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How To Create Custom Apparel with CTE Equipment

Printer-cutter systems are a popular choice among educators to create custom apparel — shirts, bags, etc. for school fundraising items, after school clubs’ and sports teams’ apparel, or creative projects for CTE business / marketing and graphic communications programs.

We’ve previously offered tips for aligning designs on heat pressed T-shirts and how to laser engrave on heat pressed material, but we haven’t offered a primer on the full process of creating customized apparel and accessories with a printer-cutter or wide-format printer system.

In this video, you’ll walk you through the process of creating customized apparel. Learn how combining Roland TrueVIS printers, HeatSoft PLUS and HeatSoft SATIN transfer films (semi-gloss finish that gives a screen print sheen yet still has a soft hand) can help you transform textiles made from cotton, polyester blends, Lycra/ Spandex and even leather into custom apparel. Key takeaways include:

  • Tips for making sure you have the correct printer settings for optimal print and cut quality
  • Choosing the right Heatsoft material for your specific application
  • Tips and tricks for masking and applying HTM to your garments or accessories

Printer Settings

  • Profiles – TrueVIS specific profiles
  • www.rolandprofilecenter.us
  • High Quality vs. Standard
  • Bi Direction vs. Uni Direction
  • 45° or 60° blade
  • Pressure settings
    • Start Low (75 grams) and gradually increase pressure
    • Blade extension should be minimal — half of a credit card thickness for quick reference
    • Pro Tips for heavily saturated graphics and long runs

Material Selection

HeatSoft PLUS ESM-HTM3

  • 100% Cotton
  • Poly/Cotton Blends
  • 100% Polyester
  • Leather
  • Lycra

Properties

  • Hi-Gloss finish
  • Vibrant color
  • High stretch

Application

  • Press at 295°
  • Medium pressure
  • 15 seconds
  • Peel hot

HeatSoft SATIN ESM-HTMS

  • 100% Cotton
  • Poly/Cotton Blends
  • 100% Polyester

Properties

  • Semi-gloss finish
  • Screen-print look and feel
  • Stretch

Application

  • Press at 300°
  • Medium pressure
  • 15 seconds
  • Peel warm (30 seconds)

Application Tips and Tricks

  • HeatSoft PLUS PGM-PTM2 Transfer Mask
    • Medium Tack
    • Compatible with both PLUS and SATIN materials
    • Live Demo — Weed, mask, and transfer process
  • Post application care
    • Wait 24 hours before 1st wash
    • Turning the garment inside out can extend the life
    • Machine wash cold using mild detergent
    • Use normal dryer settings
    • Do not dry clean or bleach
author avatar
Christine Archer
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