Direct to PET film printing or DTF is a cutting technology that allows users to print their artwork t-shirt designs to PET film. This is a special method that combines thermal transfer and digital inkjet printing. DTF was the last thermal printer to offer conventional screen printing.
1. How does DTF transfer printing work on shirts?
There are several main processes involved in transferring an image from a printer to final output. Create/prepare artwork, use a DTF transfer capable RIP program to receive the ink company's ICC profile. The image is printed, and once the artwork is designed, the image is stamped onto the PET transfer film. Some models on the market range from smaller desktop designs to large industrial printers up to 24 inches. Binder powder is added, and after the film is used up, the user replaces the hot melt mill onto the transfer film. Heat, and once the talc solidifies, the user transfers the film to a heat press. The difference is that the traditional heat transfer at this stage is different. Remove transfer, when you apply this DTF printing process, some manufacturers prefer polyester printing or recommend a cold peel process (waiting until the padding bar on the shirt cools) to remove the padding from the material.
2. DTF transfer printing frequently asked questions
Can DTF transfer printing be done on cotton shirts? DTF transfers offer great versatility when printing directly on garments. Direct filming offers great flexibility as individuals can print on a variety of materials, including leather, cotton, nylon, rayon and polyester.
Can it be printed on a hoodie? Likely, direct film printing is a special printing technique that involves printing art onto special films for transfer to textiles. DTF transfer printing is a thermal transfer process that has the potential to last as long as the original screen printer.
Is DTF transfer printing suitable for dark shirts? There are many matching materials, unlike DTG technology which only works on cotton materials. Therefore, this implies that such printers can operate on a wider range of substrates, making them the best digital printers on the market. DTF transfer machines can run on white and dark clothes. Digital printing on dark t-shirts by using DTF black powder or materials is not exactly the same as printing on white or light-colored materials.
Another advantage of DTF transfer compared to traditional printing is its affordable price. Don't worry about the fashion industry focusing too much on sustainability. It's also easier to get started than direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, as the process frees designers to make some simple adjustments to their current printers.
