Before we explore what the hot melting powder does, let's first address what it actually is. In a literal sense, think of the hot melt powder as finely ground plastic—almost sand-like. The powder is measured in GSM (Grams per Square Meter) and typically falls in the 120 range. This special adhesive powder is used for bonding materials like fabrics or textiles. Its value lies in high durability, elasticity, water resistance, and superior cost efficiency compared to conventional adhesives.

A good powder should be safety-tested and certified with an OEKO-TEK passport, indicating no risk of air pollution or exposure to toxicity during the production/application process. For safety purposes, wearing gloves or protective eyewear, especially if you have sensitive skin, might be advised. Once melted down to a specific temperature range, this powder serves as a robust bonding agent for applications requiring lasting adhesion.

Direct to film transfers won't apply without melting powder. Single-piece, small-run sheets, or direct-to-garment machine-printed DTF transfers can be applied by hand or with a dedicated powdering machine. In a production setting, a roll-to-roll powder machine is far more efficient. Printed images on a film roll are fed into a powdering station where the adhesive is applied to the wet print. The powdered film is then agitated to remove excess around the image and fed into a conveyor dryer for curing. The prints can wait a bit before powder application, allowing the ink to be tacky enough for a secure hold. Once the powder is dried to the print via heat, the printed transfer is ready to be pressed, stored, shipped out, or sold as a service.

This past summer, we covered what dye migration is, how it can affect our final product, and the role black melting powder can play to prevent this. Dye migration occurs when the fabric color or pattern sublimates into your print, distorting it. Black powder is a proven dye blocker, offering an easy fix if you encounter dye migration during your DTF process. It's worth mentioning that the DTF Station line of Prestige direct-to-film printers provides white ink layer control to prevent migration.

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