Hotfix stone

Introduction

Hotfix or (hotfix stones) are decorations like rhinestone, rhinestuds, nailhead, etc. that can be glued to on textiles or other materials by heating them.

According to Wikipedia, “Hot fix rhinestones, also called heat transfer rhinestones, are mainly used for apparel. The flat bottom of the stone has a glue backing and when heated melts onto the surface of the clothing. These can be adhered using a regular iron, however, it is recommended to use a heat press, as they are able to reach higher temperatures (standard transfers require temperatures of up to 180–200 °C (350–400 °F), which regular irons are not capable of) while applying heavy pressures resulting in a more professional standard quality.” (Oct 2, 2017).

Rhinestones size are either defined with "ss" (stone size) or pp (pearl plate)

(e.g. 8ss is equivalent to 2.3 mm diameter, 10ss is 2.8 mm).[1] SS is more commonly used for apparel means, while PP (or pearl plate) is used for jewelry.[2]

Software

Stich Era includes an optional module for hotfix designs. It can output design stencils or templates that can be printed with different laser and vinyl cutters.

The software allows drawing shapes that then can be filled with slots for stones according to several parameters.

Hardware

Hotfix applicators

Hotfix applicators are cheap devices that look a bit like a soldering iron. They allow heating a hotfix stone one by one. It has a removable ends that will adapt to various hotfix forms.

Heatpress

A heat press can glue a whole set. Some heat presses also can be used to transfer other materials.

Iron without holes

A simple iron (without holes also can do)