DTF printing is a futuristic technology. It prints garments with minimal fuss and maximum impact.
Until recently, most short runs of customized garments were produced either with screen printing or digital direct-to-garment (DTG) printers. Now, more and more custom garments are produced with DTF (direct-to-film) printing.
DTF printing is a revolution in custom apparel designing because the process works on all fabric types, gives excellent results, minimizes waste, and requires minimal setup.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF involves the transfer of a design from one medium to another. Unlike DTG printing, DTF printing involves the use of a PET film to facilitate design transfer.
After the design is printed on the PET film, it is transferred under high heat and pressure onto a garment. The process involves several steps and requires:
- a quality printer that comes with software for managing color and print settings
- a PET film roll (cold peel or hot peel)
- a powder adhesive, and
- a heat-press
How DTF Printing Works: Step-by-Step Process
STEP 1: Create the Design
The process starts with choosing a design for the customized apparel. You can use graphic design software and AI software to create an original or one-of-a-kind design. Or you can download a design from a stock-image provider or convert an image into a graphic design.
STEP 2: Print on a DTF Film
Designs are printed on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films that have been manufactured specifically for image transfer. Most DTF Printers use CMYK inks to print full color graphics and images as well as an additional white ink. The white ink is typically used to produce a base layer so that the colors look true on colored or black garments.
The newest DTF printers are equipped with advanced features such as auto-cleaning. Automated cleaning helps keep the printhead nozzles free of ink clogs for fast, crisp printing.
STEP 3: Apply the Adhesive
The printed design won’t stick to the garment until a hot-melt powder adhesive is applied to all elements of the printed design. The adhesive melts on coming into contact with heat and enhances the adhesive power of colors. The design will stick perfectly when applied onto a garment under the right combination of heat, pressure, and time.
STEP 4: Cure the Print
Before the film is applied to the garment on a heat press, the printed film and adhesive should be placed in a curing oven for a quick heat treatment. The curing time will depend on the complexity of the design. It is a necessary step to ensure perfection.
STEP 5: Use a Heat Press to Transfer the Image from the Film to the Garment
The cured design is placed on a heat-press machine for transfer. A heat-press machine has two platens – upper and lower. The design is placed on the upper platen, and the garment is on the lower platen. The upper platen is pressed onto the garment for design transfer.
STEP 6: Peel the Film Off the Garment
If you printed your design on a “hot-peel” film, you can peel it off the garment immediately. If you used a “cold-peel” film, you must wait for the film to cool before peeling it off.
Why DTF Printing is Gaining Popularity
Despite the steps involved in DTF printing, it is still a faster process than using direct-to-garment or manual screen-printing press to create custom-decorated garments.
Versatility Across Fabric Types: The DTF process give you to power to decorate a wide range of garments and materials. Even with a small setup, you can print on T-shirts, tops, caps, shorts, socks, and shawls made with cotton, polyester, blends, and nylon. You can even custom-decorate leather belts and accessories.
Vibrant, Detailed Prints: DTF printing is the only technology capable of delivering high-quality results even on dark fabrics. The prints are vibrant with all details visible. For darker fabrics, it uses a white underbase that allows colors to sit decently on the dark fabric and look real.
No Pre-Treatment Required: The direct-to-garment printing process requires you to use garments that have been pretreated to keep the ink droplets on the surface of the fabric. Pretreating garments yourself can be tedious and time-consuming. And the availability of pretreated DTG garments is limited.
The DTF printing process doesn’t require pretreated fabrics. Removing the pre-treatment step speeds up the process and makes it more cost-effective. DTF printing is especially beneficial for small batches of garments or “on-demand” printing, in which custom garments are supplied only in the sizes and quantities that the customer has already paid for upfront.
Highly Durable Prints: Design transfer technology produces highly durable prints. The heat and pressure method makes designs permanent. DTF prints can withstand both caustic and acidic liquids. They don’t crack, peel, or even fade — no matter how many times they are washed and worn.
Cost-Efficient for Small Runs: DTF printing is a highly cost-effective technology. It reduces waste and improves performance. It is ideal for both short runs and one-off designs. For this reason, DTF has become the first choice of startups.
Impact on the Custom Apparel Industry
DTF printing technology has changed the custom apparel industry. Now you can print single garments at home or run a small garment-printing business from your home.
Lower Entry Barriers for Startups: Minimal setup cost and simple workflow make DTF printing suitable for hobbyists or home-based businesses.
Faster Turnaround Times: The DTF process doesn’t require pre-treatment. Also, it needs minimal preparation for printing. For this reason, it gives the fastest prints without compromising the print quality.
Print-on-Demand Compatibility: You can print garments only in the sizes and colors needed. Also, you can vary the design of each garment to include a specific name, number, or unique design.
Challenges of DTF Printing
Initial Equipment Cost: Buying high-quality DTF Printers, software, film, powder, and a heat press can be expensive upfront.
Maintenance: The ink system and nozzles need regular cleaning. You also pay heed to the routine maintenance of equipment.
Storage: PET films and adhesive powder require proper storage in a moisture-free environment.
Learning Curve: Beginners must learn to make the necessary heat and pressure settings before starting printing.
The Future of DTF Printing
As e-commerce and the demand for customized products continue to grow, garment decorators have high hopes for DTF technology. Some of the improvements, you can expect in the future include:
● More consistent print speed and quality
● Eco-friendly inks
● Automated power curing
● Automated nozzle cleaning and maintenance
Combined with AI technology, DTF printing can be used to start a fully automated and hyper-personalized apparel business.
Some entrepreneurs use DTF printing along with DTG and sublimation processes to diversify their range of products and cater to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
DTF printing is a game-changer for the apparel industry. It has made it easier to customize garments in a minimal time with little extra cost. Whether you want to expand your textile or garment printing business or start a clothing brand, DTF is your best bet.
About DTG Pro
The experts at DTG PRO™ have decades of combined experience in manufacturing and supporting specialty printing equipment for many well-known brands and distributors.
On the DTG Pro website, you can choose from a variety of compact, entry-level desktop DTF units, mid-level production systems, or super-fast DTF printers for industrial production.DTG Pro also offers a selection of software, films, powder, powder curing systems, and heat-press devices as well as remote or onsite training.