DTF printing is one of the most popular methods in the garment printing industry. Sole traders and bespoke clothing companies favor it for its durability, high-quality prints, and flexibility.
So, what does DTF printing entail? This article provides a detailed list of essentials. Follow along as we explore.
Essential Items For DTF Printing
- DTF Printer
- DTF Ink
- DTF Film
- DTF Powder
- Automatic Powder Shaker
- Curing Oven
- Heat Press Machine
Although manufacturers offer all-in-one DTF printers for direct printing solutions, it’s beneficial to understand each part of the printing process. This knowledge helps you deliver the best possible DTF prints to your customers.
DTF Printer
DTF printing requires a specialized or modified DTF printer. So, What is a DTF printer? Simply put, it is a specialized machine used to print patterns onto DTF transfer film.
Unlike Sublimation or DTG printers, DTF printers have a unique advantage: they can be used on virtually any fabric, including cotton, silk, polyester, and nylon, in any texture. In addition, DTF printing has none of the color limitations of sublimation printing and can be used on both dark and light-colored fabrics.
DTF printers are available in various sizes: small, medium, and large. Mall printers, such as A3, A4, and roll printers up to 42cm, are ideal for personal use and small bespoke apparel businesses, while medium printers around 60cm are ideal for commercial and bespoke apparel printing, which is faster and more efficient. Arge printers, typically 120CM, are suitable for high-volume orders in factories due to their accuracy and efficiency.
The cost of DTF printers varies depending on print size, accessories, features, and more. Whether you’re new to DTF printing or an industry leader, the experts at Winnerjet have an up-to-date guide to help you choose the right DTF transfer printer.
DTF Ink
Designed for DTF printers, DTF inks are available in regular colors such as cyan, yellow, magenta, white, and black, as well as special fluorescent colors such as green, yellow, magenta, and orange. Available in capacities of 1000ML, 500ML, 250ML, and 100ML, the white ink is used to form the base layer on the transfer film, while the other colors are used to print the pattern. The quality of the ink is a prerequisite to ensure vibrant colors, and Winnerjet, one of the top 10 DTF ink manufacturers in the world, produces DTF ink that prints in vibrant colors and prints smoothly. It is also affordable and environmentally friendly, making it the ideal choice for your DTF printing needs.
DTF Film
DTF film, also known as DTF PET film or DTF transfer film, is the material on which DTF prints and transfers graphics. It is available in both double-sided and single-sided versions and is typically 75μ thick to ensure strong ink absorption. The size of the film is matched to the printer, with A3, A4, and A3+ sheets and rolls of film with widths of 30cm, 33cm, 42cm, 6cm, and 120cm, respectively. To cater to different market needs, there are various types of DTF film, such as hot peel, cold peel, gold, silver, sparkle, silicone, and flu-recent films. Winnerjet offers five-layer coated DTF film with benefits like anti-static properties, no film flow, and easy tearing. For more details, check out our guide: What Is DTF Transfer Film?
DTF Powder
DTF powder, also known as DTF hot melt adhesive powder, is widely used in DTF printing, and its granularity is crucial to the printing quality. Below are its classifications:
Fine DTF Powder
- Granularity: 80-170 microns
- Pros: Easy to melt, smooth, and soft surface, ideal for smooth fabrics.
Coarse DTF Powder
- Granularity: 120-250 microns
- Pros: Provides a firmer feel and is suitable for rougher fabrics such as leather and denim.
Anti-stretch DTF Powder
- Granularity: 80-160 microns
- Pros: Anti-stretch Resistant to stretch, suitable for stretch fabrics.
Anti-Sublimation DTF Powder
- Granularity: 80-160 microns
- Pros: Resistant to penetration and suitable for brightly colored clothing.
Mixed Granule Powder
- Granularity: 20-80 microns
- Pros: Combination of different particle sizes improves feel and durability. The combination of different particle sizes improves feel and durability.
Color Classification
- White DTF powder: Commonly used for light-coloured fabrics.
- Black DTF powder: Commonly used for dark-colored fabrics.
Winnerjet’s best-selling DTF powders are available in 500G, 1KG, 5KG, 10KG, and 20KG; they Can be customized. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more discount information.
Automatic Powder Shaker
Automatic Powder Shaker is a machine that applies DTF powder evenly to the DTF film and then shakes off the excess powder. The use of the machine can improve the working efficiency and save cost compared with a dual operation. Nowadays, automatic doors are integrated into DTF printers for higher productivity.
With a shaking powder machine, the DTF printer price will be higher; the fact is not so; from the long-term business operation, improve your productivity and reduce labor costs so that your later benefits are far greater than the initial investment.
Curing Oven
The main function of the curing oven is to cure the DTF hot melt adhesive powder on the transfer film. For large companies using DTF printers with curing ovens, you only need to set the temperature. But for personal use and printing shops, it is still necessary to configure a good independent curing oven to perfect the printing work.
Heat Press Machine
A heat press is a necessary piece of equipment used for DTF transfers, where the design is transferred to a blank portion of the fabric by heating and pressing the transfer film. The most important thing is to master the skill of using the heat press and setting different heating temperatures, pressure, and pressing times according to the type of fabric to get the ideal printed products.
RIP software
This software is used to set up the print settings for parameters such as print speed, print efficiency, print size, etc., and is necessary for DTF printing. It is usually included in the purchase of a DTF printer.
Other
If you have the equipment and materials mentioned above, you are ready to start your DTF printing business. Here are some DTF printing benefits:
- Versatile: Works on virtually any fabric, allowing you to expand your business.
- Efficient: Ships quickly and improves cash flow.
- Flexible Printing: Suitable for both small shops and large factories.
- Efficient: Unlike DTG printing, no pre-treatment is required, reducing costs.
- Compatible: Unlike sublimation printing, there are no color limitations.
Final program
DTF printers have attracted more and more companies to join DTF printing with their unparalleled advantages. If you are interested in a custom T-shirt or textile printing industry, DTF printing is a promising option.
This article ends here; if you still have questions about DTF printing, please contact a Winnerjet expert for professional guidance.
FAQS
What is DTF printing?
DTF printing is a process of printing a pattern on a transfer film and then transferring the pattern to the fabric through heat pressing. Read the related guide for details – What is DTF printing?
Can I use a sublimation printer to print DTF?
No, DTF printing requires a professional or properly modified DTF printer to work properly and produce high-quality prints.
How to use a heat press machine for DTF transfer?
It is generally recommended to set the heat press temperature to about 160-180°C (320-356°F) and press with medium pressure for 10-15 seconds.
Can DTF printed matter be cleaned?
Yes, use clean water and follow the correct maintenance methods.
What types of fabrics can I print on with DTF?
T-shirts、hoodies、 tracksuits、 handbags、backpacks、shoes、masks and more.
