Can you run Al-Mylar film through a laser printer?

Steerpike · 25th April 2009, 10:42 PM

Totally NON audio question:

You know that gift-wrap 'paper' that's trendy now... metallic printed plastic? (I think the process is vacuum sputtered aluminium on mylar).

Can you run it through a laser printer or electrostatic copier, without harming the printer?

Has anyone tried?

Spiny · 25th April 2009, 11:00 PM

I believe the mylar film has to low a melting point. Colour lazers run around 180 °C, monochrome a bit hotter.

Found this on the web
"PET or PET-P (polyethylene terephthalate polyester; Ensitep, Ertalyte) Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastic [1942] Part of the polyester plastic family. The PETF film version is commonly known as Mylar (a DuPont trademark).
Maximum Temperature: 230°F (490°F Melting Point) "

thats a max of 110°C, it will soften any higher. I would not try unless the fuser is easy to remove and change

Steerpike · 25th April 2009, 11:33 PM

Ok , thanks for the heads up.
Will have to go to the art shop & see if they have a special high temp aluminised film.

astouffer · 25th April 2009, 11:51 PM

They still sell clear plastic sheets for overhead projectors that are safe for laser printers.

Steerpike · 26th April 2009, 12:19 AM

I need something with an aluminium coating on one side though.

jcx · 26th April 2009, 02:54 AM

http://www.thermotype.com/Foil-Tech%20Q&A.html

Spiny · 26th April 2009, 06:58 AM

Not seen a foil faced (mirror finish) product for lasers, Inkjets are another story and there are probably several alterative products.
Here is a link to a coating specialist, they have a foil film for inkjets.
Kernow coatings

scott wurcer · 27th April 2009, 01:08 AM

These folks have everything

http://www.papilio.com/laser%20holog...r%20shine.html

25th April 2009, 10:42 PM	#1
Steerpike diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa	Can you run Al-Mylar film through a laser printer? Totally NON audio question: You know that gift-wrap 'paper' that's trendy now... metallic printed plastic? (I think the process is vacuum sputtered aluminium on mylar). Can you run it through a laser printer or electrostatic copier, without harming the printer? Has anyone tried?

27th April 2009, 01:08 AM	#8
scott wurcer diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: cambridge ma	These folks have everything http://www.papilio.com/laser%20holog...r%20shine.html __________________ 2012, our time is running out.

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25th April 2009, 11:00 PM	#2
Spiny diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008	I believe the mylar film has to low a melting point. Colour lazers run around 180 °C, monochrome a bit hotter. Found this on the web "PET or PET-P (polyethylene terephthalate polyester; Ensitep, Ertalyte) Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastic [1942] Part of the polyester plastic family. The PETF film version is commonly known as Mylar (a DuPont trademark). Maximum Temperature: 230°F (490°F Melting Point) " thats a max of 110°C, it will soften any higher. I would not try unless the fuser is easy to remove and change

25th April 2009, 11:33 PM	#3
Steerpike diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa	Ok , thanks for the heads up. Will have to go to the art shop & see if they have a special high temp aluminised film.

25th April 2009, 11:51 PM	#4
astouffer diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, crumbling wasteland	They still sell clear plastic sheets for overhead projectors that are safe for laser printers.

26th April 2009, 12:19 AM	#5
Steerpike diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa	I need something with an aluminium coating on one side though.

26th April 2009, 02:54 AM	#6
jcx diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: ..	http://www.thermotype.com/Foil-Tech%20Q&A.html

26th April 2009, 06:58 AM	#7
Spiny diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008	Not seen a foil faced (mirror finish) product for lasers, Inkjets are another story and there are probably several alterative products. Here is a link to a coating specialist, they have a foil film for inkjets. Kernow coatings

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