Heat release decals

Automated decals for ceramics differ from manual ones primarily in their application process and efficiency. With manual decals, skilled artisans carefully place and adjust each decal onto the ceramic surface by hand, which can be time-intensive and prone to slight inconsistencies. On the other hand, automated decals utilize advanced machinery to precisely position and apply the designs, ensuring uniformity and reducing the time required for production. Essentially though, the composition of the actual decal inks are the same.

The machine type will depend on the final shape to be decorated, however each machine is similar in that they require heating pads made from silicone and a hot plate to melt the decal base. There are a number of manufacturers globally that produce this type of machine.

The speed of application can depend on the production output required by the user. More complex machinery can apply  decals at higher speeds, but then more capital investment is needed in the application machinery. As a guide, a person may be decorating 250 mugs manually each day, whereas a semi-automatic machine with manual loading would achieve 2500 in comparison.