Polyurethane film: PLOTTER FLEX: (200-300 - 400 and 600 Series) REQUIrED EQUIPMENT Q A plotter Q A heat press Q Plotter Flex Q A textile Q A TEFLEX protection sheet, or silicone paper or parchment paper (optional) CHARACTERISTICS Plotter films for heat transfer: 200 Series 300 Series 400 Series 600 Series Thickness (µm) 90 70 110 120 Material of thefilm Polyurethane Polyurethane and Polyamide Reflictive For fabric Cotton 690C Polyester Nylon 697N Sublimated For further technical information refer to the data sheet available on the Professionals pages of our website www.hexisgraphics.com. CONTENTS 1. RECOMMENDATIONS:... 2 STORE YOUR FILMS UNDER GOOD CONDITIONS Keep the films away from sources of heat (radiators, direct exposure to sunlight...). Shelf life: 1 year if stored in its original packing at a temperature between 15 and 25 C (59 and 77 F) and between 30 and 70% relative humidity. 2. CUTTING THE FILMS:... 2 2.1. Introduction to plotting:...2 2.2. Preliminary plotting test:...2 2.3. Mirror plotting and weeding:...3 3. OF THE GRAPHIC:... 3 3.1. Parameters of the heat press:...3 3.2. Preheat the textile:...3 3.3. Position the graphic:...4 3.4. Pressing:...4 3.5. Removal of the liner while warm or cold:...4 3.6. Position a second graphic:...4 3.7. Pressing:...4 3.8. Removal of the liner while warm or cold:...5 3.9. Final result:...5 4. Care of textiles with plotter Flex:... 5 Application methods are based upon HEXIS experience and are non restrictive. In order to make application of HEXIS films easier, comply with instructions. HEXIS also offers training courses which are required complements for optimised application of the products. 1/5
1. RECOMMENDATIONS: Q To confirm the compatibility between the FLEX and the fabric refer to the chart on page 1. Q It is recommended to carry out a preliminary test to check the resistance of the fabric to the press temperature and the compatibility of the Flex with the fabric. Q Apply on a previously washed fabric. Q For optimum durability avoid application of the FLEX over seam and stitching. 2. CUTTINg ThE FILMS: The films should preferable be stored in the same environmental conditions as the plotter. Important note specific to Flex600: The Flex600 films carry a soft blue-green protection film on their surface. This film must be removed before plotting the film. The pressure of the blade is to be adjusted according to the film. It is recommended to carry put a plotting test before starting a production run. With too high a pressure the liner may suffer scarification which could allow the adhesive to penetrate which would make the weeding process much harder. In all cases it is anyhow recommended to weed material right after cutting. 2.1. Introduction to plotting: The smallest possible size to be cut depends on the conditions of the blade, the pressure, the cutting speed and on the plotter. In general an acceptable height is 10mm (0.4in), serifs of 1.5mm (0.05in), at medium speed and with a blade in good condition. Smaller letters can obtained by reducing the speed. Plotter blade FIG 01 FIG 02 FIG 03 Film Adhesive Liner For instance on a ROLAND GX24 cutting plotter the recommended medium speed is 20cm/ second. Note: In all cases carefully read the operating manual of the cutting plotter and carry out a preliminary test. The blade must cut the polyurethane film and the adhesive surface. (FIG. 01) A blunt and worn blade will interfere with the quality of the cut and will require a higher pressure. Weeding will also be less easy. 2.2. Preliminary plotting test: In order to set the plotters parameters, we advise you to make a preliminary test: Q Cut a square of 10cm x10cm (4in x 4in). Q Weed (FIG. 02) (FIG. 03): remove any excess material. Q Check: Q that the cut square adheres well on the liner. Q that the liner has not suffered any cuts. Q Weeding will be easy and efficient if the plotter is properly set up (pressure, speed, condition of the blade). 2/5
2.3. Mirror plotting and weeding: Q Remove the thin protection film on the surface of the Flex (for Flex600 only). (FIG. 04) FIG 04 Q Cut a mirror image. (FIG. 05) Q Weed (FIG. 06) (FIG. 07) (FIG. 08) : remove any excess material. FIG 05 FIG 06 FIG 07 FIG 08 3. OF THE GRAPHIC: 3.1. Parameters of the heat press: (FIG. 09). Q Pressure: medium depending on the type of press used. 3.2. Preheat the textile: Purpose: remove humidity from the textile. FIG 09 Q Position the textile. (FIG. 10) FIG 10 Q Press to preheat the textile. (FIG. 11) Q Time: 3 seconds FIG 11 3/5
3.3. Position the graphic: FIG 12 Q Once the fabric is again at a normal temperature position the lettering/graphic (FIG. 12) viewed in the normal reading direction (the liner is on top and the polyurethane film must be in direct contact with the fabric). (FIG. 13) FIG 13 3.4. Pressing: (FIG. 14) Q Time: 20 seconds FIG 14 Note: For better protection of the fabric you may insert a TEFLEX protection sheet between the Flex and the hot plate. In this case use the following press parameters: 180 C (356 F)during 30 seconds. 3.5. Remove the liner while warm or cold: (FIG. 15) (FIG. 16) Q Temperature of the textile between 30 C and 60 C (86 F and 140 F). Special case: the removal of the liner of the Flex697N must be done at approx. 30 C (86 F). FIG 15 FIG 16 3.6. Position the second graphic: (FIG. 17) Q As a precaution you may protect the entire graphic with the liner removed at the preceding step. FIG 17 3.7. Pressing: (FIG. 18) Q Time: 20 seconds FIG 18 4/5
3.8. Remove the liner while warm or cold: (FIG. 19) Q Temperature of the textile comprised between 30 C et 60 C (86 F and 140 F). FIG 19 3.9. Final result: (FIG. 20) For best results and optimum adhesion: Q Place either the TEFLEX protection sheet or a sheet of parchment paper or silicone paper on the surface of the graphic Q Different results and finishes can be obtained depending on the protection sheet used with a second pass in the heat press. (silicone paper => siliconed side on the image side) Silicone paper siliconed side on the image side Q Press both layers. FIG 20 Q Temperature: 170 C (338 F) Q Time: 10 seconds This passage results in a better penetration of the Flex film in the fibres of the fabric and improved durability. 4. CarE of TEXTIlEs WITh PloTTEr FlEX: Q After this pass, wait for 24 hours minimum before washing the garment. Q Machine wash at 40 C (104 F) maximum. Q Use laundry products without bleach. Q Tumble dryer not recommended. Q We recommend you was and iron the garment inside out. For further information of a technical nature, refer to to Technical Data Sheets available for download from our website www.hexisgroup.com under professionals/ data sheets.` The great diversity of media and the ever growing number of possible applications commit the user to ensure that the product is suitable for each particular usage. The information given does not constitute a warranty. The seller assumes no liability for claims or damages beyond the replacement value of a product. Specifications are subject to changes without notice. Updates to specifications can be found on our website www.hexisgroup.com. HEXIS S.A. Z.I. Horizons Sud - CS 970003 F - 34118 FRONTIGNAN FRANCE www.hexisgroup.com Tel.: +33 4 67 18 66 80 Fax: +33 4 67 48 38 79 E-mail: info@hexis.fr 5/5