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
