Copyright Silhouette School 2016. Powered by Blogger.


3D Textured (XPD and Techno) Heat Transfer Vinyl Tutorial (And Free Silhouette Cut Files)

We have a special guest blogger at Silhouette School today.  I'm happy to introduce you to  Christine from the Cutting for Business blog! I'll let Christine introduce you to this awesome new textured 3D HTV.

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files

While I normally cover topics related to selling items made with your Silhouette Cameo; and tips for running a Silhouette based business, I'm here at Silhouette School today to share a tutorial on using 3D heat transfer materials. Siser makes two different 3D heat transfer materials: 3D XPD and 3D Techno. You should be comfortable working with heat transfer materials (HTV) before using 3D materials.

This tutorial uses 3D XPD material (hard to find, but available at HeatTransferVinyl4U.com, which gives designs a unique raised texture.

Like any other heat transfer material, you will want to mirror your design before cutting it on your Silhouette. The 3D XPD heat transfer materials are sold with a protective cover sheet attached to one side. Place the material onto your mat with the smooth, shiny side down and the protective sheet facing up.

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files

Before cutting, remove the protective cover.

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files

Cut the 3D XPD in reverse and weed it like you would with other HTV materials. I used speed 4, blade 3, and thickness 33 on my Silhouette Cameo. You'll notice that the 3D XPD is easy to weed and the carrier sheet is frosted and not sticky.

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files

After weeding, pre-press your shirt (or other item) for 2-3 seconds to remove any wrinkles and moisture. Place the design onto the shirt and then cover with a teflon sheet. Press your design with your heat press at 345 degrees Fahrenheit using medium pressure for 3 seconds.

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files, teflon sheet

Remove the carrier sheet immediately after pressing. You'll notice that the design looks flat:

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files

Using no pressure, but making sure that the top plate of your heat press touches the 3D XPD heat transfer material, press your design again at 345 degrees Farenheit for 15 to 60 seconds. This activates the material and you will see it expand as it puffs up. The longer you press it, the "puffier" it will get. I have used the 3D XPD material several times and have not noticed a difference if I use the teflon sheet or not when heating to expand the material.

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files

Here is another finished example of 3D XPD heat transfer material, in red. I love the raised effect and texture of the 3D XPD material!

Silhouette Cameo, 3D heat transfer, Silhouette tutorial, Silhouette Studio, free cut files

A few quick notes:
  • When choosing designs to cut in 3D XPD heat transfer material, do not choose designs with intricate details. When the material expands, the small details get lost.
  • Siser also makes 3D Techno, a similar heat transfer material that you apply using the same method as shown above. 3D Techno has become difficult to find in the US. However, crafters abroad can often find it through Siser Distributors. The difference between the 3D XPD and the 3D Techno is the texture of the heat transfer material. As the tutorial shows, the 3D XPD has a bumpy, raised effect; while the 3D Techno puffs up smoothly.
In honor of the kids going back to school soon, here are  two cut files perfect for Back to School shirts!
A is for Alligator - Download here.
1st Day of School - Download here.

Files above are open license. Personal or commercial use is okay. No credit to cuttingforbusiness.com is necessary.

A special thank you to Melissa for inviting me to teach this tutorial here at Silhouette School. 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

Thanks for coming to class today at Silhouette School.  If you like what you see, I'd love for you to pin it!

Pin It!

 photo 2b820f06-c93b-4b24-929c-96287390140f_zpsf3cd3a23.jpguse twiter photo Twitter_48x48_zps4e06061c.pnguse twiter photo Twitter_48x48_zps4e06061c.pngUse Feed photo Feed_48x48_zps63f27a4f.pngUse Feed photo Feed_48x48_zps63f27a4f.pngUse Feed photo Feed_48x48_zps63f27a4f.png

Get Silhouette School lessons delivered to your email inbox! Select Once Daily or Weekly.

www.silhouetteschoolebook.com

2 comments

  1. Ooooh... This 3D HTV looks pretty cool! I'm thinking I need to get some of this. :)

    Thank you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Apart from designing the t-shirt on what purpose these 3D texture are employed?

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving a comment! We get several hundred comments a day. While we appreciate every single one of them it's nearly impossible to respond back to all of them, all the time. So... if you could help me by treating these comments like a forum where readers help readers.

In addition, don't forget to look for specific answers by using the Search Box on the blog. If you're still not having any luck, feel free to email me with your question.