What is UV DTF AB Films?
The UV DTF printing process has optimized the difficulty of printing compared to conventional UV printing methods. From printing directly onto the substrate, the process now prints directly onto the film. Both processes take advantage of the rapid curing (or drying) of the ink by UV light, but the difference is that the UV DTF process greatly reduces production time and difficulty. In addition, both processes produce clear, vivid prints that are not easily scratched, faded or cracked.
The production of UV DTF AB films integrates various elements such as adhesive layers, ink absorbing layers, peel layers, patterns, hot stamping and varnishing. Which are then encapsulated under the transfer film. The final transfer to the substrate provides a decorative effect that is both three-dimensional and crystal clear, reflecting the essence of UV DTF.
UV DTF printing allows you to print onto a flexible film material rather than directly onto a rigid object. The latter may limit production to one product at a time, or restrict printing to irregularly shaped substrates. UV DTF, however, lets you peel off and transfer these UV-printed “stickers” onto hard surfaces, making the technology an efficient option for irregular, curved or oversized materials. This is actually the difference between the UV printing process and UV DTF printing. The extra DTF stands for “direct-to-film”.
Typical Applications of UV DTF AB Films
UV DTF AB films are best suited for hard, smooth surfaces. They adhere excellently to items such as boxes, tea cans, paper cups, notebooks, tin or aluminum boxes, various plastics, stainless steel, and ceramics. However, not all surfaces are ideal. For instance, substrates with fine “wave patterns” might disrupt the adhesion of the transferred design. In such cases, opting for direct UV printing onto the substrate could be a more effective choice.
Additionally, while it is technically possible to apply UV DTF AB films on softer materials—such as fabric, leather, silicone, tempered glass, glazed ceramics, or rough frosted surfaces—the durability and firmness of the transfer may be compromised. For these substrates, additional treatments or specialized materials might be necessary to bolster adhesion and longevity.
Types of UV DTF AB Films
Standard UV DTF AB Film
- Printable Film (Film A): Available in both paper-based and transparent options, this film features a pre-coated adhesive layer, safeguarded by a protective peelable cover.
- Specifications: Offered in both sheet and roll formats.
- Transfer Film (Film B): Typically a release film, ensuring smooth handling during the transfer process.
Standard UV DTF films also come in variants—soft films for substrates with a delicate or flexible surface (like certain plastics), and hard films for sturdier materials such as glass, metal, or wood.
Glitter AB film
- Printable Film (Film A): Adds a shimmering effect to the transfer pattern on top of the standard film, giving a glossy finish to the already crystal clear pattern. The film is similarly coated with adhesive and protected by a peelable layer.
- Specifications: Available in both sheet and roll formats.
- Positioning Film (Film B): Utilizes a release film for seamless transfer.
Gold/Silver Foil AB Film
- Printable Film (Film A): This film is infused with gold or silver stamping material to add metallic texture to the pattern. The base is coated with adhesive and protected with a removable layer.
- Specifications: Offered in sheet and roll formats.
- Positioning Film (Film B): Consists of a release film to facilitate easy application.
Detailed Process for Using UV DTF AB Films
The detailed process of film use should be judged according to your actual situation. Usually you can refer to the following 8 steps:
Step 1
First determine whether the size of the printed page to match the AB film, and set up the printed page.
Step 2
To create a printed pattern, be careful to allow symmetrical gaps for the top and bottom, left and right ends of the printed page.
Step 3
Place the glossy side of film A (the side with the peelable protective film) face up on the printer’s vacuum bed in an orientation and position that matches the print layout. Peel off the protective film when finished.
Step 4
Activate the printer’s vacuum bed to hold the paper. If a vacuum bed is not available, consider using masking tape or painters tape to manually hold Film A in place.
Step 5
Printing of the design with white base layer, color layer and clear coat was selected in the RIP software. After printing the three layers of ink on film A, film A is removed and adhered to a metal plate with a small adhesive tape, and finally a laminating operation is performed with film B, by means of a laminator set to 190’F / 88’C.
(Film A and Film B are two rolls of material, not layered films from the same roll of film material. The size specification of the metal plate is usually the same as the commonly used print size.)
Step 6
Remove the laminating films A and B from the sheet metal and trim them into individual “transfer sheets” as necessary. Prepare the transfer with the A side facing up and the B side touching the substrate. Release the edge of one corner of Film B and gently peel Film A from Film B until it is completely removed. Try to keep the film at 180 degrees when peeling it off.
Step 7
Flatten film B evenly from one side to the other, smoothing out any air bubbles between the film and the substrate as you go. Just like applying a cell phone protective film.
Step 8
After the transfer is smooth, pressed, and free of air bubbles. Peel off film B as you did film A, taking care to move smoothly. Wait for the transfer pattern to rest for 24 hours and then perform an adhesion test.
Conclusion
UV DTF AB film is a direct-to-film printing technology that simplifies production by printing designs on a flexible, adhesive-coated film before transferring them to various substrates.
The films—available in standard, glitter, and metallic versions—consist of two parts: a printable film with a protective adhesive layer and a release film for transfer.
Ideal for hard, smooth surfaces, the process involves precise printing of multiple ink layers. Laminating the film, and careful transfer to ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish.
