1. Using DTF printing process
The DTF printing process flow enables creators to get started faster than with DTG or screen printing techniques. From there, a simple DTF four-step process leaves the fabric softer to the touch and provides better washability. Designing a DTF print craft pattern is as easy as designing on paper: your design is sent from your computer to the DTF machine, and the printer does the rest. While DTF printers look different from traditional paper printers, they function very similarly to other inkjet printers.
By contrast, digital screen transfer involves dozens of steps, which means it's usually only cost-effective for the simplest designs or printing large numbers of items. While screen printing still has a place in the apparel industry, the DTF printing process is more affordable for small businesses or textile establishments that want to make small orders.
2. Reasons for choosing DTF printing process
The DTF printing process offers more design options: screen printing complex patterns is not feasible due to the amount of work involved. However, with DTF technology, printing complex multi-color graphics is different from printing simple designs. DTF also enables creators to make DIY hats, bags and other items.
The DTF printing process is more sustainable and less expensive than other methods: With the growing interest in sustainability in the fashion industry, another advantage of DTF printing over conventional printing is its highly sustainable technology. The DTF printing process helps prevent overproduction, a common problem in the textile industry. Also, the inks used in digital direct inkjet printers are water-based and environmentally friendly.
The DTF printing process enables one-off designs and eliminates waste of unsold inventory: DTF printing costs less than screen printing. For small batch orders, the unit printing cost of DTF printing is lower than the traditional screen printing process.
3. DTF printing process is better than sublimation?
In the design printing industry, both DTF printing process and sublimation printing are thermal transfer film printing processes. DTF is a new printing process that uses digital transfer to decorate dark and light colored T-shirts made from natural fibers such as cotton, silk, polyester, blends, leather, nylon and other materials without the need for expensive equipment. Sublimation printing is a chemical method in which a solid is instantly transformed into a gas, bypassing the liquid step. DTF transfer can achieve better photo quality pictures than sublimation. The more significant the polyester percentage in the fabric, the better and more vivid the image quality will be. For DTF, the fabric is designed to feel comfortable to the touch. You won't feel the pattern sublime as the ink transfers to the cloth. DTF and sublimation transfer heat at different temperatures and time periods.
