1. What is DTF Film?
DTF Film (direct to-film) is a specialized transfer film used to apply digital designs onto various fabrics. It comprises layers of polymer substrates, ink absorption coatings, and release agents that work together to create high-quality, vivid transfers.
DTF film is widely used in clothing and custom products due to its ability to transfer complex, multi-color designs onto different materials with precision.
2. Key Components and Types of DTF Film
Main Components of DTF PET Film
- Polymer Substrate: The base material, typically made of PET film or high-density paper, provides physical strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability for the film.
- Ink Absorption Layer: This layer absorbs and holds the ink to ensure that the transferred designs are vibrant and durable. It’s usually composed of water-based cationic polymers with excellent ink-absorbing capabilities.
- Release Layer: The release layer ensures the film easily detaches from the base after heating, maintaining the integrity of the transferred design. Common materials include silicone wax, which prevents sticking and enables clean separation.
- Functional Additives: Additives such as anti-static agents and stabilizers improve the film’s performance, reduce static interference, and enhance stability during the transfer process.
Categories of DTF Transfer Film
- Single-function DTF Film:
- Hot Peel and Cold Peel: These films are categorized based on their peeling method. Hot Peel can be peeled immediately after pressing, making it ideal for fast-paced, large-scale production. Cold Peel requires a cooling period before peeling, which improves wash durability.
- Single-sided Matte and Double-sided Matte: Films can also be categorized by their surface treatment. Single-sided matte films offer a matte finish on one side, while double-sided matte films provide a matte finish on both sides for higher precision in detailed designs.
- Multi-functional Composite DTF Film:
- These films integrate additional effects such as glow-in-the-dark, reflective, or chameleon finishes, allowing for creative, eye-catching designs that elevate the aesthetic appeal of garments or products.
3. Composition and Structure of Hot Peel DTF Film
Hot Peel DTF Film features the same basic components as other DTF films but includes key characteristics that allow for immediate peeling after heat pressing.
The ink absorption and release layers are designed to ensure quick and smooth separation at high temperatures without compromising the quality of the design.
4. Key Advantages Of Hot Peel DTF Film
Here are the key advantages that set Hot Peel DTF Film apart in terms of production and application:
| Highlight Features | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Uniform Ink Absorption | The film provides very uniform ink absorption, preventing issues such as color variation, streaking, or color bleeding. |
| Strong Adhesion | Excellent adhesion ensures that the printed letters or designs do not peel off easily. |
| Anti-static and Accurate Positioning | The anti-static coating on the back prevents powder from sticking and allows precise positioning of the film without slipping. |
| High-quality PET Base Material | The PET base material is sourced from a renowned supplier and remains stable at high temperatures, preventing yellowing or deformation. |
| Superior Coating Formula | The coating formula enhances ink absorption by up to 200%, maintaining print clarity and avoiding issues like oil backflow. |
| High Color Saturation | High color saturation ensures vibrant, eye-catching designs. |
| Instant and Cold Peel | The film allows immediate peeling post-press, or it can be cold peeled for a matte finish—providing flexibility in production. |
5. Comparison Between Hot Peel and Cold Peel Film
| Feature | Hot Peel Film (Also called one second peel-film) | Cold Peel Film (Also called cold/warm/hot peel film) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Matte Coating, Base PET Film, Anti-static Coating, Inkjet Printing Coating, Wax | Matte Coating, Base PET Film, Anti-static Coating, Inkjet Printing Coating, Silicone |
| Peeling Time | Immediate peeling after heat press | Must wait until the film has completely cooled |
| Suitable Fabrics | Suitable for high-temperature resistant fabrics | Suitable for various fabrics, including those not resistant to high temperatures |
| Production Speed | Faster production as peeling is immediate | Slower production as waiting for the film to cool is necessary |
| Finish Quality | Generally brighter colors and higher gloss after peeling | Vibrant colors, but glossiness may be slightly lower than hot peel |
| Ease of Operation | Easier to operate, suitable for fast-paced production environments | Requires more patience and skill to ensure perfect peeling |
| Cost | Generally lower cost | May be slightly higher due to the need for finer material handling |
| Print Fine Line Pattern | Not suggested | No problem |
6. FAQ About Hot Peel DTF Film
1. What is Hot Peel DTF Film?
Hot Peel DTF Film is a transfer film that can be peeled immediately after pressing without waiting for it to cool, ideal for large-scale, fast-paced production.
2.What’s the difference between Hot Peel and Cold Peel?
Hot Peel allows immediate peeling after pressing, while Cold Peel requires a cooling period for improved durability and print quality.
3.What is heat transfer settings when using Hot Peel DTF Film?
The pressing temperature is generally between 160-170°C, with a duration of 10-15 seconds and medium to high pressure. This ensures the best transfer results.
4.What are the main components of Hot Peel DTF Film?
The main components are wax release agent, ink-absorbing coating, and PET.
5.How to make hot peel DTF transfers?
To make Hot Peel DTF transfers, follow these steps:
- Print Design: Use a DTF printer with DTF inks (including white ink) to print your design onto the PET film.
- Apply Powder: Sprinkle DTF adhesive powder evenly over the wet ink and shake off the excess.
- Cure the Powder: Place the printed film with the adhesive powder into a curing oven or use a heat press (without closing the press) at around 160°C for 2-3 minutes to melt and activate the adhesive.
- Heat Press: Place the film on your fabric and heat press at 160-170°C for 10-15 seconds with medium pressure.
- Peel While Hot: After pressing, peel the film immediately while still hot for best results.
6.Which is better, hot peel or cold peel?
Hot Peel: Preferred for efficiency, as you can peel immediately after pressing. It is often faster and used in high-production environments. Cold Peel: Typically results in a smoother finish and sometimes a more durable transfer but requires more time since you must wait for the film to cool.
7. Conclusion
In summary, Hot Peel DTF Film is a perfect solution for importers, wholesalers, and garment factories looking to increase production efficiency while maintaining high print quality.
Its ability to peel instantly after pressing makes it ideal for high-volume orders, while its high color saturation and durability ensure excellent results.
If you are looking to improve your production line’s efficiency and output,Hot Peel DTF Film is the way to go.Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you elevate your business!
