STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco – Holographic and iridescent heat transfer vinyl with metallic shine
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco is a professional and decorative heat transfer vinyl with a holographic effect, combining metallic shine, iridescent colour play and a glossy, smooth surface. The distinctive prism-like finish creates a vibrant rainbow effect that changes depending on the light, the placement of the design and the background colour of the textile.
CAD-CUT® Disco is developed for textile prints that need to be visible, decorative and different from designs made with standard single-colour flex film. When light hits the film from different angles, the holographic surface is enhanced and creates a dynamic colour play with metallic, glitter and chameleon-like characteristics.
At Signproduction.co.uk, STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco is an excellent choice for textile printers, clothing brands, sports clubs, associations and creative businesses looking for a professional holographic heat transfer vinyl for fashion, merchandise, events, workwear and personalised textile products.
What is STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco?
CAD-CUT® Disco is a cuttable heat transfer vinyl for textiles, processed with a cutting plotter and applied to garments using a heat press. The film has a glossy and smooth surface with an iridescent, prism-like colour effect.
The material combines several decorative effects in one film:
- Holographic rainbow effect
- Metallic shine
- Iridescent chameleon look
- Glossy and smooth finish
- Subtle glitter effect
The visual effect is influenced by the background colour of the textile. The same film design can therefore appear different on black, white and coloured garments. This makes it possible to create individual designs with different contrasts and colour experiences.
Prism-like colour play with rainbow effect
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco reflects light in different directions and creates a vibrant rainbow effect. When the textile moves, the shine and colour intensity of the design changes, giving the finished textile print more depth and movement.
The effect works especially well on designs with clear surfaces, letters and graphic shapes. Even a simple text or minimalist logo can achieve a bold and exclusive look when produced with CAD-CUT® Disco.
The film can be used for, among other things:
- Logos and brand names
- Names and decorative text
- Graphic symbols and illustrations
- Party and event designs
- Merchandise and fan products
- Fashion and lifestyle designs
- Creative details and eye-catching effects
Beautiful effect on different textile colours
CAD-CUT® Disco changes its visual appearance depending on the colour of the textile underneath the film. On dark textiles, the metallic and holographic effect can appear deep and high-contrast, while light textiles can create a softer and more colourful result.
It is therefore recommended to test the chosen Disco colour on the specific garment before starting larger production. A test makes it possible to assess contrast, colour play and the overall visual effect.
CAD-CUT® Disco is available in colour variants including:
- Blue – 2001
- Green – 2002
- Red – 2003
- Golden Yellow – 2004
Sticky carrier for precise positioning
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco has a sticky carrier, which keeps the cut elements of the design securely in place during weeding and positioning. This makes the workflow more controlled, especially with letters, separate shapes and designs with several smaller elements.
If a small detail lifts during weeding, it can normally be placed back onto the sticky carrier before heat pressing. This makes it easier to maintain the correct spacing and positioning between the individual parts of the design.
The manufacturer recommends a minimum line thickness of approximately 1.5 mm. Very fine lines and small details should always be test cut, as the design, cutting plotter and blade condition all affect the result.
Easy cutting and weeding
CAD-CUT® Disco can be processed with a standard cutting plotter. The correct blade depth, cutting force and speed depend on the cutting plotter model, the age of the blade and the level of detail in the design.
Always carry out a test cut before final production. The blade should cut through the heat transfer vinyl itself without cutting through the underlying carrier. Too little cutting pressure can make weeding difficult, while too much pressure can damage the carrier film.
For weeding, STAHLS' EZ Weeder®, LED Weeder, LED Pin or suitable tweezers can be used.
Application at 150 °C for 10 seconds
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco is applied using the following standard settings:
- Temperature: 150 °C
- Pressing time: 10 seconds
- Pressure: Medium
- Hotronix® level: Approx. 4–6
- Carrier removal: Warm Peel
After heat pressing, remove the carrier film while warm using Warm Peel. Allow the design to cool briefly, then remove the carrier with a calm and even motion while the design is still warm or lukewarm.
Use a heat press with stable temperature and even pressure across the entire design. Uneven pressure, insufficient heat or an uneven press surface can affect the film’s adhesion and the finished holographic surface.
For garments with seams, zips, pockets or buttons, a suitable heat press pillow or smaller lower platen is recommended, so the design has even contact with the heat press.
Suitable for cotton and polyester
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco can be used on the following textile types:
- 100% cotton
- 100% polyester after prior testing
- Polyester and cotton blends
The material compatibility makes the film suitable for T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sportswear, clubwear, workwear, fashion products and merchandise.
When applying to polyester, the film must always be tested before production. Polyester dyes, surface treatments and heat resistance can vary and may affect adhesion and the final colour of the design.
Benefits of STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco
- Holographic effect: Gives the design a modern and eye-catching prism look.
- Iridescent colour play: Colours and shine change depending on light and viewing angle.
- Metallic surface: Adds an exclusive look to logos and text.
- Rainbow effect: Reflects several colour tones when the textile moves.
- Glossy and smooth finish: Creates a polished and professional result.
- Sticky carrier: Holds separate elements of the design in place during weeding.
- Easy processing: Can be cut and weeded with a standard cutting plotter.
- Warm Peel: The carrier film is removed while the design is still warm.
- Efficient application: Pressed at 150 °C for 10 seconds.
- Creative eye-catcher: Ideal for fashion, merchandise, events and special designs.
Not recommended for layered designs
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco is not recommended for multi-layer prints where Disco is placed on top of another heat transfer vinyl, or where additional film layers are heat pressed on top of the Disco surface.
For multi-colour designs, the individual elements should instead be placed next to each other, so each film section has direct contact with the textile. The design can, for example, be divided into separate letters, symbols or colour areas.
This method helps preserve the smooth, holographic surface while reducing the overall heat impact on the textile.
Application areas and target groups
CAD-CUT® Disco is suitable for creative and professional textile productions where the finished design needs to attract extra attention:
- Fashion and lifestyle clothing
- Merchandise and fan products
- Festival and concert clothing
- Event and campaign clothing
- Sportswear and clubwear
- Workwear and promotional clothing
- Dancewear and performance clothing
- Party and birthday clothing
- Personalised gifts and special productions
- Logos, text and graphic illustrations
The film can be used as the main material in a complete design or as a single decorative element that adds metallic shine and holographic depth.
Efficient workflow with CAD-CUT® Disco
Working with STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco follows the standard process for cuttable heat transfer vinyl:
- Create the design in your preferred design software.
- Mirror the design before cutting.
- Ensure a minimum line thickness of approximately 1.5 mm.
- Carry out a test cut and adjust the cutting settings.
- Cut the design with a suitable cutting plotter.
- Remove the excess film around the design.
- Place the design on the textile with the carrier side facing up.
- Press the design at 150 °C for 10 seconds.
- Use medium pressure corresponding to level 4–6 on Hotronix®.
- Remove the carrier film while warm using Warm Peel.
For heat pressing, a Grip cover sheet or a non-stick coated cover sheet is recommended to protect the textile, the design and the heat press.
Washing and care
Textiles decorated with STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco can be washed at up to 40 °C, provided that the garment’s own care instructions allow this temperature.
Turn the garment inside out before washing and ironing. The textile can be tumble dried on a gentle programme, but the finished design is not suitable for dry cleaning.
Avoid liquid detergent, bleach, fabric softener and washing capsules, as aggressive ingredients may affect the film. Also avoid ironing directly on the glossy surface. Iron the garment from the reverse side only.
Available roll sizes
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco is available from Signproduction.co.uk in several practical roll sizes:
- 50 cm × 5 m
- 50 cm × 10 m
- 50 cm × 15 m
- 50 cm × 20 m
- 50 cm × 25 m
The fixed width of 50 cm is suitable for professional cutting plotters, while the different roll lengths make it possible to choose film for both smaller special jobs and larger production runs.
Film specifications
DISCO
Effect
Holographic rainbow effect
Weeding
Easy from 1.5 mm lines
Carrier
Sticky | Warm Peel
Ironing
Reverse side only
Washing temperature
Up to 40 °C
Application
150 °C – 10 sec.
Pressure
Medium, level 4–6 on Hotronix®
Material thickness
165 microns
Holographic impact for professional textile prints
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco combines glossy metallic shine with a vibrant holographic rainbow effect. The result is a decorative textile print that changes appearance according to the light, the movement of the textile and the background colour.
The film is particularly suitable for fashion, merchandise, events and creative products where the design needs to be a central and eye-catching part of the overall look.
Order STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco from Signproduction.co.uk
At Signproduction.co.uk, you will find STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Disco in several practical roll lengths. The film combines holographic colour play, metallic shine, a sticky carrier and easy processing in one highly effective solution.
Need advice on choosing holographic heat transfer vinyl, a cutting plotter, heat press or accessories? You are welcome to contact us.
Contact us at [email protected] – we are ready to help you find the right solution for your textile production.
