-colour logos. “This is perfectly served [by the TMT system] with the unique ability to print sheets of transfer paper with up to 60 sleeve logos ready for easy application.” Also new this year is the entry-level HTP123 heat press. It is the first clam press offered by the company for full transfer compatibility and boasts a cast element together with digital controller and adjustable pressure options. www.themagictouch.co.uk Ever thought about printing plastisol transfers? It’s actually a lot easier than you think, and once printed, these transfers can be put to one side, ready to use when you next need them, even if that‘s months later. To make a plastisol transfer, simply print your design on a piece of transfer paper then sprinkle some coarse transfer adhesive over the print. Do remember to print your design in reverse! You can use fine adhesive powder to mix into the ink if you have issues with fixing. Then you need to ‘gel off’ the print: this is not quite curing, but also not just a flash dry. You can do this by speeding up the belt on your tunnel dryer and turning down the heat slightly. Once this is cooled you can then take it over to the heat press to apply to the garment. Once heat pressed, leave the transfer print to cool completely before removing the cold peel transfer paper. Top tip from Nathan Ellis, warehouse manager and technical support: “Test a trial print by peeling it off the transfer paper once it’s gelled and scrunch it in your hand. If it sticks together then it’s under-gelled, if it crumbles then it‘s over-gelled, and if it blooms like a flower then it’s just right.“ Dave’s top tip: “If printing multiple colours, pre-heat the paper and put it through the dryer first without any prints on. This way, if the paper is going to shrink it will do so before you print and not in- between prints.“ www.daveroper.co.uk KNOWLEDGE BASE | Nathan Ellis and Dave Roper from Dave Roper The new HTP123 clam press “Polymark has been producing innovative heat transfers, emblems and tapes, and offering a comprehensive range of branding and identification solutions for over 60 years,“ explains the company. Its products range from soft handle performance transfers for sports or promotional garments to tough, durable transfers designed to withstand industrial washing. The Ultratrans Flex from Polymark is a heat-applied digital transfer that can be applied to a wide variety of garments, including corporate, sports and leisurewear. “Tested for high stretch, resistant to chlorine and certified to Oeko-Tex standard, Ultratrans Flex presents a perfect branding solution,“ says the company. The product promises highly detailed images with an “unlimited“ range of colours and effects, including photographic, embroidered and metallic. The transfer is wash- resistant up to 60°C and comes on a clear carrier for simple, precise positioning. Other products from the company include Ultratrans Plus, which can withstand commercial washing up to 80°C and has a hot release carrier film, and Polytrans, a hardwearing transfer that is designed for industrial workwear. www.polymark.co.uk Polymark: Heat Transfers, Emblems and Tapes Polymark offers a comprehensive range of heat transfers, emblems and tapes