STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective – Professional reflective vinyl for visible textile printing
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective is a highly reflective heat transfer vinyl developed for designs that need to be more visible in poor lighting conditions. When light hits the silver-coloured surface, it is clearly reflected, making logos, text, symbols and graphic designs stand out prominently.
The reflective effect makes this vinyl suitable for workwear, sportswear, club clothing, running gear, promotional clothing and other textile products where visibility is an important part of the design. CAD-CUT® Reflective is certified according to DIN 20471 and can be used in solutions for visibility- and safety-related applications.
At Signproduction.co.uk, STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective is an ideal choice for textile printers, companies, sports clubs, associations and sign makers looking for a professional reflective vinyl for textile printing. The vinyl combines high reflectivity, efficient heat pressing and good compatibility with several popular textile materials.
What is STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective?
CAD-CUT® Reflective is a cuttable reflective heat transfer vinyl. The material is cut in mirror image using a cutting plotter, weeded and transferred to the textile with a heat press.
The surface of the vinyl reflects incoming light and thereby increases the visibility of the design in darkness and limited lighting conditions. The effect becomes particularly noticeable when the design is hit by car headlights, bicycle lights, work lights or a camera flash.
CAD-CUT® Reflective is available in silver and has a material thickness of 140 microns. The vinyl creates a clear and professional design without the heavy texture often associated with certain decorative glitter and effect films.
Certified according to DIN 20471
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective is certified according to DIN 20471. This makes the vinyl particularly relevant for workwear and other textiles where the reflective function has practical value.
The reflective vinyl can be used for:
- Company names and logos on workwear
- Text and symbols on high-visibility clothing
- Logos on running and cycling apparel
- Clubwear and cycling clothing
- Club names on sportswear
- Decorative reflective details on merchandise
- Names and graphic designs on jackets and sweatshirts
- Reflective details on bags and textile products
The certification of the vinyl does not necessarily mean that a finished textile product automatically meets all requirements for certified safety clothing. The construction of the finished product, reflective area and placement must always be assessed in relation to the intended use and relevant requirements.
Increased visibility in poor lighting conditions
The reflective surface makes the design more visible when hit by light. In normal daylight, the vinyl appears as an even silver-coloured heat transfer vinyl, while direct illumination creates a strong and clear reflective effect.
This makes CAD-CUT® Reflective suitable for both functional and decorative designs. The vinyl can be used to make an entire logo reflective or for smaller details that highlight specific parts of a design.
On dark textiles, a strong contrast is often achieved between the silver-coloured vinyl and the background of the garment. The vinyl can also be used on light and coloured textiles, provided that the material is compatible with the recommended temperature and pressing time.
Suitable for larger and simple designs
CAD-CUT® Reflective has a non-sticky carrier. This means that the carrier does not hold loose elements in place in the same way as an adhesive carrier film.
The vinyl is therefore particularly suitable for larger designs and artwork with connected surfaces, such as:
- Large company names
- Simple logos
- Numbers and letters
- Graphic symbols
- Back prints
- Reflective stripes and markings
The manufacturer recommends a minimum line thickness of approximately 3 mm. Very small letters, thin lines and designs with many loose details may be more difficult to handle due to the non-sticky carrier.
Remove the protective film before cutting
CAD-CUT® Reflective is supplied with a protective film that must be removed before cutting the material. This is an important step, as the protective layer can otherwise affect both the cutting and subsequent weeding process.
Follow this process before cutting:
- Remove the protective film from the surface of the reflective material.
- Place the material correctly in the cutting plotter.
- Mirror the design in the cutting software.
- Carry out a test cut.
- Check that the vinyl has been cut without damaging the carrier.
The optimum cutting settings depend on the cutting plotter model, blade angle and condition, cutting speed and design layout. Always carry out a test cut before final production.
Two-step application at 150 °C
STAHLS' current application instructions specify a two-step heat pressing process. The vinyl is first pressed for 5 seconds, after which the carrier is removed hot. The design is then covered and pressed again for a further 5 seconds.
- Temperature: 150 °C
- First pressing time: 5 seconds
- Carrier: Remove hot with Hot Peel
- Second pressing: 5 seconds
- Total pressing time: 10 seconds
- Pressure: Medium
- Hotronix® level: Approx. 4–6
After the first press, remove the carrier film immediately and carefully in one smooth motion. Then place a Grip cover sheet or a non-stick coated cover sheet over the design and press again for a further 5 seconds.
The second press helps ensure stable adhesion between the reflective vinyl and the textile. Always use a heat press with even temperature and consistent pressure across the entire design.
Suitable for several textile types
According to the current application instructions, STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective can be used on the following materials:
- 100% cotton
- Cotton and polyester blends
- 100% polyester after prior testing
- Sublimation-dyed polyester after prior testing
- 100% nylon after prior testing
- Nylon blends after prior testing
For polyester, sublimation-dyed polyester, nylon and coated textiles, a test must always be carried out before production. Textile dyes, impregnation, coatings and heat resistance may vary and affect the adhesion of the vinyl.
The textile must also be able to withstand a temperature of 150 °C and the recommended medium pressure. Always follow the garment manufacturer’s washing and application instructions.
Benefits of STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective
- Strong reflection: Increases the visibility of the design when hit by light.
- DIN 20471 certified: Suitable for visibility- and safety-related applications.
- Professional silver finish: Provides a clean and functional look in daylight.
- Efficient application: Total heat pressing time of 10 seconds.
- Hot Peel: The carrier film is removed hot after the first press.
- 140 microns: Creates a clear reflective surface without a very heavy structure.
- Wide material compatibility: Can be used on cotton, polyester, nylon and blends after testing.
- Suitable for large designs: Ideal for logos, text, numbers and graphic symbols.
- Washable up to 40 °C: Suitable for everyday garments and promotional products.
- Professional visibility: Combines practical reflectivity with decorative textile customisation.
Not suitable for layering or overprinting
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective is not designed for overprinting or layered designs. Other heat transfer vinyls should therefore not be heat pressed on top of the Reflective surface.
For multi-colour designs, the individual vinyl elements should be placed next to each other so that each element 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 surface of the reflective vinyl and ensures that the reflective effect is not covered by other materials.
Applications and target groups
CAD-CUT® Reflective can be used for many types of functional and decorative textile decoration:
- Workwear and corporate clothing
- Promotional clothing and branded apparel
- Running and cycling apparel
- Sportswear and club clothing
- Jackets and outerwear
- Bags and textile products
- Event and campaign clothing
- Merchandise and fan products
- Logos, names and company names
- Reflective symbols and graphic markings
The vinyl is suitable for professional textile printers, companies, sports clubs, associations and manufacturers that want to combine branding with increased visibility.
Efficient workflow with CAD-CUT® Reflective
Follow this workflow to achieve a consistent result:
- Remove the protective film from the surface of the reflective material.
- Create and mirror the design in your design software.
- Ensure a minimum line thickness of approximately 3 mm.
- Carry out a test cut and adjust the cutting settings.
- Cut the design with a suitable cutting plotter.
- Remove the excess vinyl around the design.
- Place the design on the textile with the carrier side facing up.
- Press at 150 °C for 5 seconds with medium pressure.
- Remove the carrier film hot using Hot Peel.
- Cover the design with a suitable cover sheet.
- Press again at 150 °C for a further 5 seconds.
- Check the adhesion before packing or using the textile.
For weeding, STAHLS' EZ Weeder®, LED Weeder, LED Pin or suitable tweezers are recommended. For heat pressing, a Grip cover sheet or a non-stick coated cover sheet is recommended.
Washing and care
Textiles decorated with STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective 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 reflective vinyl is not suitable for dry cleaning or tumble drying.
The manufacturer advises against using liquid detergent, bleach, fabric softener and washing capsules, as aggressive ingredients may damage the vinyl. Also avoid ironing directly on the reflective design. Iron the garment from the reverse side only.
Available roll sizes
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective 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
Vinyl specifications
REFLECTIVE
Effect
Highly reflective
DIN 20471
Certification
Certified reflective vinyl
Processing
Minimum 3 mm lines
Carrier
Non-sticky
Hot Peel
Ironing
Reverse side only
Wash temperature
Up to 40 °C
Application
150 °C – 5 sec.
Hot Peel + second press 5 sec.
Pressure
Medium, level 4–6 on Hotronix®
Material thickness
140 microns
Reflective visibility for professional textile printing
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective combines professional textile decoration with a powerful reflective function. The design has a simple silver-coloured appearance in normal light and becomes significantly more visible when the surface is hit by direct illumination.
The vinyl is therefore an excellent choice for workwear, sports products, club clothing and promotional apparel where logos and text need to remain visible in changing lighting conditions.
Order STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective from Signproduction.co.uk
At Signproduction.co.uk, you will find STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Reflective for professional textile production. The vinyl combines strong reflection, DIN 20471 certification and efficient heat pressing in a professional solution for visible textile prints.
Do you need advice on choosing reflective 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.
