You may have heard of a new technology recently and its many terms such as,“DTF”,“Direct to Film”,“DTG Transfer”,and more. For the purpose of this blog,we’ll be referring to it as”DTF”. You may be wondering what is this so-called DTF and why is it getting so popular? Here we’ll do a deep dive on what DTF is,who it’s for,benefits and drawbacks,and more!
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Transfer (also known as DTF) is exactly what it sounds like. You print an artwork on a special film and transfer said film onto fabric or other textiles.
Benefits
Versatility on Materials
DTF can be applied on a wide range of materials including,cotton,nylon,treated leather,polyester,50/50 blends and more (light and dark fabrics).
Cost Effective
Can save up to 50% white ink.
Supplies are also significantly more affordable.
No Preheat Required
If you are coming from a direct-to-garment (DTG) background,you must be familiar with preheating the garments before printing. With DTF,you no longer have to worry about preheating the garment prior to printing.
No A+B Sheets Marrying Process
If you come from a white toner laser printer background,you’ll be pleased to hear that DTF doesn’t require the marrying process of expensive A+B sheets.
Production Speed
Since you essentially take out a step of preheating,you’re able to speed up production.
Washability
Has been proven through testing to be equal to if not better than traditional direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
Easy Application
DTF allows you to apply the artwork on difficult/ awkward parts of the garment or fabric with ease.
High Stretchability and Soft Hand Feel
No Scorching
Drawbacks
Full size prints don’t come out as great as direct-to-garment (DTG) prints.
Different hand feel compared to direct-to-garment (DTG) prints.
Must wear safety equipment (protective eyewear,mask,and gloves) when working with DTF products.
Must keep the DTF adhesive powder in a cool temperature. High humidity can cause quality issues.
Pre-Requisites for Your First DTF Print
Like we mentioned above,DTF is extremely cost-effective and therefore,doesn’t require a sizable investment.
Direct to Film Printer
We have heard from some of our customers that they use their direct-to-garment (DTG) printers or modify a printer for DTF purposes.
Films
You will be printing directly on the film,hence the process name”direct-to-film”. DTF films are available in either cut sheets and rolls.
Ecofreen Direct to Film (DTF) Transfer Roll Film for Direct to Film
Software
You are able to use any direct-to-garment (DTG) software.
Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder
This acts as the”glue” that binds the print to the fabric of your choosing.
Inks
Direct-to-garment (DTG) or any textile inks will work.
Heat Press
Has been proven through testing to be equal to if not better than traditional direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
Dryer (Optional)
A curing oven/ dryer is optional to melt the adhesive powder to make your production even faster.
Process
Step 1 – Print on Film
You must print your CMYK down first,then your white layer afterwards (which is the opposite of direct-to-garment (DTG).
Step 2 – Apply Powder
Apply the powder uniformly while the print is still wet to ensure it sticks. Carefully shake off the excess powder so there’s no remaining other than the print. This is extremely important as this is the glue that holds the print to the fabric.
Step 3 – Melt/ Cure the Powder
Cure your newly powdered print by hovering with your heat press at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes.
Step 4 – Transfer
Now that the transfer print is cooked,you are ready to transfer it onto the garment. Use your heat press to transfer the print film at 284 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds.
Step 5 – Cold Peel
Wait until the print is completely cooled off before peeling the carrier sheet off the garment or fabric.
Overall Thoughts
While DTF is not positioned to overtake direct-to-garment (DTG) printing,this process can add an entirely new vertical to your business and production options. Through our own testing,we have found that using DTF for smaller designs (that are difficult with direct-to-garment printing) works best,such as neck labels,chest pocket prints,etc.
If you own a direct-to-garment printer and are interested in DTF,you should definitely give it a try given its high upside potential and cost-effectiveness.
For more information on any of these products or processes,feel free to check out this page or to give us a call at +8615258958902-be sure to check out our YouTube channel for walkthroughs,tutorials,product spotlights,webinars and more!
Post time: Sep-22-2022