ImagesMagUK_March_2022

TIPS & TECHNIQUES www.images-magazine.com 60 images MARCH 2022 STEP-BY-STEP: LAYERING HTV When you work with CadCam HTV, your artwork has to be mirrored. To work with multiple colours, a layering file needs to be created that relates to the number of colours and films chosen. Here, as there are three different films, the file has three layers. Before applying the film, B-Flex recommends pressing the area of the garment that is to be personalised for three seconds in order to remove any humidity and ensure a perfect glue grip. Put the metallic-gold Special Gimme5 film in place. Press it at 140°C for four seconds with a medium pressure. When cutting films, the main factor to get right is the plotter cut setting and the blade status. You need to check the spec sheet and change the blade depending on the film's thickness. It’s important to carry out a cut test for each film before starting. For the BF Fatty, the blade is set at 60° and the force has to be greater than with the other films, but the speed must be slow. The roll must be inserted with the liner facing the floor so the blade cuts the soft part of the film. Put the first layer – the grey Gimme5 – on the hoodie and press at 140°C for four seconds at a medium pressure. Remove the liner while hot. It’s important to press the Special Gimme5 for just four seconds so the BF Fatty maintains its thickness and creates a 3D effect. Remove the liner hot. After cutting all three films, you need to weed the excess material. You can do this using the B-Flex Weeder. Next, place the black BF Fatty film on the Gimme5. Set the press to 150°C and press for 15 seconds at a low pressure. Remove the liner cold. The final product: a personalised hoodie with three different flex films applied using a multi-layer technique. 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9