Direct to Film Printers Explained | The Printer DTF Process (2024)

The printing industry has experienced rapid growth in recent times, with more and more organizations moving to DTF Printers

The use of Printer Direct to Film or Printer DTF allows you to obtain simplicity, convenience, consistency in performance with a wide range of colors. In addition, DTF Printers are now a reliable and cost-effective machine to own.

So, let us get into the meat of it and find out what Direct to Film Printer can do for you.

What is Direct to Film Process

Direct to Film or DTF is a process that transfers prints onto fabric or other substrates using a heat-press mechanism. Unlike the DTG method, which only works on cotton fabrics, the Printer DTF method can work on cotton and poly blends.

What is a Printer DTF?

As the name suggests, a direct-to-film printer allows you to print a design on a film and transfer it directly to the intended surface, such as fabric. The key reason why the printer DTF is gaining prominence is the freedom it gives you to choose almost any surface for printing.

The DTF printer technology can allow you to print easily on cotton, polyester, synthetic, or silk without any trouble. Plus, DTF printers can work on both dark and white fabric without any need to press on expensive A & B paper.

How DTF Printer Works?

First, printer DTF implementation in your printing business does not require a heavy investment. Whether you are new to the printing business or wish to adapt your DTF printing to expand your business, taking a closer look at these printers is worth your time.

DTF Modified printers typically come with multiple colored ink tanks. These tanks allow the printers the convenience to operate using CMYK settings. The DTF printer ink is specifically designed for use with this process.

Additionally, the DTF process eliminated the use of rollers that previously caused the page to slide. This rectifies the appearance of any linings on your white layer prints. So, if you are looking for a printing technology with flawless final designs that are an exact depiction of the image you wanted on the fabric, DTF is the choice.

The Direct to Film Printer Films

A DTF printer uses PET films as these are different from the ones used in screen printing. PET films have a thickness of approximately 0.75mm, making them better-transferring characteristics. These films are also known as DTF Transfer Films in the market.

You can find them as cut sheets for small-scale use or as rolls for big commercial setups. There are two classifications of PET Films based on temperature. These are cold-peel type films and hot-peel type films.

Software for DTF Printer

Software is an integral part of DTF printers. This is because software influences the color performance, print characteristics of the inks, and final print performance. For DTF printing, you will require specialized RIP software to handle your white and CMYK colors.

It is essential because software governs the color profiling, drop sizes, ink levels, and several critical factors contributing to print quality.

Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder

The Direct to Film printing powder is a white granular product and works as an adhesive material. This helps bind the colored pigments in your printer to the surface you are printing on. However, there are several grades of this STF hot-melt specified in microns.

DTF Printer Inks

The inks used in Printer DTF are unique pigments designed in Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, White and Black colors. The white ink forms the foundation of your print, while the colored pigment prints the design on the film.

Automatic Powder Shaker

This Direct to Film printer component is more common for commercial use (where DTF printer applies the powder) in an even fashion. Plus, the powder shaker also removes excess powder.

Curing Oven

This is a small industrial oven to melt the printer’s hot melt powder, which then goes on the transfer film. Alternatively, you can also use a heat press machine to carry out this function. However, it would help if you used the heat press machine in a no-contact mode.

Heat Press Machine

This piece of equipment helps transfer the printed images on your film onto the desired surface or fabric. You can also use this machine to melt powder on your DTF film.

Pros and Cons of Printer DTF

So is it worth investing in a Direct-to-Film Printer? First, let us look at the merits and demerits of this exceptional piece of technological advancement in the printing industry.

PROS

It does not require any pretreatment
You can use it on almost any material or fabric
The material it is printed upon will still have a slight hand feel to it when you touch. After the printing, the fabric will exhibit excellent wash resistance.
The process is less tedious and quicker than other printing methods such as DTG.

CONS

The printed area is slightly more noticeable than subliminal printing
The color vibrancy is somewhat lower than sublimation printing

Why DTF Printers

You can get premium-quality printing with DTF Printers and the specialty ink they use. If you wish to bring out the brightness and delicacy of the color tones in both dark and light fabrics, DTF printers can help.

Find information about ColDesi DTF Printer here.

So, you can say that DTF printers practically help you lift all restrictions of the traditional commercial printing processes. Moreover, since you do not require any treatment in most cases, DTF printers offer you savings on the overall printing costs. This can provide high-profit margins to your organization.

For example, the textile industry predicts to see DTF printers show massive growth in years to come. The industry believes that more and more companies will join the DTF printing technology for all its benefits. So, if you are a textile or t-shirt company that wishes to produce printed fabric at an economical price with efficiency, a DTF printer is the way forward.

PrevPreviousColDesi Grows Again! Adds New Team Members

NextWhy DTF Printers are the Future of Local Printing IndustryNext

Top Commercial Embroidery Machines

Expanding Your Embroidery Business: Exploring the Advantages of Puffy Embroidery

A Guide to Launching a Profitable Hat Embroidery Business

FAQs

Direct to Film Printers Explained | The Printer DTF Process? ›

DTF printing involves printing a design onto a piece of PET film (a special film with a coating that helps transfer designs) using water-based inks and a special adhesive powder. Then, the design on the PET film is heat-transferred to fabric using a heat press machine.

Tell Me More ›

What is the DTF printing process? ›

What is Direct to Film Process. Direct to Film or DTF is a process that transfers prints onto fabric or other substrates using a heat-press mechanism. Unlike the DTG method, which only works on cotton fabrics, the Printer DTF method can work on cotton and poly blends.

Learn More ›

What are the disadvantages of DTF printing? ›

However, there are drawbacks to consider. DTF printing can be slower than other methods, requires regular maintenance, and necessitates proper ventilation due to fumes. Equipment costs can also be a concern. Businesses should carefully weigh these factors before deciding if DTF printing is the right choice for them.

Show Me More ›

What is the difference between DTF and normal printing? ›

The main differences are in the materials used and the process itself. DTF printing requires a specialised film or transfer sheet, as well as water-based ink and a powder adhesive. On the other hand, regular printing will use either ink or toner and paper for print creation.

See Details ›

How long does DTF last? ›

Factors for DTF Transfer Durability: DTF prints last 2 to 5 years, influenced by material quality, fabric type, and care routine. Quality Materials and Application: Use specialized DTF ink and apply with correct settings, including temperature and pressure, and follow peeling instructions.

Get More Info ›

Which is better, DTF or sublimation? ›

Another thing to keep in mind is that DTF prints might seem stiff initially, but they'll wear in after a couple of washes. Plus, the print is thin so that it doesn't feel too bulky. In contrast, sublimation printing doesn't create a raised print texture on the fabric, and is more comfortable to wear from the get-go.

Know More ›

What does DTF feel like on a shirt? ›

DTF print quality is excellent. Even though the print has a plastic feel and might be slightly stiff initially, it'll wear in after a few washes. Other than that, DTF prints are smooth and elastic, which ensures longevity.

Find Out More ›

Do DTF transfers crack? ›

One of the standout features of DTF transfers is their incredible durability. With proper application and care, cracking and peeling shouldn't be a concern.

Keep Reading ›

Do you need special software for DTF printing? ›

Q: Do I need special software or a RIP program to print DTF? A: Yes. DTF printers require rip software and/or special software to operate.

Learn More Now ›

Do you have to run a DTF printer every day? ›

DTF white ink still separates and will need a daily shake. Best form of maintenance is regular printing. If you print every 2 days, all you will need to do is shake the ink and run an automatic printhead clean before printing.

Find Out More ›

Can I use any printer for DTF? ›

Q: Can any inkjet printer be used for DTF transfers? A: Not all inkjet printers are suitable for DTF transfers. You need to ensure that the printer you choose has the capability to print with white ink and is compatible with DTF transfer films.

Do you need special ink for DTF transfers? ›

Special inks for DTF printing: these very elastic inkjet inks prevent the print from cracking when stretching the garment after printing.