Decorating film means balancing three things that pull against each other: enough heat to transfer, little enough heat to avoid shrinkage, and enough tension control to keep a thin web flat under a heated die. This page sets out the working limits.
Heat limits by film type
| Film | Distortion risk | Typical stamping range | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOPP | High — shrinks readily | 100–120 °C | Shortest dwell; film-grade foil |
| PET / BOPET | Low | 120–140 °C | Most tolerant film |
| PVC | Medium | 110–130 °C | Plasticiser can migrate into the bond |
| PE film | High | 100–120 °C | Treat first; very short dwell |
| Laminated structures | Depends on outer layer | Match the outer layer | Test the actual laminate |
Tension, flatness and registration
- Thin webs distort under uneven tension; a stamped image that looks stretched is usually a tension problem, not a die problem.
- Keep dwell short and increase pressure slightly rather than holding a thin film against a hot die.
- For long metallic areas on film, cold foil inline usually beats hot stamping — no heat and no die means no distortion.
- Check the treated side. Films are frequently corona treated on one side only, and stamping the wrong face fails every time.
Cold foil as the alternative
Cold foil applies a UV adhesive by plate, laminates the foil to it and strips the carrier — all at ambient temperature and press speed. For film that means no shrinkage and no die cost, at the price of slightly lower brilliance than hot foil and a dependence on the adhesive's cure. Where a design combines a metallic base with overprinted colour, cold foil is also the only practical route.
MOQ and lead time by product
Minimum order quantity and production lead time for the products used in this industry. Each row links straight to the product page with full specifications.
| Product | MOQ | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Stamping Foil | 500 sqm | 7–15 days |
| LM-1100 Laminating Machine | 1 set | 30–45 days |
Frequently asked questions
What temperature can BOPP film take during hot stamping?
- Keep it around 100–120 °C with very short dwell. BOPP shrinks at temperatures paper tolerates easily, so a film-grade foil that transfers at the low end of the range is essential rather than optional.
Which film is easiest to hot stamp?
- PET and BOPET. Their higher surface energy and much better dimensional stability allow 120–140 °C with a conventional plastic- or film-grade foil, which is why they are used for the most demanding decorated film applications.
Should I use cold foil instead on flexible packaging?
- Cold foil is the better choice for large metallic areas, heat-sensitive webs and designs that overprint the metallic to create colours. Hot foil remains sharper and brighter for small registered elements such as logos and seals.
Why does foil only stick to one side of my film?
- Most films are corona treated on a single face. The treated side accepts the adhesive; the untreated side does not. Identify the treated face with a dyne test before setting up rather than after a failed run.
How do I stop the image stretching on a thin web?
- That is web tension, not the die. Reduce tension into the stamping station, keep dwell short, and confirm the film is not being pulled while it is in contact with the heated die.