DTF, or Direct-to-Film printing, is a printing technique that lets you print on a wide range of clothing materials such as cotton, silk, nylon, and polyester blends.  In DTF printing, you print your design directly on a film first. Subsequently, you transfer it onto fabric with the help of a heat press machine. The printing method is gaining popularity as it allows you to print on various fabric types.

DTF printing technology lets you print on textile garments with different fabrics. As a result, you can print caps, jeans, hoodies, totes, t-shirts, and other types of clothing.

Several factors affect the overall feel of DTF print. For example, the type of hot-melt adhesive powder, the thickness of the ink layer, and more. Remember, the more ink and powder the film absorbs, the thicker the print feels. Always get a soft and stretchy DTF powder for better printing.

DTF printers are available in different models, head configurations, and features. The cost of a DTF printer varies according to these factors. Apart from this, the origin of the printer and shipping charges affect the overall pricing of the printer.

At UniPrint, we have two printer models: UP-DTF 602 and UP-DTF 604. They come with different print head configurations, printing speeds, and widths. To learn the prices of both DTF printers, contact us at sales@uniprintcn.com or 86-15957481803.

Like every printer, the DTF printer needs care and maintenance from time to time. Nonetheless, it is far lower than what a DTG printer requires. Since the direct-to-film printer comes with an automatic white ink filter and a circulation feature, you do not notice the issue of ink clogging that much. However, in the case of ink clogging, you can easily clean it.

Keep your DTF printer clean regularly. You may use a gentle liquid solution to clean the outer body of the printer. If you need to clean your machine internally, use a swab. Also, oil the guide rail periodically. If you notice a sign of wear and tear on a particular part, replace it immediately.

The function of the direct-to-film printer is straightforward. The printer utilizes water-based ink to print a design on a film. Thereafter, you apply powdered glue to the film so that it can transfer the design to clothing with the help of a heat press.

Thereafter, the film is placed on the cloth piece and then heat pressed for 15 seconds. The heat press transfers water-based ink to the garment.  DTF printing is suitable for printing cotton, nylon, and polyester fabrics.

DTF printers feature multiple colored ink tanks. Therefore, you can print designs of any color. Besides CMYKW, you get an option for CMYK+Fluo(Yellow/Pink/Orange/Green) + White ink configuration. It means you can print a design or logo containing fluorescent colors.

One of the primary benefits of using DTF printing is that you can print on various types of fabric, such as nylon, cotton, and polyester. People use DTF printers to customize hoodies, caps, t-shirts, totes, jeans, and more.

Another benefit of DTF printing is that it does not require any pretreatment. Furthermore, you get better washable prints.

DTF printing also features print-on-demand technology. You can print multiple designs on the films and transfer them onto your garments when you get orders. Since you need to heat press those designs, it would not be a big hassle. Thus you can avoid printing extra garments and save money. You can keep the printed films stocked until you get orders. With DTF printing, you get the flexibility to do custom business.

Direct-to-film printing has some limitations as well. Though negligible,  compared to sublimation printing, you get lower color vibrancy. Moreover, the printing area has a plastic feel as printing ink stays on the surface. It is advisable to use DTF printing for small designs and logos.

Yes, you require a special DTF ink to print onto a DTF film. You cannot use the ink you utilize for DTG printing. The UniPrint DTF printer uses textile pigment inks as they help with the DTF transfer.

The DTF printing ink comprises a binding agent that fixes the color of the clothing during the heating process. Consequently, you get vibrant colors without losing their breathability and ability to absorb water.

Once you have printed the preferred design on the film, it is ready to be transferred onto the garment. Next, you need to use a heat press for DTF transfer. You have to heat press the print film on the textile for 15 seconds at a temperature of 284 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are looking to start a DTF printing business, you will need the following machines and materials.

DTF Printer

Of course, you'll need a high-quality DTF printer to print on PET film and then transfer the design to the fabric of your choice. DTF printers are available in different models, which you can select based on your budget and needs.

RIP Software

The software is an essential component of the DTF printer because it influences color rendering and other printing characteristics. It converts jpg., PSD., or tiff files into  PRN files. Thereafter, Printexp reads the converted files and allows the DTF printer to print. (included in the DTF Printer)

PET Film

It is another essential material required for DTF printing. Before you transfer your design to textile, you print your design on PET films. The film has 60cm in width. In 1 roll, you will get 100m of film. They have a thickness of approximately 0.75mm.

Hot-melt Adhesive Powder

This white powder acts as an adhesive material and binds colored pigments in the PET film to the fabric.

DTF Ink

DTF ink is a textile pigment ink that lets you print color prints. The UniPrint DTF printer adopts CMYKW and CMYK+ Fluo ink configurations.

Heat Transfer Press

This machine helps you transfer prints from film to fabric. The machine melts the heat transfer powder onto the PET film. You may also use a curing oven in place of a heat press.

Automatic Powder Shaker

It is another crucial piece of equipment to have, especially if you own a commercial DTF printing setup. Get an all-in-one powder shaking and heating machine.

White Ink Circuit System

The White Ink Circuit System circulates the ink and prevents residue from building up on the print heads. It reduces the maintenance requirements for your printer. (included in the DTF Printer)

Some people mix up DTF printing and DTG printing.  However, both are totally different printing processes. The primary difference between the two is that in DTF printing, you print the design on a film and then transfer it to the garment with the help of adhesive powder and a heat press. On the other hand, in DTG printing, you print designs straight onto the garment using inkjet technology.  For the curing process, you use a heat press machine or tunnel heater.

Like every textile print, DTF printing lasts for a certain period of time. However, the printing is strong enough to withstand up to 45 washes. It is satisfactory to most customers.

As mentioned above, DTF printers are available in different models and come with diverse print head configurations. Therefore, the speed of DTF printing varies. At UniPrint, we have two DTF printer models: UP- DTF 602 and UP- DTF 604.

The maximum speed of the UP-DTF 602 model is 4 Pass, 16 m2/H, whereas the UP-DTF 604 gives the max speed of 4 Pass, 28 m2/H.

The UniPrint Direct-to-Film printer comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. The warranty scheme excludes spare parts for the ink system. Nevertheless, we offer lifetime after-sales service. Besides this, you also get free technical support for machine setup and operation.

Choosing the right DTF printer can be difficult, especially if you are a first-time purchaser. Nonetheless, we have compiled a few tips for you below.

Choose the Right Manufacturer

For a quality DTF transfer, you must invest in a high-quality DTF printer. Make sure you buy it from an experienced and trustworthy supplier. The printer must be tested and certified.

Choose an Appropriate Model

UniPrint has two types of DTF printers: UP-DTF 602 and UP-DTF 604. They have different print head configurations and speeds. Choose them as per your production requirements.

Quality Components

Ensure that the manufacturer has used premium quality print heads, a motor, paper detector, cooling fan, and other components.

Warranty & After Sales Service

Make sure the manufacturer you choose provides you with a warranty and after-sales services. UniPrint offers a 1-year warranty and free lifetime after-sales service.

Technologies

Make sure the DTF printer you buy comes with basic technologies such as white ink automatic circulation, paper detector, fluorescent ink solution, press rod linkage device, and more.