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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 abrasion resistance, polyamide fibers are used in manufacturing durable apparel, such as jackets, swimwear and other sports garments.
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 abrasion resistance, polyamide fibers are used in manufacturing durable apparel, such as jackets, swimwear and other sports garments.
Often
nylon textiles are coated to make the garment water-resistant. In decorating these fabrics with heat
transfer films, these coatings can also resist standard hot melt polyurethane
adhesives. To adhere to coated fabrics, the SEF FlexCut Sticky Nylon (a
polyurethane film for plotter cutting) and Tatoo Nylon (a printable
polyurethane film) are coated with a special polyamide hot melt adhesive, which
has an affinity for other polyamide materials. While you may have heard that
opposites attract, when it comes to adhesion, “like” materials usually build
stronger bonds.
Printing Tatoo Nylon
Tatoo
Nylon is printable using solvent, ecosolvent or latex inkjet printers. Before
laminating the applique with HotMask HM350, make sure that the print is
thoroughly dry. Otherwise you could smudge the image. While inks can dry in as little as fifteen
minutes to a half an hour, some prints will take longer. High humidity and
other ambient shop conditions could prolong the drying process.
To
heat press FlexCut Sticky Nylon or Tatoo Nylon to a garment, set the
temperature at 240⁰ F (115⁰ C).
After
the printed Tatoo Nylon has dried, squeegee HM350 to the applique using good
pressure. Remember that the adhesive on HM350 is a pressure sensitive and it
takes pressure to promote adhesion. After laminating the transfer tape, allow
20 to 30 minutes before use.
To
heat press FlexCut Sticky Nylon or Tatoo Nylon to a garment, set the
temperature at 240⁰ F (115⁰ C). After pressing the
applique for 17 seconds at medium/high pressure, remove the HM350, after a
couple of seconds, while the garment is still warm.
After
pressing the applique remove the HotMask, while the garment is still warm.
For
more information on selecting the right heat transfer film for particular
applications refer to the Heat Transfer Films Product Application Chart.
ABOUT SEF: For more than 35 years, SEF has provided the screen printing and garment industries with high quality flex films and flock films. Manufacturing at SEF is totally integrated. The factory formulates, casts and adhesive coats its own polyurethane (PU) films. SEF even manufactures its own flock fibers. With a corporate commitment to a greener environment, all of its film and adhesive formulations are water based. This ensures that no solvents pollute the atmosphere. Its only emission is water vapor. Today, SEF is recognized as a leading producer of heat transfer films for used in the fabrication of heat press appliqués for textile decoration. Its ultra-thin polyurethane films and super soft flock films are easy to plotter cut and digitally print.
FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT: SEF Americas provides a toll-free technical support service at 844-720-9601. NOTE: If your call is not answered by a tech support person during normal business hours, 8am to 5pm EST (Eastern Standard Time), please leave a message and we will do our best to return your call within an hour. Should you need to contact us after business hours, an alternate tech support number is 480-987-8028. You can also get answers to your technical questions by emailing: techsupport@SEFamericas.com.
About this blog: SEF Americas Heat Transfer Blog is dedicated to providing technical information about flex and flock films for heat pressing appliques to textiles. SEF, a leader in flock materials and polyurethane films, serves the garment, sign and screen print industries. SEF brands include Tatoo, Classicprint, Clearflex, Fiberplus, Metalflex and Reflexcut.
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
Click Here: SEF Americas Shared Public Folder
Click Here: SEF Product Application Guide
Click Here: SEF FlexCut Product Color Guide
Click Here: SEF Print & Cut Product Guide
© 2015 Jim Hingst
