DTF takes much less time to set up than other printing techniques like screen and sublimation. Additionally, it looks good with designs on a number of various types of materials and dark materials.
DTF printing uses professional textile inks to bind the designs onto fabric. It’s a great solution for anyone looking to expand their product line and offer more than just t-shirts.
DTF Printers have emerged as a game changer in the world of customization and apparel decoration. The revolutionary printing process allows you to print any design on the front or back of a garment, and the best part is that you don’t need to invest in a separate heat press! The technology is relatively new, and many people may be wondering what exactly a DTF printer is and how the process works.
This article and accompanying video will help answer your questions so you can start printing custom apparel with your DTF printer! DTF stands for Direct To Film and is a revolutionary printing technology that allows you to print any design onto the front or back of a garment. The process starts with a digital design being printed on specialized PET film using a DTF printer that uses special ink.
The resulting film is coated with hot-melt adhesive powder, which adheres to the ink on the underlying PET film. The resulting film is then placed on the desired garment and run through a heated curing oven or heat tunnel. The melted adhesive and inked image transfer to the fabric, adhering firmly and making it easy to wash.
What is DTF printing?
Specialty inks are used in DTF printing to produce designs on film that may then be transferred to the desired fabric. This is a very flexible option for garment designers, and it can be used to print on a wide range of materials, including polyesters, silks, nylons, and even vinyl.
To get started with DTF printing, you’ll need a high-quality printer with specialized textile inks. These inks are a combination of CMYK and white colors and are designed to bind with fabric in as close a permanent manner as possible. You’ll also need an automatic powder shaker and a curing oven to complete your setup.
Smaller companies and startups may find the initial cost of a dtf printer excessive, although the payback period can be relatively short. This is due to the fact that DTF is a very affordable choice for printing on polyesters, and you can apply your patterns to other substrates like vinyl or hard surfaces using the same prints.
Additionally, there is no need for weeding, a labor-intensive operation that raises the price of printing overall. An enormous amount of time and money can be saved by simply laying the white layer before applying the colored design.
Advantages
You may print on a variety of fabrics with DTF printing, even those that are challenging to print directly onto with other techniques. The method can be used to print designs on polyester clothing, Thermos mugs, signboards, and other items. This makes it perfect for companies that want to diversify beyond plain t-shirts in their product offers.
DTF printers combine reliability, unmatched quality, and high productivity to produce results that rival those of other print methods. They are perfect for companies with few personnel or those new to the field because they are also fairly simple to manage.
To get started, you’ll need a DTF printer that’s compatible with your specific inks and supplies. Make sure to research the different models and compare prices and warranties, as well as look for features like the number of printheads and color accuracy.
You’ll also need a special type of ink for DTF printing called polymer ink, which is available in both cartridge and bulk form. Another important consideration is the print size and width of the garment you’re looking to produce. Some DTF printers come with a maximum print width of 13”, which is ideal for athleisure or sports garments.
DTF printing also does away with the need to pre-treat the fabric before printing, which is another benefit. If done incorrectly, this procedure could be time-consuming and expensive. DTF printers print the white layer at the same time as the colored layer, which removes this step.
Some DTF systems also offer a soft hand that is comparable to screen-printed designs, which can be a desirable feature for customers. However, this is dependent on the ink type and PET film quality. The best DTF printers use a special ink and PET film to achieve the desired effect. This ensures that the print adheres to the fabric and doesn’t peel off or flake after washing.
Convenience
T-shirts may be easily and affordably added to your product range with DTF printing. For companies who are just getting started or wish to diversify their product offerings, this technology is a fantastic solution. In comparison to conventional screen printing, it also offers higher scalability. DTF transfers can be applied to a variety of garments, including t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops. Moreover, the process is super easy to apply and requires only a heat press!
To create a DTF transfer, you will need a standard 6-color inkjet printer that can be modified to work with white and CMYK dyes. A supply of PET film and a particular variety of water-based DTF ink are also required. These inks offer greater print quality, sturdiness, and color saturation because they are designed for this kind of printing.
This is particularly useful for athleisure and sports apparel, where customers want to show off their team pride or their own personal style. In addition, DTF is a lot less expensive than other decoration methods, such as sublimation and embroidery.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that the design must be printed backward on the PET film in order to properly display when applied to the garment. You will also need to follow the supplier instructions for application.
Additionally, DTF prints do not need to be weeded, which is a labor- and time-intensive procedure needed for vinyl or HTV printing. This can speed up and simplify the entire production process while saving a significant amount of time.
