Pigment hot-stamping foil transfers a coloured layer from a carrier onto a substrate using controlled heat and pressure. In functional marking it can be used for durable text, codes and identification on cables, pipes, plastics and packaging.
Functional rather than decorative marking
API Transfer Technologies identifies cable and pipe marking, coding/date stamping, cartons and labels as functional-marking applications. The purpose is legible production information—not simply decorative colour.
- Cable and pipe identification
- Batch, date and manufacturing traceability data
- Plastics and rigid-surface lettering
- Carton and label coding where hot transfer fits the line
Grade selection is application-specific
Substrate chemistry, surface texture, line speed, die, temperature window, pressure, required resistance and colour/opacity all affect fit. A named grade should never be selected from a generic webpage alone.
- Substrate
- Polymer type, finish, profile and surface condition
- Process
- Machine, die, heat, pressure, dwell and line speed
- Result
- Legibility, colour, opacity and resistance requirement
- Validation
- Sample and production-condition trial where required
Send a complete foil brief
Provide the substrate name and sample, current foil or ink reference, machine model, marking area, colour, roll dimensions, speed, operating conditions and annual usage. GirisimEngineering coordinates the technical discussion, samples and quotation with API Transfer Technologies.
Technical application example · Cable and pipe
Durable functional marking for cable and pipe surfaces
Cable and plastic-pipe marking must remain legible through production, handling and service rather than simply look correct immediately after printing. The evaluated route uses pigment hot-stamping / functional transfer foil to create controlled markings through heat and pressure.
Grade selection depends on polymer type, surface condition, line speed, stamping temperature, pressure and required image definition. EZ or an application-specific pigment foil grade should be verified through transfer, adhesion and abrasion trials on the actual production line.
- Surface / substrate
- Cable or pipe polymer, texture and surface condition
- Process
- Heat, pressure, die, dwell and line speed
- Critical validation
- Transfer quality, adhesion, abrasion and legibility
Frequently asked questions
Is pigment foil the same as metallic hot-stamping foil?
No. Pigment foil transfers a coloured pigment layer; metallic and holographic transfer products create different visual structures and use cases.
Can one pigment foil work on every plastic?
No. Polymer, additives, surface treatment, texture and process settings can materially change adhesion and print quality. Technical confirmation and testing are important.
What information is needed for a sample?
Send the substrate, existing process and machine, target colour, marking detail, roll dimensions, line conditions and required resistance.