Just before the beginning of WWII, American chemists developed synthetic polyamides. Polyamides are complex molecules called polymers, which are comprised of smaller “amide” monomers. In nature, these polyamide molecules occur as proteins in fibers, such as silk and wool. In the modern world, the best known polyamides are nylons. Because of their strength, elasticity and […] Read more »
How Calendered Vinyl Films are Made
I usually compare the calendering process to rolling out pie dough. In reality, the manufacturing process is a little more complex than that. In the calendering process, PVC material is squeezed between gigantic, heated, polished-steel rollers that form the vinyl into a very thin sheet of film. Read more »
Peel Recommendations for Heat Transfer Films
After you heat press an applique to a garment, how long should you wait before peeling the carrier or the hot mask from the applique? A number of variables come into play, which are covered in my story: Heat Transfer Films: Hot, Warm or Cold Peel. The physical properties of the particular flex or flock film that […] Read more »
Application Tape Tips
Here are some helpful tips for working with application tape: Whether you laminate application tape by hand or with a laminator, avoid trapping air bubbles between the vinyl graphics and the application tape. Bubbles and wrinkles in the application paper often result in bubbles and wrinkles in the applied graphic, regardless of the skill and effort […] Read more »
Comparing Heat Transfer Films with Screen Printed Graphics
A high quality polyurethane heat transfer film will outlast a screen printed garment hands down. In fact, if you properly process and care for a polyurethane heat transfer, the applique should last the life of the garment. We all know what happens to a screen printed shirt after a dozen washes. Plastisol inks crack. By […] Read more »
Screen Printing on Polycarbonate
Painting is not the only solution for decorating plastic signfaces. For high-volume jobs, screen printing is an economical solution. In selecting an ink system, ask your screen print supply distributor for a recommendation. The technical bulletin will give you printing recommendations. The type of mesh, squeegee, stencil and thinners are a few of the variables […] Read more »
The Importance of Fire Inspections
A Proactive Approach to Reducing the Risk of Fire The old saying, “forewarned is forearmed”, should remind us that conducting regular fire inspections is the best way to keep the incidence of fires low. By identifying fire hazards in your shop, you can correct them before they cause a fire. Read more »
Heat Pressing Appliques on Leather
Back when Marlon Brando rode into Hollywood stardom in the Wild One (1953), the leather motorcycle jacket, adorned with a biker back patch, symbolized the country’s rugged iconoclastic spirit. Since the era of Brando, the popularity of real leather apparel has not diminished. Little has also changed in how we embellish leather attire. Leather jackets and […] Read more »
Shopping for a Heat Press
With so many makes and models of heat presses, selecting one is usually confusing. To make the right purchasing decision for your business, you need to thoroughly investigate your options. Start by asking the right questions. Here’s what you should know before you sign on the dotted line. The most important question revolves around your projections […] Read more »
Processing Printable Heat Transfer Films
If you have a solvent, ecosolvent or latex inkjet printer, you can decorate t-shirts, jackets and jerseys with colorful graphics and corporate logos using RTape Tatoo™, printable polyurethane heat transfer films. Selling printed appliques to your existing customer base is a great way to increase your shop’s sales at high profit margins without a lot […] Read more »
