We know that heat plays a significant role in how the film peels during the printing process. Excessive heat can reduce the ability to achieve a clean "hot peel" due to the temperature threshold of the wax coating on the film. We’ve heard quite a few cases where people experienced issues with their film not peeling properly, especially from some of our friends down in Texas. After we heard of some of the issues we put ourselves in the testing mode.
After "sacrificing" quite a few rolls of film we discovered that heat most definitely have a negative affect on film. It was both in the transport and storage where it can be affected. When these specially coated films are exposed to extreme temperatures, it can lead to a range of issues. One of the most noticeable problems is "warping" on the film. This warping can cause tracking issues and, in some cases, head strikes. We observed this firsthand during testing with a roll of film shipped via UPS Ground in temperatures around 90°F during the day. The film was in transit for 2 days before being delivered, and we saw significant warping once it arrived.
Extreme heat also impacts the film tension, causing it to track improperly during printing. When printing on rolls of film, you may notice the film randomly veering off course, making it nearly impossible to maintain proper registration if the film has been exposed to excessive heat.
But there’s more to consider—what if you're printing for a customer, and everything is done correctly on your end? You finish the job, roll up the prints, place them in a tube, and ship them out. Then, the prints sit in the hot summer heat during transit. By the time your customer receives the transfers, they may no longer be able to peel them "hot." Unfortunately, regulating these temperatures is out of your control once the prints leave your hands.
What we recommend that you store your film in a cool area. Yes we know not everyone's shop is air conditioned in the summer, but find a cool spot whether it is away from dryers or in an office. Definitely avoid leaving the film in direct sunlight.
So, while heat is a factor to consider, taking precautions with storage and handling can help ensure your film and prints maintain optimal performance.
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