<p>A transfer printing machine in which the articles (17) to be transfer-printed are held in a holder (18) made of a material which does not substantially expand when heated and the articles are heated by an infrared radiation heater .(22) to a predetermined temperature. A transfer sheet (5) having symbols and/or designs formed thereon with thermo-diffusible dye is pressed by a pressing pad (27) against the surface of the articles so that the symbols and/or designs are transfer-printed on the surfaces of the heated articles.</p>
