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The DTF method is as easy to use as its name implies: print on film, then transfer the image straight onto fabric. The ability to select practically any fabric is the primary feature that justifies the usage of this procedure by a broader audience. The DTF printing process will work magic on any fiber, whether polyester, cotton, silk, or synthetics like rayon or terrycot.
The user can invest a little money to meet the requirements for DTF printing. To transition from one of the above digital textile printing processes to DTF printing as an extension of one's business or to start a new digital textile printing endeavor with DTF, one must invest in the following:
A common term for these printers is DTF Modified Printers. Most printers are the standard Epson L800, L805, L1800, and other 6-color ink tank models. This printer series supports 6 colors, so it was selected. This makes operating more convenient because White DTF inks may be placed in the printer's LC and LM tanks, while CMYK DTF inks can be placed in the regular CMYK tanks. The rollers used to slide the page are also removed to avoid "linings" on the white layer printed on the DTF film.
PET films are utilized in the printing of DTF files. These are not the same films that are used for screen printing. These have superior transmission qualities and are roughly 0.75 mm thick. DTF films come in two sizes: rolls for usage in a commercial setting and cut sheets for small-scale application. The peeling done on the PET films following the transfer determines another categorization. The films are classified as hot-peel or cold-peel, depending on the temperature.
The most important part of the procedure is the software. The software significantly impacts the print qualities, ink color performance, and final print performance on the fabric following transfer. Specialized RIP software capable of handling CMYK and White colors would be needed for DTF. The DTF Printing program controls color profiling, ink levels, drop sizes, and other elements that go into producing an optimal print output.
The white DTF printing powder is an adhesive, binding the colored pigments in print to the fabric's fibers. The DTF hot melt powder is available in several grades, each with a micron specification. Based on the requirements, a suitable grade should be chosen.
These are specially made pigment inks that come in the following colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White. A unique element called White Ink creates the white background of the print on the film, which is then printed with a colorful pattern.
In commercial DTF systems, the Automatic Powder Shaker is utilized to apply and remove surplus powder equally.
The hot melt powder put on top of the transfer film is melted in the curing oven, a little industrial oven. An alternative method is to utilize a heat press machine, but you should operate it in the no-contact mode.
The picture produced on the film is mainly transferred onto the fabric using a heat press machine. Additionally, it can be utilized to warm the DTF film's hot melt powder. The steps outlined below outline how to accomplish this.
Holding the film at its short edges with its long edges parallel to the floor (landscape orientation) is a popular method of ensuring this. The powder is poured into the film's middle from top to bottom, forming a heap about an inch thick.
Melting the powder:As implied by the name, this process involves melting the powder. There are several ways to go about this. The most famous method is heating the film with the printed picture and the powder software inside the curing oven. Place the film within the heat press and press the top of the click extraordinarily near the film, however without touching it, if the curing oven is not to be had. The distance between the film and the heat press top plate should be between 4 and 7 mm. It can be secured with a metal wire to ensure that the press top leaves a necessary gap and does not close over the film. It is strongly advised to follow the manufacturer's instructions for melting powder for the best results. The heating process typically takes 2 to 5 minutes at a temperature of 160 to 170 degrees Celsius, depending on the powder and equipment.
Before pressing:Pre-pressing the fabric is the phase before the film transfers the picture. The fabric is heated to a pressure of two to five seconds while within the heat press. This is done to guarantee that the fabric is dehumidified and flattened. Pre-pressing makes the correct transfer of the image from the film onto the fabric easier.
Transfer:The core of the DTF printing procedure is this. For a firm bond between the film and the fabric, the PET film with the image and the molten powder is placed on the pre-pressed fabric in the heat press. Another name for this procedure is "curing." The curing process takes 15 to 20 seconds at a temperature between 160 and 170 degrees Celsius. At this point, the film is securely bonded to the fabric.
Cooled Peel:Before removing the film, the material and the now-connected film ought to cool to room temperature. Because it cools, the hot melt, which has traits with amides, functions as a binder to firmly adhere the colored pigment in the inks to the fabric's fibers. The important design should be revealed in ink over the material and pulled off as soon as the film has cooled.
After pressing:At the same time as it isn't required, doing so is strongly recommended for most advantageous outcomes and high-overall performance metrics like wash and rub fastness. This degree involves urgent the completed fabric with the transferred design in the warmth press for ten to fifteen seconds.
DTF printing can be used to expand materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, leather, and more.
DTF printing entails printing designs onto a film that's then transferred onto the substrate, even as DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing directly prints onto the garment itself.
DTF printing is generally executed using specialized inkjet printers equipped with DTF-compatible inks and accessories.
DTF printing may be considered more eco-friendly than a few traditional printing strategies, as it regularly requires fewer chemicals and produces less waste.
Sure, DTF prints are commonly long-lasting and might face up to more than one wash if proper transfer and curing techniques are followed.
The length of designs that may be published in the use of DTF depends on the capabilities of the DTF printer being used. A few printers allow for large-format printing.
