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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Puff, the Magic Inflatable Heat Transfer Film


Textile screen printers have used plastisol puff inks for years. These inks contain a special additive that causes the ink to expand after it is exposed to heat.  RTape/SEF FlexCut Sweet Puff films work in much the same way.

Before the film is processed, FlexCut Sweet Puff looks like and cuts just like any other thin polyurethane heat transfer film. But once heat is applied, this unique puff film magically inflates creating a three-dimensional applique.

RTape's white puff film is used for the body of the sheep.

Using a drag knife or tangential knife plotter, graphics are cut in reverse (wrong reading). In designing appliques graphic artists should keep in mind than the film will expand.  That means, that you should allow some room for the graphics to grow. Spaces less than 1/8” (3.2mm) will likely disappear, after the film expands.

Also keep in mind that as the film expands, its color will change. FlexCut Sweet Puff is available in six popular colors: White, Lemon Yellow, Electric Red, Reflex Blue, Green and Black.     

After the graphics are cut and weed, the next step is heat pressing. FlexCut Sweet Puff is designed for application to cotton, polyester and blended fabrics. It is not suitable for application to nylon or coated fabrics.  

After preheating the fabric in the heat press for three to four seconds, transfer the puff film to the garment and press it at 330⁰F (165⁰C) for 15 seconds at low pressure.



Pressure is a key factor determining how high the applique will expand.  At a higher setting, the pressure of the press restricts the expansion of the film.  As the pressure setting is lowered, the film will expand more.

Pressure isn’t the only factor determining the expansion of the film. If the polyester carrier is removed hot, the film will expand to a greater degree. 

In caring for the graphics, always wash and dry garments at low temperature settings. For additional garment care, refer to my article: Caring for Garments with Heat Transfers.

ARTICLES ABOUT HEAT TRANSFER FILMS

Laminating Application Tape and Hot Mask Films
Stretching Garments Prior to Heat Pressing
The Differences Between Polyurethane and Vinyl Films
Printing Tatoo with Seiko Fluorescent Inks
Reflective Heat Transfer Films
SEF Heat Transfer Films Instructions
Introducing Tatoo Printable Heat Transfer Films
HotMask Polyester Transfer Tapes
Correcting Plotter Cutting Problems When Cutting H...
Which Films Stick to Coated Fabrics? 
The Difference between FlexCut Sticky and FlexCut ...
Heat Transfer Films Product Application Chart
Rules for Overlaying Heat Transfer Films 
Comparing Heat Transfer Films with Screen Printed ...
Peel Recommendations for Heat Transfer Films
Heat Pressing Appliques on Leather 
Plotter Cutting Heat Transfer Films
Cutting & Weeding Tips for Heat Transfer Films
The Trouble with Shrinking Shirts
Caring for Garments with Heat Transfers

For More Information About SEF Americas:


14476-201 Duval Place West
Jacksonville, FL 32218
904-423-0211 - Phone
904-423-0899 - Fax
844-720-9600 - Toll Free
Ordering: sales@SEFamericas.com
Web: NEW SEF Americas Website



Click Here: SEF Americas Shared Public Folder


About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.



© 2015 Jim Hingst
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