// Definition
The specific temperature at which a polymer transitions from a rigid, glassy solid to a soft, pliable, liquid-like state. In rosin pressing, the waxy polymeric outer layer of trichomes undergoes its own glass transition at 335–350°F, softening and releasing internal cannabinoid and terpene-rich oils. This concept from materials science explains why T-shirt heat presses — engineered for the same temperature range — became popular rosin pressing equipment.
// From the Episode
Mark Scialdone drew a direct parallel between commercial T-shirt heat transfer printing and cannabis rosin pressing, noting that both use the same temperature range because they rely on the glass transition of polymeric materials. In T-shirt printing, a polymer ink transitions from solid to liquid at this temperature and transfers to the fabric; in rosin pressing, the waxy trichome membrane similarly transitions. This connection to established industrial science provided theoretical grounding for the technique.
// Source
Ep. 025 The ROSINTECH Episode →