Hydrographic printing a surface finish technique the can be used on metal, plastic, glass, hard woods, and various other materials. During the process, a patterned hydrographic film in placed on the water surface in a dipping tank. After the film is primed with a chemical activator and dissolved in water, the product is dipped into the water and the pattern is then transferred to the product’s surface. Finally, the product is dried and coated. Hydrographic printing is an efficient and cost-effective way to enhance your product’s visual appeal. It is not only perfect for many hunting and outdoor sporting goods, but also popular for home appliances, automotive parts, electronic accessories and many others.
Telfid and its partners (RealTree and Immersion Graphics) offer a comprehensive set of services from film to processing, with quality that is second to none.
Relevant Capabilities
Processing and Technical Solutioning
At the heart of hydrographic printing is the technology behind the supplies and execution during the printing process. Our process includes the six steps below, perfected to achieve a high-quality finish that lasts. Whether or not we are your processor, we provide technical support in the areas below regarding RealTree and Immersion Graphics films.
- Preparation – all products need to be properly cleaned and some need pretreatment, such as priming to ensure adhesion.
- Base Coating – A base coat must be properly applied to ensure that the color and texture of the final finish are as desired.
- Activator – Activator is the chemical that allows hydrographic film to be properly dissolved in water while keeping achieving transferability to intended surfaces.
- Dipping – Achieving meticulous timing, entry angle, and dipping motion are critical in ensuring patterns are transferred to surfaces in a seamlessly so that undistortion is minimized.
- Drying – after the products are removed from water, they need to be thoroughly rinsed and dried to remove film residue as preparation for final coating.
- Outer Coat – after the dipping product is dried, a coat must be applied to seal in the pattern ink and to protect the graphics from UC rays, ensuring longevity.
Custom Pattern Design
We work closely with RealTree / Immersion Graphics, industry leaders in hydrographic film and pattern design. In hunting and outdoor sports, our stunning RealTree camouflage film will take your product to the next level. With Immersion Graphics, who has supplied designs for some of the world’s largest companies like GM and Honda, you can get film patterns ranging from carbon fiber and wood to abstract designs. If all that is not enough, we have in-house designers who will work with you to understand your vision and develop visuals that are Taylor made for your products.
Painting
We have automatic painting/coating equipment that delivers top-notch coating quality with variety of finishes, including matte, low-gloss, high-gloss.