Do you want to know more about direct-to-film (DTF) printing? Are you considering investing in a DTF printer for your business? If so, then this blog post is for you! We’ll provide an overview of the process, benefits, and potential downsides of DTF printing.
Introduction to DTF Printers
Direct To Film (DTF) printing is a relatively new process for printing on any cotton, polyester and triblends garments. DTF involves printing a full-color design, including white, onto a special film. The film is then heated and pressed against the garment with a heat press. The heat melts the design into the fabric, creating a permanent image that can last for years. This process is perfect for printing detailed designs, logos, and images onto t-shirts, hoodies, and other garments. With DTF printing you can produce high quality prints without having to invest in an expensive printer.
What is Direct To Film (DTF) Printing?
Direct to Film or DTF is a process that transfers prints onto fabric or other substrates using a heat-press mechanism. Unlike the DTG method, which only works on garments made from natural fibers, DTF can be used on practically any material. The process begins by printing designs onto a transfer film, which is then covered with a powder to help keep the print from smearing. Next, the garment is placed onto the heat press and the film is pressed onto the material at very high temperatures. The heat causes the ink to bond with the fabric and the film to lift away cleanly, leaving behind a vibrant print. With this process, users can quickly and easily print complex designs onto virtually any material.
Steps of DTF Printing
Direct To Film (DTF) printing is a popular method for transferring prints onto fabric or other substrates. The process begins with the printing of the image in white on PET film. Once this is done, it is time to spread the powder over the image. This step involves pre-pressing the fabric before the transfer of the image by the film. After this, the heat application phase starts, with the fabric being kept in the heat press and pressurized. Finally, when all is done, the film is lifted off and your design is left on your desired material. With DTF printing, you can create vibrant and bold designs that are sure to stand out on any kind of fabric!
Step 1: Print on the Film
In Step 1 of DTF printing, the image is printed directly onto the film. This is done by inserting the PET film into the printer trays instead of regular paper. It is important that the image is printed in white, as this will form the base layer for all subsequent colors. The PET films used in DTF printing have a thickness of approximately 0.75mm to 0.90mm . This ensures that when the printing process is complete and the film is transferred to a T-shirt made of cotton or polyester, the finished product looks professional and vibrant.
Step 2 – Powdering
In Step 2 – Powdering, hot melt powder is applied to the film that has been printed with the image. This process is essential to ensure that the powder is spread evenly over the image, binding it to the material. There are two types of powder: white and black. The white powder is better for more vibrant colors. This step helps to create a more durable and permanent bond between the film and the substrate. Additionally, it can help to reduce the amount of residue left on the substrate and make it easier to lift the film from it after heat application. The amount of powder that needs to be used can depend on the size of the image being printed and the type of substrate being used. The powder needs to be shaken before applying heat.
Step 3 – Heat Application
In Step 3 of DTF Printing, heat application is used to activate the adhesive properties of the hot-melt powder. This is done by placing the film with printed image and powder into a hot press and adjusting the top of the press so that it is close to the garment. The heat of the press melts the powder, allowing it to adhere to the garment. This process creates a bond between the printed image and the fabric, making sure that your artwork stays on for a long time. Through this step, you can easily apply artwork on difficult or awkward parts of fabrics with ease, There are two types of film: cold peel transfer paper. With this type, you need to wait until it's cold. If not, your designs will be messed up. The second type of transfer film is more convenient and is known as the hot peel transfer film. With this type, you don't need to wait and can lift directly after first heat press.
Step 4 – Lifting the Film
In Step 4 of the DTF Printer Process, the film is carefully removed from the garment. To do this, the heat platen must be lifted off the fabric, making sure it does not lift or shift during the process. The adhesive is then heated and pressed again to ensure that the design is securely adhered to the fabric. Once this is done, the film can be gently peeled away from the garment. This helps to ensure that the ink is transferred accurately and that there are no smudges or smears during the transfer process. With a successful transfer, you will have a beautiful print that will last for a long time!
Pros and Cons of DTF Printing
DTF printing offers some great benefits, such as rapid print times, exceptional print quality, versatility, and customization. The process doesn't require any preprocessing, and the printed area is slightly more noticeable than subliminal printing. In terms of cost, DTF printing is cheaper because it does not require pretreatment and it uses a lot less ink. However, there are some drawbacks to using DTF printer. For businesses with fewer workers, it is less effective due to its time-consuming process. Additionally, there is a limited variety of fabric options when using DTF printer and the cost of the process can be quite high.
What Materials Can DTF Printing be Used On?
DTF printing can be used on any type of fabric, including synthetics like cotton, silk, polyester, and rayon. It is also suitable for both light and dark fabrics, ensuring that your designs will always look great regardless of the color of the material. Additionally, DTF printing can produce vibrant colors that are perfect for artwork, photographs, logos and other graphic designs. With its versatility and high-quality results, DTF printing is an ideal choice for creating unique apparel designs.
What Are The Benefits of Using DTF Printing?
Using DTF printing brings many benefits compared to other printing techniques. This method is highly efficient and cost-effective as it uses about 75% less ink than other types of printing. The print quality is also much better and the fabric does not need to be pretreated before the print process. As the white ink layer is printed simultaneously as the coloured ink, this makes for a simpler alternative with more vibrant results. Additionally, the durability of DTF prints are enhanced with the special ink and adhesive used. This makes DTF printing ideal for workwear as the print will not crack like screen printing. Overall, DTF printing is a great choice for businesses looking for high-quality prints that last.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DTF printing process is a revolutionary printing method that offers a unique way to transfer designs to garments. It is an efficient and cost-effective way to produce fabric and provides excellent results when printing intricate details and small lettering. The prints achieved by the DTF method also show strong wash resistance, meaning the print will not fade away or become dull when washed. The DTF process is a great option for those looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to produce fabrics without compromising on quality or design.
Some helpful Links :
Starters Convertible DTF Printers Epson ET-8550 - Epson XP-15000
