| Basic definition | A flexible TPU-based sheet format used with UV DTF transfer workflows. | A smaller flexible TPU-based sheet format used with UV DTF transfer workflows. | The main difference is sheet size; the material name does not by itself define ink, adhesive, or thickness. |
| Standard sheet size | 297 × 420 mm | 210 × 297 mm | These are the international ISO 216 A3 and A4 paper dimensions. |
| Approximate size in inches | 11.69 × 16.54 in | 8.27 × 11.69 in | Inch values are rounded conversions from the metric dimensions. |
| Approximate sheet area | 0.1247 m² | 0.0624 m² | An A3 sheet has approximately twice the area of an A4 sheet. |
| Material | Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), subject to the product specification. | Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), subject to the product specification. | TPU is a thermoplastic polymer known for flexibility and resilience; formulation varies by product. |
| Typical UV DTF structure | May be supplied as a printable film, transfer film, or paired A/B film system. | May be supplied as a printable film, transfer film, or paired A/B film system. | The exact layer construction must be confirmed in the technical data sheet. |
| Printing process | Designed for UV-curable ink printing when matched with a compatible UV DTF system. | Designed for UV-curable ink printing when matched with a compatible UV DTF system. | UV ink is cured with ultraviolet light during printing; printer and film compatibility is essential. |
| Recommended artwork scale | Medium to larger graphics, multiple small graphics, and larger labels within the printable area. | Small graphics, samples, short runs, and compact labels within the printable area. | Actual usable area is smaller than the sheet because of margins, registration, and printer settings. |
| Common application surfaces | Suitable for compatible smooth, clean, and non-porous surfaces such as coated items, glass, acrylic, metal, and plastics. | Suitable for the same types of compatible smooth, clean, and non-porous surfaces. | Adhesion depends on the surface, ink system, adhesive layer, curing conditions, and application method. |
| Main purchasing advantage | More artwork capacity per sheet and fewer sheets for larger or grouped designs. | Lower material commitment for testing, sampling, and smaller orders. | Choose according to artwork size, printer bed capacity, production volume, and waste control. |
| Key specifications to verify | Thickness, printable side, surface treatment, adhesive type, liner type, recommended UV ink, and curing parameters. | Thickness, printable side, surface treatment, adhesive type, liner type, recommended UV ink, and curing parameters. | A3 or A4 indicates the format only; it does not guarantee identical performance between products. |
| Storage and handling | Keep flat, clean, dry, and protected from excessive heat, moisture, dust, and direct sunlight. | Keep flat, clean, dry, and protected from excessive heat, moisture, dust, and direct sunlight. | Follow the supplier’s packaging and storage instructions, and test adhesion before full production. |