There are existing several printing technologies and we cannot discount the fact that they are good but compared to DTF printers their strength is not clear as DTF printing. The article will show you why you should switch to DTF printing.
DTF printing
DTF printing is a process. An Inkjet printer applies ink to PET film, which is then cured. A print shop can apply the printed image directly to a garment with a heat press. Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a multi-step garment decoration process where an Inkjet printer applies ink to a film made out of PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
An adhesive is then applied to the print, and the print is cured with high temperature. This curing process allows the PET film to be stored for long periods of time without significant image quality loss.
The Advantages of DTF Printing
- Apply to a wide variety of materials
DTF works on many different garment materials: cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, and both light and dark fabrics. The transfers can even be applied to different types of surfaces like luggage, shoes, and even glass, wood, and metal! You can expand your inventory by applying your designs to a whole variety of merchandise with DTF.
- No pretreatment
The work process of DTF printer is different with DTG printer, The hot melt power that is applied to the DTF transfers bonds the print directly to the material, there is no need to do the process of pretreatment.
- Use less white ink
White ink usually cost more in the work process, because white ink is used more. DTF printer requires less white ink, about 40% white ink versus 200% white ink for DTG printing. It will save money if reduce the amount of white ink, therefore, DTF printer is a better choice.
- More durable than DTG prints
There’s no denying that DTG prints have soft, barely-there hand feel because the ink is applied directly to the garment. While DTF prints don’t have the same soft hand feel that DTG can boast, the transfers are more durable. Direct to film transfers wash well, and are flexible – meaning they won’t crack or peel, making them great for heavy-use items.
- Easy application
Printing onto a film transfer means you can place your design on hard-to-reach or awkward surfaces. If the area can be heated, you can can apply a DTF design to it! Because all it takes is heat to adhere the design, you can even sell your printed transfers directly to your customers and allow them to allay the design to whatever surface or item they choose with no special equipment!
DTF VS. Print and Cut Heat Seal Vinyl
If you are using the Print and Cut Heat Seal Vinyl then you know how labor-intensive it is to end up with a final product that is not marred by excess vinyl. Even the time it takes to come up with a single piece of perfectly printed fabric is nearly an eternity. If you go with DTF, that is one thing that you won’t have to worry about. DTF printing offers an efficient printing process that does not require weeding.
Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing
Applying heat to vinyl to transfer artwork to a cloth is known as heat transfer vinyl. The manufacturing method is similar to applying a sticker or decal, except that it is done on cloth. T-shirts, activewear & sports gear, sweatshirts, hoodies, and bags & backpacks are all examples of fabric items.
Vinyl is available in a variety of colors and textures, ranging from matte to glossy to sparkly. Depending on the complexity of your artwork, you’ll additionally need a vinyl cutter or plotter in addition to the vinyl printing.
DTF VS. Screen Printing
Screen printing is renowned for high output quality but if you are dealing with small quantities the process can be quite wasteful. This is even worse if you are dealing with complex mufti color designs. It can be very expensive. The story is different though, with DTF printing, as the design or the quantity has a negligible effect on the per-unit cost of the final product.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is the process of transferring a stencilled design onto a flat surface using a mesh screen, ink and a squeegee. Fabric and paper are the most commonly screen-printed surfaces, but with specialised inks it’s also possible to print onto wood, metal, plastic, and even glass. The basic method involves creating a stencil on a fine mesh screen, and then pushing ink (or paint, in the case of artwork and posters) through to create an imprint of your design on the surface beneath.
DTF VS. DTG
In terms of the processing system, DTG printing and DTF printing are very close. The main difference though is the limitation that comes with DTG.DTG only works on cotton garments and factoring in the time and resources required for pre-treatment of fabric, the process essentially becomes cumbersome compared to using DTF.
DTG Printing
DTG printing is a process of printing graphics onto textiles and garments—and most most notably for us, tees. It uses modified inkjet technology to print whatever graphic you want onto the shirt.
DTG printing is a fairly new method that allows for a lot of variation compared to screen printing (which dominated the customized t-shirt market for decades).
DTF VS. Sublimation
Although sublimation produces top-tier end-product quality, the fabric limitations make the mechanism a bit too complex compared to DTF. The purchase and maintenance cost of sublimation printing also gives, DTF an edge.
Sublimation Printing
In scientific terms, Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from a solid state to a gas state. It does not pass through the usual liquid state, and only occurs at specific temperatures and pressures.
What is sublimation shirt printing?
Sublimation shirt printing is a specific process of printing that first involves printing onto a special sheet of paper, then transferring that image onto another material (usually polyester or a polyester mix).
The ink is then heated until it disintegrates into the fabric.
The process of sublimation shirt printing costs more than other methods, but it lasts longer, and will not crack or peel over time, like other shirt printing methods.