DTF film is one of the most important suppliers in the direct film printing process. T-shirt printing cannot be done without transferring the printed pattern to the clothes (so DTF film is also called DTF transfer film). Hot peel film and cold peel film are two types of DTF films used for transfer.
The main difference between hot peel film and cold peel film is that hot peel film is more efficient, suitable for large patterns, and has a lower pressing temperature (140℃-150℃), while cold peel film can be applied to more types of fabrics and has longer-term water fastness and lower cost.
DTF film (DTF PET film, DTF transfer film) is a special film with coating used for DTF (direct film) printing to transfer patterns to fabrics or other materials. It usually contains 6 layers: base layer, release layer, adhesive layer, printing layer, protective layer and antistatic layer. (All about DTF film)
In order to adapt to different DTF printing requirements and the best print quality, 2 versions of DTF film are usually provided: hot peel film and cold peel film.
Detailed differences between hot peel film and cold peel film
Main components of DTF film: hot peel and cold peel
In order to ensure better release effect, the main component of hot peel film is wax, which is difficult to melt and apply evenly, so the requirements for coating process are more stringent.
The main component of cold film is silicon, which is easier to melt and stick to the film than hot peel film, which is why cold film is more stable than hot peel film in the market.
Hot peel film and cold peel film: different pressing temperatures and processing times
Hot peel film needs to be pressed at a temperature of 140-150℃ for 5-10 seconds, and the cooling time after pressing is 2-3 seconds.
The pressing temperature of cold peel film is longer than that of hot peel film, generally at 150-170℃, the pressing time is 10-20 seconds, and it takes about 30 seconds to cool down after pressing before it can be torn off.
Hot peel film vs. cold peel film: application materials, transfer properties
Both hot peel film and cold peel film are suitable for various fabrics, but cold peel film is more suitable for some special fabrics, such as tarpaulins, coated fabrics, and also for rough fabrics such as canvas and flannel. These fabrics have enough time to restore adhesion and flatness after hot pressing.
If hot peel film is used on the above materials, wrinkles are easily generated, and even the fabric is damaged, and the final printing effect is not as good as cold peel film.
Therefore, cold peel film is more suitable for printing with better quality requirements for complex patterns, small letters and icons, complex lines and transfer textures.
Which one is more expensive, hot peel film or cold peel film?
Because the production process of hot peel film is more complicated, the uniformity and coating accuracy of the coating machine are more stringent, so the cost of hot peel film is higher than that of cold peel film.
Efficiency of hot peel film and cold peel film
As mentioned above, hot peel film can be torn off almost without waiting after lamination, saving a lot of time. The printing business owner or operator only needs to focus on hot pressing. After hot pressing is completed, the film can be torn off and another T-shirt can be produced quickly. This makes it possible to print 100 T-shirts in 1 hour.
On the other hand, since the cold peel film has better printing quality in details and granularity, its efficiency is relatively lower than that of the hot peel film.
Difference in wash fastness between hot peel film and cold peel film
The adhesive layer of the hot peel film adopts a water-based back coating process. If the adhesive layer is not torn off in time, the cooled glue will stick to the clothes, making it very difficult to peel the hot film, and the long-term water fastness of the water-based adhesive layer cannot be guaranteed.
The adhesive layer of the cold peel film adopts an oily back coating method, which has good water fastness to washing.
Which is better, hot peel film or cold peel film?
In short, hot peel film and cold peel film each have their own transfer characteristics and are suitable for different printing requirements.
In general printing business scenarios, choosing DTF hot peel film is very suitable for large-scale printing on ordinary fabrics (such as cotton T-shirts), while cold peel film is a better choice for printing complex and fine small patterns on special materials such as tarpaulins, coated fabrics, canvas, and flannel.
Although choosing a DTF transfer film is not as complicated as choosing the best DTF printer for a profitable printing business, the following 6 key features can help you choose the right DTF film:
- Ink absorption ability
- Coating
- Powder shaking effect
- Release effect
- Storage capacity
- High temperature resistance
What are the other DTF film types under different classifications?
Although most of the DTF film types known so far are hot peeling and cold peeling, this is just one of the classification methods. In fact, there are more types classified according to the release process, which are named from different perspectives.
For example, according to the coating process, DTF film can be divided into: single-sided coating, double-sided coating; according to the visual effect, DTF film can be divided into: reflective color film, laser film, luminous film, temperature-changing film, shiny film.
This article provides all the basic information about DTF PET film for direct film printing. Reading this guide will definitely help you choose the best DTF film.