Direct To Film
Direct Transfer Film (DTF) printing is an innovative printing technology that offers versatility and high-quality prints for a wide range of apparel materials. Unlike Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, which is limited to cotton-based garments, DTF printing can be used on various fabrics including nylon, polyester, denim, silk, and cotton. DTF printing has gained popularity due to its ability to print on diverse materials, making it a preferred choice for many individuals and businesses. Some believe that DTF printing has the potential to surpass traditional silk screen printing in terms of popularity. The process of DTF printing closely resembles the Printable PU process. Both methods involve the use of printed transfer sheets to create the desired image, which is then applied to the garment using a heat press. With the aid of advanced computer technology, DTF printing can produce highly detailed and colorful prints on t-shirts and garments. Additionally, the computer-aided process allows for fast and cost-effective printing of large volumes of t-shirts and garments.
All the features you need
Advantage of DTF Printing
The process of Direct-Transfer-Film (DTF) Printing
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Design Preparation
Create or obtain the desired artwork or design using graphic design software. Ensure that the design is in a printable format and suitable for DTF printing.1 -
Film Printing
Print the design onto a specialized DTF transfer film using a compatible printer. The printer should be equipped with DTF ink cartridges or toners specifically designed for this printing method.2 -
Film Lamination
After printing, apply a clear adhesive layer, known as the DTF powder adhesive, onto the printed film. This adhesive layer helps the ink adhere to the fabric during the transfer process.3
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Heat Press Transfer
Place the DTF transfer film with the adhesive side facing down onto the fabric. Use a heat press machine with appropriate temperature and pressure settings to apply heat and pressure onto the film. This activates the adhesive and transfers the ink from the film onto the fabric.4 -
Cooling and Peeling
Allow the fabric to cool down before carefully peeling off the DTF transfer film. The transferred ink should remain on the fabric, resulting in a vibrant and detailed print.5 -
Curing or Fixation
Depending on the specific DTF ink or toner used, curing or fixation may be required to ensure the print's durability and washability. This may involve heat pressing the printed fabric again or using a heat tunnel or dryer to set the ink.6
Diverse Techniques
DTF Printing vs DTG Printing
The primary distinction between Direct to Garment (DTG) printing and Direct Transfer Film (DTF) printing can be found in the printing process and the materials involved. In DTF printing, the design is transferred from a film onto the fabric. This transfer occurs by applying the film, which contains the printed design, onto the garment using a heat press. Through the application of heat and pressure, the ink on the film adheres to the fabric. DTF printing provides greater flexibility in terms of fabric compatibility, as it can be used on both light and dark-colored fabrics, including polyester, cotton, and blends. It offers the advantage of producing vibrant and long-lasting prints with a smooth and glossy finish. Unlike DTG printing, DTF printing does not involve directly spraying the ink onto the fabric. Instead, it relies on the transfer of the design from the film. This distinction allows DTF printing to achieve highly detailed and intricate designs with rich color saturation. Additionally, DTF printing offers versatility in terms of fabric choices, making it suitable for a wide range of materials.
Furthermore, DTF printing provides an advantage in printing on dark-colored fabrics, which can be challenging with DTG printing due to ink absorption limitations. With DTF printing, the film acts as a barrier between the ink and the fabric, ensuring vibrant colors on both light and dark backgrounds. In summary, DTF printing stands out for its transfer-based process, enabling the application of detailed designs with vibrant colors on various fabric types. This method opens up possibilities for intricate prints on both light and dark-colored garments, making it a popular choice for those seeking versatility and high-quality results.
| Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing | Direct Transfer Film (DTF) Printing | |
|---|---|---|
|
Printing Process |
Ink is directly sprayed onto the fabric using DTG printers |
Design is transferred from a film onto the fabric using heat |
|
Fabric Compatibility |
Primarily suitable for cotton-based garments |
Compatible with a wide range of fabrics, including polyester, cotton, and blends |
|
Color Options |
Limited to light-colored or white fabrics |
Can be used on both light and dark-colored fabrics |
|
Finish |
Offers a soft and breathable finish |
Provides a smooth and glossy finish |
|
Pre-treatment |
May require pre-treatment of the garment for ink absorption |
No pre-treatment required for most fabrics |
|
Versatility |
Limited to printing on garments |
Can be used on a wide range of fabric-based items |
|
Durability |
Provides durable and long-lasting prints |
Offers vibrant and long-lasting prints |