HOT STAMPING FOILS
The thin layers of metallic or pigmented film used in the hot stamping process are called hot stamping foils. This method entails applying foil or dry ink to a surface at a high temperature. The end product is a decorative finish that gives a variety of products a hint of sophistication and elegance.
For over years, Foilkaft has been offering high-quality foils for hot stamping. We take great pride in our standing as a leading global provider of high-impact, high-performance foils that are used to adorn a variety of products. This article will examine Foilkraft's wide array of foil-related services as well as our industry-leading selection of decorative foils.
Composition of Hot Stamp Foil
The purpose of metallized hot stamping foils is to apply a decorative or functional layer to a substrate by means of
Layered Structure of Hot Stamp Foils
- Carrier Layer: The carrier layer, which is usually composed of a thin polyester film, is the topmost layer of hot stamp foil. This layer is essential for the mechanical handling of the foil during the stamping process and serves as the glue that holds the other layers together. Supporting the foil as it unwinds from a roll and passes through the stamping machine is its main function.
- Release Layer: The release layer, which is located beneath the carrier layer, is essential to the stamping procedure. When exposed to heat and pressure, this layer—which is frequently composed of a substance resembling wax—allows the other layers of the foil to separate from the carrier layer. The degree to which the stamped design is precise and clear depends on how well this layer works.
- Lacquer or Colour Layer: This layer gives the foil its color or decorative element. Depending on the desired effect, it can be a metallic layer, pigmented layer, or transparent or opaque lacquer. For example, pigmented foils use coloured lacquers, while metallic foils use a thin layer of metal, like aluminum, to give a shiny, reflective finish.
- Metal Layer: This layer, which is often made of aluminum, gives metallic foils their opacity and reflective qualities. This layer enhances the foil's metallic appearance and adds to its visual appeal.
- Adhesive Layer: The adhesive layer, which is the lowest layer, is what attaches the foil to the substrate. This layer becomes activated by heat and pressure during the stamping process. Depending on the kind of substrate—paper, plastic, or screen-printing ink, for example—the adhesive layer's composition changes.
Types of Hot Stamp Foil
Metalized Foils
Foilkraft’s metalized foils provide high-impact visual performance with a premium, mirrored finish. We offer various colors and finishes, including both glossy and matte.
The allure of metalized hot stamping foils is their capacity to enhance an item's or product's visual impact. The product stands out due to its metallic finish, which catches light and the eye. These foils also have a reputation for being strong and resistant to fading, which guarantees that the products will keep their high-end appearance over time.
Metalized foils are frequently used on plastic and varnished substrates for a variety of products, such as applications in the automotive, appliance, personal care, cosmetic, and fragrance industries.
Pigmented Foils
Foilkraft provides custom pantone PMS colors in addition to pigmented foils in the entire color spectrum. There are effects like high- and semi-gloss available.
The ability of pigmented hot stamping foils to produce vivid, clear, and sharp colors has made them popular. When a strong color contrast is desired, they work especially well on darker substrates. These foils are also prized for their longevity and ability to withstand fading, which guarantees that the colors will stay vibrant over time.
Our pigmented foils are used to decorate a variety of items, such as tools, automobiles, medical equipment, electronics, and home appliances.
Special Effect Foils
We have a large selection of foils with special effects, such as half mirror, holographic, brushed effect, and second skin.
Our embossed metalized foils, also known as tapes, are holographic silver and gold foils that can be used to create zebra, chess, ring, marble, rainbow, sand, and other effects.
Our complete range of metalized foils can be used to achieve these effects.
Products with a matte or glossy finish can look luxuriously brushed thanks to brush effect metalized foils.
The purpose of second surface foils is to print decoration on the underside of plastic that is intended to be seen through or read from the top.
Lastly, semi-reflective metalized foils with varying degrees of transparency are known as half mirror foils.
Heat Transfer Label Foils
Foilkraft is well-versed in the performance and process requirements of heat transfer label foils, having supplied a vast range of heat transfer equipment and consumable supplies.
We collaborate closely with our partners to find the heat transfer label foils that best meet the particular design and performance specifications of each application.
Heat transfer labels provide designers the freedom to incorporate complex details and vivid colors.
Foil Selection
Our market-leading expertise in decorative foils allows Foilkraft to pinpoint the optimal foil for your unique application. Our experts consider a wide range of factors including product substrate characteristics, geometry, and required throughput speeds. We also consider artwork complexity, required decoration durability, and desired visual impact.
Foil Slitting
Our advanced foil-slitting services allow Foilkraft to deliver just the size you need. We provide slitting as narrow as 12 mm and can ensure film is slit to meet your unique needs. Customers appreciate how our large foil rolls reduce changeover frequency. We provide metallic foil rolls up to 6000 linear meters in length and pigmented foil rolls up to 1000 linear meters in length.
Color Matching
Since color is so important to branding, we take great care to make sure that the color foil our customers receive exactly suits their needs. Our 4-step process will produce the exact color you need, whether you need to match an existing color or create a custom hue.
Stamping foil production is a multi-step process that needs specialized tools. Using heat and pressure, stamping foils are used to apply metallic, holographic, or other decorative finishes to a substrate like paper, plastic, or fabric. An outline of the production process is provided below:
A. Materials Needed:
- Polyester Film: Serves as the carrier for the stamping foil. It must be durable and heat-resistant.
- Release Layer: Allows the foil to be easily separated from the polyester film during the stamping process.
- Color Layer: Provides the desired color, which can be metallic, holographic, or other finishes.
- Adhesive Layer: Bonds the foil to the substrate during the stamping process.
B. Production Process:
Step 1: Coating the Release Layer
- A release coating is applied to the polyester film to allow the foil to separate easily from the carrier film during the stamping process.
- This layer typically consists of silicone or wax-based chemicals.
Step 2: Applying the Color Layer
- After the release layer, a color layer is added, which could be a metallic layer (like aluminum), a holographic pattern, or any other decorative finish.
- For metallic foils, a vacuum metalizing process is used to deposit a thin layer of aluminum onto the polyester film.
Step 3: Adding the Protective Layer (Optional)
- For added durability, a protective layer can be applied over the color layer. This helps protect the metallic finish from scratching or abrasion.
Step 4: Applying the Adhesive Layer
- An adhesive layer is then coated onto the film. This adhesive will bond with the substrate when heat and pressure are applied.
- The type of adhesive used depends on the substrate and the intended application (e.g., hot stamping, cold stamping).
Step 5: Drying and Curing
- The coated film is passed through a drying oven to remove any solvents and to cure the layers, ensuring they are firmly bonded to the polyester film.
Step 6: Slitting and Rewinding
- The finished foil is then slit into narrower rolls of the desired width and rewound onto spools. These rolls are then ready for use in hot stamping or other transfer processes.
3. Quality Control:
- The final product undergoes quality checks to ensure uniformity, correct thickness, proper adhesion, and the absence of defects like pinholes or uneven coating.
4. Safety and Environmental Considerations:
- Proper handling of chemicals and coatings is essential to ensure worker safety and environmental compliance.
- Recycling or safe disposal of waste materials and solvents should be part of the production plan.
5. Equipment Used:
- Coating Machine: For applying various layers on the polyester film.
- Vacuum Metalizing Machine: For depositing metallic layers.
- Drying Oven: For curing the coatings.
- Slitting Machine: For cutting the finished foil into rolls.
Producing stamping foils requires careful control of the coating processes and conditions to achieve the desired quality and performance of the foil.
Stamping foils
