Heat Transfers for Tagless Labels

Tagless labels for heat transfer can be printed in-house or outsourced. Printing heat transfer labels in-house is certainly time-consuming which is why a lot of small to medium companies outsource the labels.

What do I need to create tagless heat transfer labels in-house?

The process of labeling is more complex than one might think. The following is the equipment necessary for creating and applying heat transfer tagless labels in-house:

• Computer – Graphic software is needed to create the artwork
• Printer – A specialty printer to print the logo/graphic on heat transfer paper
• Ink – A special ink that transfers from paper to garment
• Heat Transfer Paper – A specialty paper used to hold the graphic and aid in the transfer once the heat is applied
• Cutter – a manual cutter or automatic cutter is needed to cut out the graphic
• Heat Press – Used to apply heat to the label and garment to transfer the graphic
• Heat Pad – a heat resistant foam or rubber placed at the bottom of the heat press to help hold the substrate
• Heat Tape – Used to hold the cut-out graphic in place
• Heat Resistant Sheeting – Used as the top layer over the heat transfer and substrate to keep the heat-press clean and prevent burning
• Substrate – The garment you are printing. It comes in a wide variety of materials

Outsourcing Heat Transfer Tagless Labels

Finding the right supplier makes all the difference in heat transfer tagless labels. Most suppliers require a minimum order quantity. If your job requires a specific amount of labels and it falls under the minimum order quantity, you’re stuck with extra labels (you can hopefully use again).

The lead time for getting your order varies greatly. A lot of heat transfer labels come from over-seas and can take weeks to arrive. A typical new order requires a lot of communication and proof approval. Any delays in communication result in delays in receiving your order.

Sustainable Tagless Labels

Unfortunately, in addition to the ever-changing lead times and inventory, heat transfers also pose a potential threat to the environment. Tagless heat transfer labels produce a great amount of paper, plastic, water and oil waste each time one is used. This additional waste contributes to the overall environmental issues we face in the world today.

Additional Resources:

Commitment to a Sustainable Print

Sustainability in the Printing Industry