In DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, the terms cold peel, warm peel, hot peel, and instant peel refer to the different methods and temperatures at which the transfer film is removed after the curing process. The main determining factor is the peeling method, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the final result.
Here's an overview of the differences:
Cold Peel Film:
- Peel Process: The film is peeled off after it has completely cooled down, typically after 15 seconds to a minute.
- When to Peel: Wait until the film has cooled to room temperature before removing it.
- Why It's Used: Cold peel films offer better results for intricate or detailed designs since the adhesive has time to fully bond to the fabric.
- Advantages:
- More precise, especially for detailed designs - Maybe...we don't feel this is the case anymore, but some still believe this to be true. And for the way you print it may be the case.
- Disadvantages:
- Longer wait time due to the cooling process, which can slow down production.
Warm Peel Film:
- Peel Process: The film is peeled off when it is still warm, shortly after the heat pressing.
- When to Peel: You can peel it within typically 10-20 seconds, but before it gets too cool.
- Why It's Used: It strikes a balance between production speed and transfer quality. Some printers work better with warm peel, again all how you print.
- Advantages:
- Faster than cold peel, as there's no need to wait for it to fully cool.
- Some feel that it preserves the print details better than hot peel.
- Disadvantages
- Can be tricky to get the timing right for optimal adhesion.
- Still have to wait, slows production
Hot Peel Film:
- Peel Process: The film is peeled off while it's still hot, within seconds of the heat press immediately after curing. We refer to our Juggernaut Hot Peel and At-At Elite as "Rapid" peel because, with many print jobs, the film is practically coming off the print. This is due to our prints having very little ink and less adhesive so the "rapid" cooling of the transfer allows for the film to be released from the transfer.
- When to Peel: Peel the film off right after curing, while it is still warm to the touch.
- Why It's Used: Hot peel films are used for faster production and quicker turnaround times.
- Advantages:
- Faster process, ideal for high-volume production - quicker workflow.
- Disadvantages:
- May result in less precision, especially for detailed or small designs.
- The adhesive might not fully bond after first heat press, second press is most likely needed.
Instant Peel Film:
- Peel Process: The film can be peeled off immediately after the curing process, with no wait time at all.
- When to Peel: Right after the design has been cured and while it's still hot or warm.
- Why It's Used: Designed for the fastest production speeds.
- Advantages:
- The quickest peel method, eliminates any wait time.
- Ideal for high-speed, high-volume applications.
- Disadvantages:
- The risk of poor adhesion or incomplete transfers, as the adhesive may not have fully bonded.
- Typically the truly Instant peel is more expensive.
In conclusion, we are simply trying to give you our insight into the terminology used in DTF today. After looking around on forums and watching videos, we are shocked about the comments being made on promoting their products. We don't want to hard sell you; we want to provide you with as much information as we can and let the products speak for themselves.
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