UV DTF (UV Direct-To-Film) printing uses a two-film system — A film (print film) and B film (transfer film) — to produce durable crystal labels on hard surfaces such as drinkware, electronics, cosmetics packaging, and promotional items. This buyer's guide explains the difference between A film and B film, compares sheet vs roll formats, and helps wholesale buyers choose the right SKU combination.
What is A film (print film)?
A film is the print-receptive layer. It receives UV ink from the printer. After printing, the design sits on the A film, ready for B film lamination.
ChromaBind stocks two base types of A film:
- White thick base (paper based) — Opaque, heavier weight. Better for dark or coloured substrates where the white backing provides contrast for CMYK colours.
- Double clear base (clear based) — Transparent. Used when the label needs to blend into a clear or light substrate.
A film is available in two formats:
| Format | Widths | Packing options |
|---|---|---|
| A3 sheets (31×42 cm) | — | White thick base: 200 or 500 pcs/ctn; Double clear base: 500 or 1000 pcs/ctn |
| Rolls × 100 m | 31 cm / 43 cm / 61 cm | Paper base or clear base; carton quantity varies by width |
View full UV DTF AB film product specs
What is B film (transfer film)?
B film is the transfer carrier. After the printed A film is laminated with B film, the sandwich is cut and weeded. The B film carries the label to the target surface. Once pressed, the B film peels off, leaving the cured ink on the product.
B film packing options:
- 50 m rolls (31 cm wide): 5 rolls/ctn (9 kg GW, 34.5×21×33.5 cm) or 2 rolls/ctn (3.6 kg GW, 33.5×25.5×13.5 cm)
- 100 m rolls: 31 cm (2 rolls/ctn, 8.2 kg GW), 44 cm (1 roll/ctn), or 61 cm (1 roll/ctn, 8 kg GW)
A film vs B film: key differences
| Aspect | A film (print film) | B film (transfer film) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Receives UV ink from printer | Transfers cured label to surface |
| Base options | White thick base / double clear base | Single type (transfer adhesive) |
| Printing required | Yes — UV printer applies ink on A film | No — used only for lamination and transfer |
| Formats | A3 sheets or rolls (31/43/61 cm) | Rolls only (31/44/61 cm) |
| Length | 100 m | 50 m or 100 m |
| HS reference | 3920620000 | 3920620000 |
Sheets vs rolls: which format should you stock?
Choose A3 sheets if:
- Your daily volume is low to moderate
- You run multiple small-label jobs and change designs frequently
- You are starting a new crystal-label service and want to minimise material waste
- Sheet handling fits your workspace better
Choose rolls if:
- You run continuous or high-volume production
- Your UV DTF printer supports roll-to-roll feeding
- You want lower per-unit material cost at scale
- You stock multiple widths for different client orders
Most production shops carry 31 cm and 61 cm rolls as core widths, with A3 sheets for sampling and short runs.
White thick base vs double clear base: which to choose?
| Factor | White thick base (paper based) | Double clear base (clear based) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Dark or coloured substrates | Clear or light-coloured surfaces |
| Appearance | Opaque white backing | Transparent, blends into substrate |
| Carton weight (500 pcs) | ~16.8 kg | ~11 kg |
| Carton size (500 pcs) | 45.5×33.5×14 cm | 45.5×33.5×5 cm |
White thick base (also labelled as PAPER BASED in the factory) adds opacity and weight. Double clear base (labelled CLEAR BASED) is thinner and lighter per carton.
A+B kits for new shop startups
ChromaBind offers three pre-matched A+B kit configurations:
| Kit | A film | B film | GW per ctn |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 paper base kit | 100 sheets white paper base A3 | 50 m B roll (31 cm) | 6 kg |
| A3 clear base kit | 100 sheets clear base A3 | 50 m B roll (31 cm) | 5 kg |
| 31 cm roll kit | 1 roll × 100 m (paper base) | 1 roll × 100 m (31 cm) | 12 kg |
These kits remove the guesswork for first-time buyers — the A and B film quantities are matched for practical production use.
Making your first order
All ChromaBind AB film SKUs ship with recorded carton dimensions, gross weight, carton quantity, and HS reference 3920620000. Every variant has real product photos showing the actual carton and film packaging.
Prices and commercial MOQ are confirmed per order. Request a quote with your target SKU, quantity, and destination port — our team will confirm packing, lead time (depends on product and order quantity), and shipping details. Free sample support is available for qualified buyers.
Need help choosing? If you are unsure which base type or format fits your production, contact our team with your printer model, typical substrate, and estimated monthly volume. We can recommend the matching AB film combination.