Problems With My Hot Stamping Glass Filled Nylon

Glass Filled Nylon

• Glass filled nylon, despite the confusing name, is actually a type of plastic made from nylon material. Nylon is an inexpensive and versatile plastic material, but it is not always the best material to make strong, durable plastics out of. Manufacturers solve the problem by lining the nylon with internal glass fibers, like those used to make fiberglass, so it becomes strong enough for a variety of uses.

Poor Prints

• If your hot stamping onto the glass filled nylon surface is not working correctly, check your settings. If the dye is too hot, or there is too much pressure, the stamping technique will distort the image. Weak impressions are a sign of insufficient air pressure. If the film itself has flaws or inconsistencies, these will be transferred over to the plastic surface. Adherence issues, on the other hand, are a sign of insufficient cure times, air trapped under the foil, or coatings that may be present on the glass filled nylon which are resisting the bonding process.

Nylon Materials

• Glass filled nylon comes in different grades, and may be combined with other plastic materials. The percentage of glass in the nylon can vary considerably, and some of the plastics are pre-colored when they are manufactured. These variations can all affect stamping quality. You may want to consider switching to a different type of stamping, or another nylon material more suitable for stamping, with less fiber content or no included dyes.

Switching Stamping Materials

• Die materials can range from silicone rubber to copper, steel or magnesium. If you are stuck with a particular glass filled nylon material, consider switching to a different type of die instead to better deal with your project. Copper is ideal for shallow, intricate work, while steel can generate high pressures for long periods of time.