What Is Heat Transfer Printing?

Heat transfer printing is a modern printing method that uses heat and pressure to transfer graphics from a transfer film onto the surface of a product. With its ability to produce vivid colors, strong adhesion, and wide applicability, heat transfer printing has become a top printing solution for many industries including packaging, household goods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and gifting.

How Heat Transfer Printing Works

The process includes two main stages.

Printing on the transfer film

The design is first printed onto a PET transfer film, then coated with a special adhesive layer that helps the image bond firmly to the product during heating.

Transferring the image onto the product

Using a heat press or heat roller (typically 150–200°C), the printed image is permanently transferred onto the product surface.
Once applied, the image features sharp details, bright colors, excellent durability, and resistance to water and scratches.

Key Advantages of Heat Transfer Printing

Vivid, high-resolution colors

Delivers sharper, more vibrant results than screen printing or direct printing.

Outstanding durability

Resistant to water, mild chemicals, and fading even after long-term use.

Works on many materials

PP, PE, PET, ABS plastic
Glass
Metal
Wood
Powder-coated surfaces

Ideal for high-aesthetic packaging

Tet holiday packaging
Food containers
Cosmetic jars
Pharmaceutical bottles
Household goods
Paint buckets
Gift sets

Limitations of Heat Transfer Printing

Higher initial cost for film preparation
Requires specialized equipment
Less suitable for extremely small quantities

Common Types of Heat Transfer Printing

Dry transfer film
Most widely used in packaging, plastic containers, and Tet holiday boxes. Produces highly stable color with excellent adhesion.

Water transfer printing
Used for decorative items or irregular 3D shapes.

Heat transfer vinyl / film for textiles
Common in fashion apparel printing.

Real-World Applications

Packaging – food – Tet holiday products
Plastic gift boxes, jars, food containers, tea boxes, festive packaging.

Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
Pill bottles, cream jars, serum bottles, health-care product packaging.

Electronics and household items
Water filter housings, appliance casings, daily-use plastics.

Comparison With Other Printing Technologies

Technology	Adhesion	Resolution	Cost	Best Use
Heat transfer printing	Very high	Very sharp	Moderate	Packaging, plastics, household goods
Screen printing	Medium	Decent	Low	Large batches, simple designs
UV printing	High	High	High	Premium packaging and surfaces
IML	Very high	High	High	Injection-molded plastic packaging

Why Businesses Choose HyunTech Holdings for Heat Transfer Printing

HyunTech Holdings is one of Vietnam’s reliable providers of heat transfer printing and IML services, offering:

Large-scale heat transfer printing facility in Hung Yen

Modern machinery with automated heating, rolling, and film-cutting systems.

Long-lasting, non-fading colors

Uses high-quality Japanese/Korean inks certified for safety.

Professional design support

Helps brands create premium, consistent, and visually appealing packaging.

Competitive pricing for bulk orders

Guaranteed quality, timeline, and after-printing support.

Conclusion

Heat transfer printing is a modern, durable, and visually impressive printing solution that is increasingly favored by brands seeking to elevate product packaging. If your business needs high-quality heat transfer printing, HyunTech Holdings is a trusted and professional partner.