IO Heat Transfer (Heat Lamination) Guidelines Low Temp

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Parent Category: IRON-ON Introductions and Descriptions IRON-ON Introductions and Descriptions
Category: IO Product Application Guidelines IO Product Application Guidelines

Heat Transfer (Heat Lamination) Guidelines

 

Handling Precautions

  • V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Low Temperature Heat Transfer Reflective Film contains an aluminum layer as part of their construction. Blemishing of this aluminum layer can occur if the PET film carrier is removed and the front surface of the product has direct contact from hands during application and is then exposed to hot and humid conditions, greater than 26.7 °C (80 °F) and greater than 70% relative humidity, for a period of weeks. These blemishes do not affect performance of the product.
  • V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Low Temperature Heat Transfer Reflective Film may not be compatible with some polychloride (PVC, Film) film, especially those containing phosphate plasticizers. It is possible that some plasticizers may be able to migrate into the reflective material, making the reflective surface soft and sticky. We recommend that substrates always tested prior to mass production to ensure that they meet your specific needs.
  • Fabric finished with dyes containing sulfur compounds should not be used with V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Low Temperature Heat Transfer Reflective Film exposure to sulfur compounds in dyes or in the environment will darken the retro-reflective material and may affect retro-reflectivity.

 

Prepare For Heat Transfer (Heat Lamination)

V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Low Temperature Heat Transfer Reflective Film are recommended to follow below info to set up the settings on laminating equipment:

  • Lamination Temperature: 90-110°C
  • Dwell Time (seconds): 10-20
  • Line Pressure Firm: 30-40 psi

V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Low Temperature Heat Transfer Reflective Film are specially designed for LOW TEMP Heat Transferred on the substrates, which should not be heated higher than 120oC degree.  Above settings should be adjusted according to the pre-production testing results.

CAUTION!

Especially for the substrate (fabric) that are very fragile to over-heated temperature, customers should continually find the best setting on their own machines to achieve the best laminating results.

We also recommend below operations for mass production.

  1. Work on a flat surface where uniform heat and pressure can be applied. Avoid applying film over seams and stitches.
  2. Remove adhesive side liner (if that product has one), exposing dry adhesive. Do not remove PET film covering reflective side.
  3. Place V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Low Temperature Heat Transfer Reflective Film on substrate with the adhesive side down and apply heat and pressure as described above. Place a non-stick slip sheet between the platen and laminating surface to prevent any excess adhesive transfer contamination.
  4. Allow application to cool to room temperature before removing the PET liner covering the reflective side (if that product has one). Place application on a flat surface and remove the PET liner by lifting one corner and pulling (about 45° angle) in a continuous, smooth manner.
  5. Cover with silicone paper, press for further few seconds.

Additional Precautions for Heat Lamination

  • 1- Do not exceed lamination temperature listed above as the PET liner may be melt and become difficult to remove. If high temperatures are required for bond durability, follow lamination steps 1-3 using recommended temperature, remove PET liner, and then laminate again at the higher temperature (using a non-stick slip sheet to protect reflective surface).
  • 2- The lamination temperature, time and pressure listed above should be used as a guide. Each substrate and reflective film combination should be tested to determine the best set of conditions that will meet customer requirements.
  • 3- Other lamination method, such as roll to roll, heat fusing and HF welding may also be used. The proper temperature, time and pressure conditions must be tested for each fabric to assure adequate adhesion and physical performance.
  • 4- Many fabrics can be used as lamination substrate; however, some substrate such as nylons and fabrics treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish are difficult to adhere to.
  • V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Reflective Fabric is recommended for sewing on these fabrics. If V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Transfer Film is desired, then continuous testing should be done to ensure acceptable adhesion is maintained as input materials may vary.
  • 5- The reflective surface of V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material can be difficult to adhere to and caution is required when applying other material to it. If you are laminating a V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material - Transfer Film to the surface of other V-REFLEXTM Reflective Material, then testing is recommended to ensure the adhesion meets the customer’s specifications. It’s also recommended that continuous testing should be done to ensure acceptable is maintained throughout the manufacturing process.