DTF allows you to print bold colours and detailed designs on cotton, nylon, polyester, or 50/50 blends (both light and dark fabrics). Unlike vinyl transfers, there’s no need for pre-treating.
First, the design is printed on a special film using a high-quality inkjet printer that specializes in DTF printing. These are not your standard CMYK inks but specially designed to bind to fabric.
Linko has quickly gained recognition as a top-tier brand in the industry. Their cutting-edge technology and advanced printing techniques allow them to create intricate and vivid designs on various fabric types, catering to the diverse needs of their customers. Whether it’s personalized garments, promotional merchandise, or fashion-forward textiles, Linko’s DTF printing capabilities ensure that every product bears the mark of superior craftsmanship.
Inks
Unlike direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which requires the garments to be pretreated before printing, DTF prints directly onto the fabric. A Direct-to-Film Printer, often referred to as DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printer, is a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionized the apparel industry. Unlike traditional printing methods like screen printing, which involve multiple complex steps and limited color options, a Direct-to-Film Printer enables the seamless and high-quality printing of intricate designs and vibrant colors directly onto fabric surfaces. This innovation has significantly reduced production time, increased design flexibility, and improved print accuracy for clothing manufacturers and custom apparel businesses. With the ability to produce detailed, full-color prints on demand, Direct-to-Film Printers have become an indispensable tool for the fashion industry, allowing for customized, one-of-a-kind designs that cater to individual preferences and trends.This means that the process can be used on a wider range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, nylon, treated leather, and more. In addition, DTF can save up to 50% of the white ink needed for traditional printing processes and is therefore more cost-effective.
The inks used in DTF printing are different from those found in standard home printers, as they are designed specifically for the process. They are made from a polymer that helps them adhere to the transfer film. The resulting print is durable and vibrant, with high color accuracy. Additionally, DTF inks are resistant to washing and fading, making them ideal for long-lasting apparel designs.
The first step in the DTF process is to print the design on a transfer film using a DTF printer. Then, a layer of hot melt adhesive is added to the film. The film is then placed on the fabric, where heat and pressure are applied. The heat causes the ink and adhesive to bond with the fabric, resulting in a permanent print.
In order to get the best results from DTF printing, it is important to use high-quality inks and a DTF printer that is designed specifically for this process. The printer should be able to handle thick and viscous inks, as well as being capable of printing on different materials. It is also important to perform regular maintenance on the printer, such as cleaning and nozzle checks, to ensure that it is working properly.
DTF printers are available in a variety of sizes, from 13 x 19 inches to large industrial machines that can print on oversized fabrics. In addition to the printer, a DTF setup will require a powder shaker, an automatic powder dispenser, and a curing oven. The powder shaker is used to apply the hot-melt adhesive evenly, while the automatic powder dispenser removes excess powder from the garment. The curing oven is used to melt the hot-melt adhesive, allowing it to bond with the fabric.
Film
DTF (direct to fabric) printing uses a film that acts as an adhesive for the design that is printed directly on it. The film is then applied to a garment by heat. This process allows you to print full-color, including white ink, on a variety of surfaces and fabrics, including dark garments. It also offers shorter production turnaround times and lower setup costs compared to traditional screen printing methods.
When printing with DTF, you should make sure that you are printing on the correct side of the film. The PET film side is designed for ink adhesion and the adhesive layer side is designed to transfer the design onto the substrate. Using the wrong side of the film can lead to poor print quality and undesired results.
Once the image is printed on the film, a powder is then applied to it. This will be evenly distributed across the entire surface of the printed design. Then, the powder is cured by placing the rolled film into one of our heat presses and heat pressing it for about 15 seconds. This final step is important as it will bind the colored inks with the fibers of the garment, which improves wash “fastness” and overall durability of your finished product.
In order to ensure the highest level of print quality, the dtf powder must be used correctly. This means that it must be stored in a cool and dry area, away from excessive heat or humidity. It should also be kept in a sealed container to prevent dust or dirt from settling on its surface. Additionally, the dtf powder must be mixed thoroughly before applying to the garment.
The dtf powder is white and it acts as an adhesive material that binds the CMYK inks with the garment’s cotton or polyester fibers. It is crucial that the dtf powder is mixed properly to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the entire surface of the cling-on. If the dtf powder is not mixed properly, it can cause cracking and fading of the transferred image.
Heat Press
DTF printing is a great way to customize apparel, but it’s essential that you have the right equipment and supplies to ensure success. This includes a high-quality heat press, and a variety of different inks to match the colors you’ll be using. You’ll also want to use a high-quality powder station. These are specifically designed for DTF printing, and help to create a smooth print with minimal air bubbles.
Another key piece of equipment for DTF is a RIP (Raster Image Processor) software. This is an advanced program that allows you to set precise controls for elements like color density, saturation, and the size of the picoliter drop. Using this type of software can help you achieve consistent and accurate color reproduction across a wide range of different fabrics.
The final piece of the puzzle is a heat press, which is used to apply the transfer to the fabric. There are a number of different types of heat presses, from simple home models to industrial-grade units. Depending on your needs, you may even want to invest in a dual-platen machine that can handle two different sizes simultaneously.
Before you start working with DTF transfers, make sure that your heat press is in good condition and that it is covered with a protective sheet to prevent damage. It’s important to keep in mind that melting the hot melt powder that acts as an adhesive can release harmful chemicals into the air, so you’ll want to ensure that your work area is well-ventilated.
Once your heat press is ready, it’s time to load the transfer. First, make sure that it’s completely flat and wrinkle-free. Then, you’ll need to determine whether the film is a hot peel or cold peel. Hot peel film can be peeled immediately after heat pressing, while cold peel requires a period of cooling before the transfer can be removed.
Once the film is on the shirt, lower the upper platen over it and apply medium pressure for 15 to 20 seconds. This will ensure that the transfer is firmly bonded to the fabric. After the transfer is done, it’s time to trim away any excess powder and weed away any parts of the garment that don’t have the design you’re after.
Weeding
The initial investment in a DTF printer can be an obstacle for businesses that are new to custom printing. However, the quality of the print and scalability of the process can make it a viable option for businesses with diverse product offerings. It is also a great choice for businesses that want to offer customers the opportunity to apply their own designs on their favorite products, opening up an entirely new market for your business.
DTF prints are more durable than vinyl heat transfer (HTV) and can withstand many washes. The ink is bonded to the fabric and won’t peel, crack, or fade like vinyls or screen-printed images can. Additionally, DTF prints are more versatile than HTV, as they can be applied to a wide range of fabrics and surfaces.
Unlike HTV, DTF does not require weeding, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The ability to avoid the need for weeding can save your business money and resources, making DTF printing a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to vinyl heat transfer.
Another benefit of DTF printing is that it can produce high-resolution designs with vibrant colors, even on dark or light backgrounds. This feature can be a key differentiator for your business as it can allow you to compete with large online retailers who use digital printers to produce full-color, high-resolution images on a variety of products.
The DTF process starts with a digital design that is printed on specialized PET film using a DTF printer. Then, the film is coated with a layer of adhesive powder that adheres to the ink. Next, the film is cut and trimmed to remove excess material, resulting in a ready-to-apply DTF transfer that can be applied to garments with a hot press.
DTF transfers can be used on a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and poly/cotton blends. They can be applied to a variety of clothing items, including hats and hoodies. They can also be applied to hard surfaces, such as wood or metal. However, it’s important to test your DTF prints before applying them to expensive or delicate fabrics.