Have you ever seen such a magical technology that allows you to put your hand into the solution and immediately turn it into a flower arm? Or make your car, motorcycle, furniture and other items present a variety of exquisite patterns on the surface? This technology is the water transfer technology, which is a kind of printing that uses water pressure to hydrolyze the transfer paper/plastic film with color patterns. What is water transfer technology? Do you know the principle?
 

Water transfer technology is divided into two kinds, one is water mark transfer, the other is water coating transfer.The difference between them lies in the transfer material used and the shape of the applicable object.

The water mark transfer printing uses water transfer paper, which is a special paper with pictures and texts printed on it. Water mark transfer is mainly used for the transfer of text and photo patterns, and is suitable for flat or slightly curved surfaces. When the water mark is transferred, the picture and text are printed on the water transfer paper first, and then a layer of cover tape is printed. The printed dry transfer paper is soaked in water and then pasted to the surface of the object, and the transfer paper is slowly separated from the printing coating and the object. After that, the bubbles between the printed coating and the object are removed, and finally the transfer process is completed after drying, spraying oil, baking and other treatments.

Water-coated transfer printing uses a water-soluble plastic film, which is a water-soluble plastic film with graphics printed on it. Water coating transfer is mainly used for complete transfer on the entire surface of the object, suitable for a variety of complex modeling objects. The water-coated transfer is first printed on the water-soluble plastic film to form a water-coated transfer film. After the water-covered transfer film is laid flat on the water surface, the activator is sprayed to dissolve and destroy the PVA, and the picture and text become free. Then press the object from top to bottom into the water, and the activated picture and text will be transferred to the surface of the object under the action of water pressure. Finally, water washing and drying are carried out.

Whether it is water mark transfer or water coating transfer, its core principle is the use of polymer materials in different conditions of the nature of the change. Polymer materials are large molecules connected by many small molecules, which have strong plasticity and flexibility. Under different temperature, humidity, pH and other conditions, polymer materials will undergo different degrees of hydrolysis, dissolution, cross-linking and other reactions, thereby changing their structure and properties.

Water transfer paper and water-soluble plastic film are made of polymer materials, which will undergo hydrolysis reaction in water, that is, the bond between molecules is broken to form small molecules. In this way, the picture and text can be separated from the transfer material and transferred to the surface of the object. However, in order to prevent the text from spreading or deforming in the water, it is necessary to use some special chemical agents before and after the transfer, such as cover tape, activator, etc. The role of these chemical agents is to protect the image from hydrolysis before transfer, or to fix the image from falling off after transfer.

Another key factor in water transfer technology is water pressure. Water pressure refers to the pressure of water on the surface of an object, which is related to the depth and density of the water. When an object moves in water, it is subjected to water pressure, which creates a pressure difference on its surface. This pressure difference will make the air on the surface of the object be discharged, so that the picture and text more closely fit the surface of the object. Water pressure will also make the graphic produce a certain telescopic deformation, adapt to the curvature of the surface of the object. In this way, perfect transfer can be achieved on the surface of any shape.

Water transfer printing technology has many advantages, such as low cost, fast, easy to operate, wide range of applications. It can print any image on any solid medium, whether it is flat or curved, whether it is metal or plastic, whether it is large or small. It can achieve various effects, such as imitation wood grain, marble grain, animal skin grain, camouflage pattern, etc. It can meet various needs, such as personalized customization, artistic creation, product decoration, etc.

Water transfer printing technology has been widely used in various fields, such as automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, helmets, mobile phone shells, computer shells, furniture, toys, tools, sporting goods, musical instruments and so on. It allows the surface of these items to present a unique style and beauty, increasing their added value and attractiveness.

In addition to practicality, water transfer technology also has a high interest and creativity. Some people use water transfer technology as a way of entertainment and expression, and use it to decorate their bodies or daily necessities to show their personality and style. Some people regard water transfer technology as an artistic and innovative way, using it to create a variety of novel and beautiful patterns and works, showing their talent and imagination.

Water transfer printing technology can not only print any image on any solid medium, but also achieve various effects and meet various needs. Water transfer printing technology has been widely used in many fields to enhance the added value and attractiveness of products. In addition to practicality, it is also interesting and creative, allowing people to show personality, express talent and imagination. Water transfer printing technology is really a magical and interesting technology, which brings more colorful and wonderful possibilities to our life.