Introduction: The Importance of UV DTF A/B Film in 2026 is Self-Evident
Manufacturer's Perspective | Supporting OEM and Wholesale | Global Supply
This article is published by Koala® Factory, a professional manufacturer of printing consumables (Film/Vinyl Label), specializing in UV DTF transfer film, digital printing consumables, and providing OEM sticker label and label facestock solutions for global trade/distributors. If you are considering purchasing UV Transfer A/B film for wholesale distribution, private label branding, or industrial applications, this guide is tailored for you.
In 2026, UV DTF A/B film has rapidly evolved from a niche labeling solution to a mainstream solution for hard surface decoration. Brands, printing companies, and global buyers are actively seeking alternatives to traditional heat transfer, UV flatbed printing, and traditional sublimation/DTF printing – especially solutions that reduce equipment costs, offer multi-scenario applications, and eliminate the need for heat pressing.
This guide takes the perspective of manufacturers and traders, combining production knowledge, application testing, and industry trends. This article will explain in detail how UV DTF film works, its advantages over other technologies, and how professional buyers should evaluate product quality in 2026.
What is UV Transfer A/B Film (Crystal Label)?
UV Transfer A/B film is a two-layer cold transfer system, also known as a crystal label, specifically designed for decorating hard, non-porous surfaces or fabrics without the need for heat. It consists of two parts:
- A film (Printing film):A carrier film used to hold the design, which is printed using UV-curing ink.
- B film (Adhesive film):A pressure-sensitive adhesive film used for lamination and transferring the printed image.
Basic steps: After UV printing and curing on the A film, the B film is laminated on top. The final design can then be transferred to substrates such as glass, metal, plastic, ceramics, acrylic, and coated wood without further heating or a heat press.
This fundamentally differentiates UV Transfer film from traditional DTF or sublimation printing systems that rely on heat press systems.
UV A/B Film Operating Principle: Step-by-Step Technical Process
Understanding the transfer process of UV film is crucial for our customers to evaluate quality and compatibility.
Step 1: UV Printing on Film A using a UV Printer
- UV ink is printed onto Film A in reverse order.
- White ink is typically used as the base layer.
- The UV ink layer is instantly cured using UV LED lights.
From a factory perspective, ink absorbency, film surface properties, and the consistency of the release coating determine whether the printed layer can be cleanly peeled off later.
Step 2: UV Curing
UV curing instantly solidifies the ink film. Unlike solvent-based or water-based inks, UV ink forms a polymer layer with excellent chemical resistance (resulting in a prominent texture).
Key curing parameters: - UV wavelength: 365–395 nm - Consistent curing energy - Ink film thickness control
Step 3: Cold Lamination with Film B
Film B has a specially formulated pressure-sensitive adhesive. Lamination is performed at room temperature using a laminator.
Typical lamination pressure: - 0.3–0.5 MPa
No heating is required, thus avoiding deformation of the substrate due to high-temperature hot pressing.
Step 4: Transfer to the Substrate
After peeling off Film A, the graphic (now attached to Film B) is directly applied to the surface of the substrate. Gentle pressure ensures adhesion.
UV DTF vs Traditional DTF vs Sublimation vs UV Flatbed Printing
| Technology | Heat Required | Substrate Type | Equipment Cost | Flexibility |
| Sublimation Paper | Yes | Mainly textiles and hard surface | Low | Limited |
| Traditional DTF Film | Yes | Fabrics | Medium | Fabric-only |
| UV Flatbed Printing | No | Hard surfaces | Very High | Low mobility |
| UV DTF A/B Film | No | Hard surfaces | Medium | Very High |
UV transfer A/B film cleverly combines the advantages of UV flatbed printing quality and sticker-like flexibility, making it currently the optimal labeling solution.
Key Factors that Traders/Printers/Distributors Value Most in UV A/B Film
4.1 Adhesion Strength
Our label factory measures this through cross-hatch and peel tests on glass, stainless steel, PET, and acrylic materials.
4.2 Transparency and Optical Clarity
High-quality A film remains clear and transparent without haziness, which is crucial for transparent designs.
4.3 Durability and Chemical Resistance
UV transfer patterns are resistant to: - Water - Alcohol - Mild detergents
4.4 Peel Stability
A controlled peeling process ensures clean separation without edge lifting or ink tearing.
Typical Crystal Label Application Scenarios
👉 Looking for product specifications or wholesale prices?
Please visit our official product page: UV A/B Film
Our UV DTF film is designed for both large-scale production and small-batch customization, offering stable and reliable quality.
5.1 Drinkware and Promotional Items
Water bottles, glasses, stainless steel bottles – UV DTF technology enables small-batch customization without the need for molds.
5.2 Industrial Labels and Equipment Identification
UV Transfer film is widely used for control panels, appliance branding, and warning labels.
5.3 Home Decor and Retail Displays
Acrylic signs, decorative tiles, and branded fixtures can all benefit from this heat-free transfer technology.
Manufacturing Perspective: The Characteristics of Koala’s Professional UV A/B Film Factory
From the perspective of our professional label factory, the stability of UV label film is paramount. This is not just about whether the UV film is "usable," but more importantly, whether it can consistently and reliably transfer images across different brands of UV printers, UV inks, production environments, and batches.
The following are four core manufacturing factors that differentiate a professional UV transfer film factory from trading companies or small workshops.
6.1 Coating Uniformity and Thickness Control
UV A/B film relies on multiple functional coatings, including release layers, ink-absorbing layers, and adhesive layers. Even a slight deviation in coating thickness can lead to serious quality problems, such as uneven ink curing, poor release, or edge lifting.
At our label film factory, coating uniformity is controlled through:
- Precision slot die coating and gravure coating systems
- Real-time thickness monitoring during the production process
- Strict tolerance control across the entire width of the roll
Consistent coating thickness ensures:
- Stable adhesion of UV ink during printing
- Clean and complete image release during transfer
- No visible haze, streaks, or density variations in transparent designs
6.2 Adhesive Formulation Stability
The adhesive used in UV DTF B film is one of the most critical influencing factors. Unlike hot-melt adhesives, UV B film relies on pressure-sensitive adhesives, which must balance three complex technical requirements:
- Strong initial tack under cold pressure
- Long-term adhesion on hard, non-porous surfaces
- Controllable removal of the A film without damaging the ink
Our factory formulates and adjusts the adhesive formula ourselves, rather than purchasing generic adhesives. In our factory, the adhesive system:
- Is adjusted for different substrate types (glass, metal, plastic, acrylic)
- Is tested for temperature and humidity stability
- Is evaluated for aging performance to prevent yellowing or brittleness
This formulation stability is crucial for commercial buyers who require reliable transfer results in high-volume production.
6.3 Batch-to-Batch Consistency and Quality Control
Quality Control
For distributors, brands, and OEM customers, batch consistency is often a top priority. Inconsistent batches can lead to production downtime, customer complaints, and material waste. A professional UV DTF film factory implements the following measures:
- Raw material traceability system
- Standardized production formulas
- Incoming, in-process, and final inspection stages
At our factory, every batch of product undergoes the following tests:
- Adhesion test on standard substrates
- Peel strength measurement
- Compatibility testing with mainstream UV ink brands
This ensures that the UV film purchased today performs consistently with UV film purchased months later – a fundamental requirement for wholesale and long-term supply contracts.
6.4 Cleanroom Lamination and Production Environment Control
Dust, static electricity, and airborne particles are significant threats to the quality of UV printing films. Contamination during the lamination process can lead to pinholes, adhesion defects, or visible surface imperfections.
Professional label manufacturers perform lamination in a cleanroom or controlled environment to ensure:
- Temperature and humidity are strictly controlled
- Static electricity is minimized
- The film surface remains clean and free of contaminants
Our UV film factory utilizes a controlled lamination environment, guaranteeing smooth adhesion between the A and B films, ensuring perfect transfer results even for fine graphics.
6.5 Compatibility Testing with Different UV Ink Brands
Not all manufacturers' UV inks perform the same. Differences in viscosity, curing energy, and chemical composition can affect adhesion and peeling performance.
Our film/vinyl label factory doesn't optimize UV film for a single UV ink brand, but instead conducts compatibility testing with multiple brands, including:
- White ink coverage performance
- Flexibility of the cured ink
- Adhesion retention after transfer
This testing method allows our UV DTF film to be compatible with various UV printers used by customers worldwide.