Over-Cure (Brittle/Cracked Transfers)

medium
cure
brittle
cracking

Excess heat/time over-hardens the adhesive—cracking after press or first wash.

Likely Causes

  1. High cure temp/time: Crosslinking beyond spec reduces flexibility.

  2. Film left in curing oven too long: Operator error or belt malfunction.

  3. Powder type is too sensitive to heat: Using a low-temp powder at high-temp settings.

  4. Excessive pressure during pressing: Flattens and damages the adhesive layer.

Quick Checks

  • Reduce setpoint by 10–15°F and retest.
  • Check dwell time and belt speed; ensure it matches the profile.
  • Verify powder type is appropriate for the curing temperature.
  • Reduce heat press pressure to medium.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Lower cure to 230–240°F (110–116°C) and retestRestores flexibility.

  2. Calibrate oven temperature and belt speedEnsures accurate and consistent curing.

  3. Use a powder with a wider curing windowAdds a margin of error for temperature fluctuations.

  4. Double-check the cure profile for the specific film/powder comboEnsures you are using the manufacturer's recommended settings.

Acceptance Criteria
  • No cracking after 2 wash cycles and stretch test.