STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff – Professional 3D heat transfer vinyl with a distinctive puff effect
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff is an expanding and eye-catching heat transfer vinyl with a 3D effect, giving logos, text and graphic designs a clearly raised surface. During heat pressing, the material expands significantly and creates a rounded, dimensional effect that makes the design stand out from the garment.
The distinctive puff effect makes this vinyl an ideal choice when standard flat flex film does not provide enough depth or visual impact. CAD-CUT® Puff can be used for fashion garments, merchandise, workwear, club clothing and creative special productions where the textile print should be a central part of the design.
At Signproduction.co.uk, STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff is suitable for textile printers, clothing brands, sign makers and creative businesses looking to offer unique textile prints with a professional and tactile 3D effect.
What is STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff?
CAD-CUT® Puff is a cuttable heat transfer vinyl for textiles that expands during heat pressing. The film is cut using a standard cutting plotter, weeded and positioned on the garment in the same way as traditional flex film. The major difference appears during pressing, when the material is activated by heat and rises into a distinctive 3D surface.
The finished effect is rounded and dimensional. The design gains more volume and becomes both visually and physically more noticeable than a traditional flat textile print. The puff effect can be used across the entire design or for selected elements such as letters, logos, shapes and decorative details.
Although the film expands significantly, it can still create precise and sharp edges. This makes it possible to work with clean typography, graphic shapes and creative designs where both volume and clear contours are important.
Create a decorative engraved effect
A special advantage of STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff is the option to incorporate cut lines into the design. Simple lines or cut-outs can prevent the material from rising in specific areas, creating an effect that resembles engraving in the expanded surface.
This technique can be used to add details, patterns and texture to an otherwise simple design. For example, you can create lines through letters, geometric patterns in larger areas or decorative markings within a logo.
The engraved effect makes CAD-CUT® Puff interesting for both minimalist designs and more complex creative layouts. Always carry out a test cut and test press so you can assess how line thickness, design size and press settings affect the finished 3D effect.
Ideal for hoodies and heavier garments
The bold and rounded puff effect is particularly well suited to heavier textiles, where the volume of the design complements the structure of the garment. The film is therefore ideal for:
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Heavy T-shirts
- Fashion and streetwear clothing
- Merchandise and fan products
- Club and association clothing
- Workwear and promotional clothing
- Event and campaign clothing
On hoodies, CAD-CUT® Puff can be used for large chest logos, brand names, back prints and decorative text. The raised surface gives the garment an exclusive and modern look often associated with custom merchandise and streetwear.
Application at 150 °C for 12 seconds
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff is applied using the following settings:
- Temperature: 150 °C
- Pressing time: 12 seconds
- Pressure: Medium
- Hotronix® level: Approx. 4–6
- Carrier removal: Hot Peel
After pressing, the carrier is removed while hot using Hot Peel. The carrier can therefore be peeled away immediately after heat pressing, while the design is still warm.
A stable heat press with even temperature and consistent pressure is important to achieve a uniform puff effect. If the pressure or temperature varies across the design, the material may expand unevenly.
We always recommend carrying out a test press on the chosen textile before starting larger production. The thickness, surface, composition and heat resistance of the garment can affect both adhesion and the finished 3D effect.
Suitable for cotton and polyester
CAD-CUT® Puff can be used on several of the most common materials for clothing and textile decoration:
- 100% cotton
- 100% polyester
- Polyester and cotton blends
The broad material compatibility makes the film suitable for many different textile products. When working with polyester, we recommend testing before production, as dyes, surface treatments and heat resistance can vary between different textiles.
The textile must be able to withstand the recommended temperature and the required pressure. For garments with zips, seams, pockets or other uneven areas, a suitable lower platen or pressing pillow should be used to ensure even pressure across the design.
Benefits of STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff
- Distinctive 3D effect: The material expands during heat pressing and creates a raised surface.
- Rounded puff finish: Gives the textile print a professional and dimensional shape.
- Sharp edges: The design retains clear contours even though the film expands.
- Engraved effect: Cut lines in the design can create decorative recessed areas in the surface.
- Hot Peel: The carrier is removed while hot immediately after pressing.
- Efficient application: Pressed at 150 °C for 12 seconds.
- Suitable for heavier textiles: Ideal for hoodies, sweatshirts and streetwear.
- Versatile use: Can be used on cotton, polyester and polyester/cotton blends.
- Creative design options: Suitable for logos, text, graphic shapes and custom designs.
- Professional visual impact: Adds depth, texture and an exclusive finish to garments.
Design with clear shapes and contrasts
CAD-CUT® Puff works particularly well for designs with clear shapes, letters and solid areas. The raised effect makes even simple designs more striking and can therefore be used to create strong visual results without using many different colours.
Large letters, short text, logos and graphic symbols can take on a completely new look when the surface rises. The film can also be used for tone-on-tone designs, where the textile and film have similar colours, but the 3D structure makes the design visible through light, shadow and physical depth.
Avoid making the design unnecessarily detailed before testing the effect. Small gaps and very fine elements can react differently when the material expands. A test production helps you find the right balance between design detail and the desired puff effect.
Applications and target groups
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff can be used for many different types of professional and creative textile decoration:
- Streetwear and fashion garments
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Merchandise and fan products
- Workwear and promotional clothing
- Sportswear and club clothing
- Event and campaign clothing
- Brand and company logos
- Names, text and numbers
- Graphic patterns and symbols
- Creative special productions
The film is relevant for professional textile printers, clothing brands, clubs and smaller creative businesses. The puff effect can be used as the main design or as a single decorative element that adds more structure and character to the garment.
Efficient workflow with CAD-CUT® Puff
Working with STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff follows the standard process for cuttable heat transfer vinyl:
- Create the design in your preferred design software.
- Mirror the design before cutting.
- Add any cut lines if you want an engraved effect.
- 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 upwards.
- Press the design at 150 °C for 12 seconds.
- Use medium pressure, equivalent to level 4–6 on Hotronix®.
- Remove the carrier while hot using Hot Peel.
For weeding, we recommend using STAHLS' Weeder®. During heat pressing, a Grip cover sheet or non-stick cover sheet can be used to protect the design, textile and heat press.
Check the finished effect after pressing. The puff film should be evenly expanded with clear edges and consistent adhesion to the textile.
Washing and care
Textiles decorated with STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff can be washed at up to 40 °C, provided the garment’s own care instructions allow this temperature.
The garment should be turned inside out before washing to protect the raised surface from unnecessary friction. Avoid ironing directly on the front of the design. The film may only be ironed from the reverse side of the textile.
Always follow the garment manufacturer’s washing and care instructions. Allow the finished textile print to rest after application before washing the garment for the first time.
Available roll sizes
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff 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 lengths make it easy to choose film for both smaller creative jobs and larger production runs.
Film specifications
Feature
Expanding 3D effect
Carrier
Removed hot – Hot Peel
Ironing
Reverse side only
Washing temperature
Up to 40 °C
Application
150 °C – 12 sec.
Pressure
Medium, level 4–6 on Hotronix®
Material thickness
520 microns
Distinctive 3D effect for professional textile printing
STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff transforms a standard film design into a raised and dimensional textile print. The combination of a rounded surface, sharp edges and the option for engraved details gives you excellent creative freedom.
The film is particularly suitable for hoodies, streetwear, merchandise and textiles where the design needs a clear physical structure and must stand out from traditional flat prints.
Order STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff from Signproduction.co.uk
At Signproduction.co.uk, you will find STAHLS' CAD-CUT® Puff for professional and creative textile production. The film combines easy cutting with a distinctive expanding 3D effect, sharp edges and the option for decorative engraved details.
If you need advice on choosing 3D 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.
