How a DTF Printer Works
DTF printers are specialized devices that require regular maintenance and a controlled environment for optimal functioning. This initial investment can be a barrier to entry for some businesses, but the efficiency and scalability of the process can offset these costs.
DTF printing also eliminates the need for pretreating garments, saving time and money. Plus, it can print white, allowing you to apply designs to dark fabrics, which is something sublimation cannot do.
The Process
In a nutshell, DTF printing is a process that prints full color – including white – directly to film. The resulting transfer is then applied to the fabric of choice, such as a t-shirt. The result is a print that has the same feel as a screen printed garment. This method is used mainly on textiles, but it is also possible to personalise rigid objects in full colour.
The DTF process uses a specialized printer that has a separate compartment for the white ink, as well as a special powder adhesive to fasten the print to the fabric. The process also requires a curing oven to melt the adhesive and help it set on the cotton fibers. While the initial investment may be higher than other methods, it is a great option for businesses looking to offer high-quality custom products that stand out from their competitors.
DTF offers several advantages over other printing methods, including scalability and consistency. The ability to produce large orders without sacrificing quality is especially important for businesses that specialize in high-end products, as it allows them to maintain their brand image and increase revenue. Unlike HTV and vinyl, DTF does not require weeding, which can save time and money and reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
Another advantage of DTF is that it can be used on a wide variety of fabrics, including those with stretch and spandex. This makes it an ideal solution for apparel companies that want to provide their customers with a variety of options for personalization. In addition, the DTF printing process can be used on more intricate designs and fine details that are difficult to achieve with other methods.
To get started, the design is created using a graphic design software and transferred to a DTF printer. The DTF printer can use CMYK inks and separate white ink to create the correct colors for the design. It can also use a special powder that binds the coloured ink to the cotton fibers. The DTF printer also features an automatic powder shaker that helps to apply the powder evenly and remove excess powder. Once the print is complete, it is ready to be applied to a garment.
Ink
In DTF printing, a special type of water-based ink is used. This ink is formulated specifically for direct-to-fabric print, which allows it to bond to fabric fibers while providing vibrant colors and durability. It also eliminates the need to pretreat materials, resulting in a faster printing process and higher production rates. DTF ink is an excellent option for businesses looking to boost their productivity and increase their profit margins without sacrificing quality or design.
This printing method involves using a digital transfer printer to create a design or image on a film that’s then transferred onto the fabric via heat press. The result is a high-quality, durable product with a professional look that’s perfect for marketing or selling. The DTF technique is especially useful for newer businesses, as it requires a lower investment to get started and can save money on labor costs. DTF ink also has the advantage of lasting longer than traditional dyes and is more durable on fabrics, so your products will last much longer.
DTF ink is available in CMYK, white, and other specialty options. These specialized pigment inks help to ensure your designs are crisp and accurate, while the white ink acts as an underlayer to prevent stains from mixing with the color ink layer. These inks are also water-based, making them safer to use than many other types of printing solutions.
Once the ink is printed on the PET film, a powder adhesive is applied evenly over the wet ink. This can be done manually or automatically. Commercial DTF setups usually include an automatic powder shaker that can apply and remove the powder quickly and efficiently. After the powder has been applied, the PET film is then heated to prepare it for fabric transfer. This can be done in a curing oven or a simple heat press machine.
The final step is taking the PET film out of the powder shaker and placing it on the fabric that’s been preheated in the heat press. Then, the film is pressed for approximately 10 seconds at a high temperature. This is enough time for the ink to bond with the fabric and give it a professional, polished look.
Film
When you print a design on linko dtf printer, the image prints first onto a special type of coated PET film. This film is then used to transfer the design onto fabric. This process differs from screen printing in that it can print on a wide variety of materials, not just cotton or polyester. This is because the white layer printed on the dtf film acts as a foundation for the colored pigments to transfer to the garment.
The white layer that is printed on the dtf film is actually a mirror image of the original design you’re looking to create. Once the inks have been printed on the film, a powder adhesive is evenly coated across the entire wet ink layer. This powder is what makes the designs that are printed on dtf so soft to the touch.
Depending on the type of printer you use, the powder may be applied automatically or manually. For automated applications, the film is run through a powder application station and then into a curing oven to melt the powder. The excess powder is then beaten off the film with a powder shaker.
Once the adhesive on the film has melted, it is then ready to be transferred to your clothing. You can choose to use a hot or cold peel film for your transfer, but either way you’ll need to follow the supplier’s instructions carefully to ensure that you get the best results.
It’s important to note that not all PET films are suitable for this kind of printing. Low quality untreated films may not accept the ink or release the adhesive properly, which could ruin your shirt and smudge your design. To prevent this, it’s important to only use high-quality dtf transfer film.
You can either buy this kind of film in cut sheets or in rolls for larger operations. Once the adhesive has melted, you can then put your dtf transfer on top of your fabric and press it for about 15 seconds in a high-pressure heat press. After the heat is applied, you can then slowly pull the transfer off of the fabric to reveal your finished product.
Heat Press
DTF printing is becoming a popular choice for many print shops because it offers flexibility, ease, fabric performance, reliability and a large color gamut. It is also an affordable option compared to dye sublimation. DTF printers are capable of printing directly onto a wide range of fabrics including cotton, polyester and 50/50 blends and work on both light and dark garments. It is also compatible with a variety of art styles and allows for the reproduction of photographs.
Unlike DTG printers, DTF printing does not use ink but rather uses heat to transfer the image on the film to the substrate. During the process, a curing oven melts the powder on the film and sticks it to the fabric. This method does not require any pre-treatment of the garment and is considered a more cost-effective printing solution as compared to screen printing. The DTF printing process also requires a constant supply of PET film, vinyl adhesive powder and ink to ensure consistent quality. Luckily, these materials are easy to find and can be purchased from most major manufacturers of digital textile printers.
Before using the DTF machine, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any errors. This includes checking whether the film is printed backwards or not. Likewise, it is crucial to check if the supplier provides a cold-peel or hot-peel transfer. Cold-peel transfers are usually printed with the white layer on the top, while hot-peel transfers are reversed.
After printing the design on the film, it is pressed for around 10 seconds under high pressure. The resulting bond between the fabric and the film is strong enough to be peeled off after cooling. This step is what makes DTF printing more efficient and faster compared to screen printing. Additionally, it does not involve the marrying of expensive A and B sheets, which is essential when working on a tight budget.
Like all printing processes, DTF has a learning curve and may require some time before it starts running smoothly. This is especially true if you are new to digital textile printing and need to get your artwork prepped correctly. While CMYK can produce a wide variety of colors, you may need to use spot colors when achieving gradients or photo prints.
