What is DTF foil?
Transfer printing technology requires a transfer medium-either paper or film. Currently, foil is almost exclusively used- it is transparent and allows the operator to more accurately store the transfer as they can see through it. Most often it is a PET film with a special surface treatment called a coating, which has several tasks, for example: preventing ink spillage, on the absorbent surface of the backing foil, separation ability, which allows after the transfer to separate the backing foil from the surface without damaging the print, or, for example, a conductive layer, which has the purpose of depriving the PET foil of static electricity (this can result, for example, in powder being trapped in places where it should not be).
Choice options
There is a plethora of DTF foils on the market in a variety of qualities and finishes. Most often, from a user's point of view, they are divided into three categories according to the time after which they are able to separate from the substrate on which they have been transferred (tearing off the "transfer"):
Cold peel - they are taken off only after they have cooled down completely. The transfers stick best on it, so it is suitable for subsequent transport of transfers that have not yet been ironed. Cold peels have the most vibrant colouring as they contain the least separation chemistry. The latter is responsible for the light fraying, but on the other hand affects the colouring in a negative direction.
Warm peel - they are stripped "hot" after partial cooling, but can also be stripped cold without any problems. Small objects still stick, colouring is better than with Hot Peel. Tearing can be done after about 5-7 seconds after opening the press.
Hot Peel - hot peel - immediately after opening the press - but are problematic in terms of storage and colorability. Digital transfers on hot peel film adhere the weakest (so they can be pulled off while the glue is still uncured), tend to drop small objects like: dots, lengths, etc. during handling, and the coloring is "obscured" by the large amount of separation chemistry.
Why is it important to use a good quality DTF foil?
- Poor quality films have a spray-applied coating, which technically prevents its even distribution over the surface of the carrier film. This causes, for example, different properties (mainly colour) in different places even within the same roll. In places where there is less of it, in turn, the colours spread, spill and such films are often prone to static electricity problems- the powder catches in places where it shouldn't.
- Quality films contain a coating that addresses potential static electricity problems, they are made from higher grades of polyethylene- they don't warp even at high temperatures.
- With our films, you are always assured of getting the same product with the same properties, the same coloring, and you can expect the same behavior and results every time.
These consumables can be enquired about using the product enquiry form or ordered directly via export@nanotec.sk