This is a blog cover image about using dtf printing to make clothing patterns.

What is DTF Printing

Written by Timothy Beck Werth

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Reading time for 6 min

Recent developments in printing methods continue to expand the sphere of garment customization. One method that has gained popularity in recent years because of its versatility is DTF printing. You might have heard of it before, and here I will tell you why its use is booming.

Direct Film (DTF) involves printing your design directly to a polyester film using a specialized printer, adding adhesive powder, and then transferring the design to fabric using a heat press machine.

DTF printing quickly caught on because it allows the liberty to work on different surfaces and several fabric types while still producing vibrant and lasting prints. It works well on cotton and cotton blends, polyester, fleece, and nylon, regardless of colour.

This cutting-edge technology can be a game changer for your garment customization business or hobby. Let's explore how it works in detail

Quick in
1. DTF Printing Principles and Process 1.1 DTF Printing Procedure 1.2 DTF Printing Equipment 2. Advantages and Disadvantages of DTF Printing 2.1 Advantages​ 2.1 Cons of DTF Printing 3. Comparison with Other Printing Methods 4. Application Areas of DTF Printing 4.1 Garment Customization 4.2 Promotional Products 4.3 Sportswear and Team Uniforms 4.4 Product labels and Packaging 4.5 Interiors and Decor 4.6 DTF Printing is the Best Method for You If:

DTF Printing Principles and Process

DTF Printing Procedure

Here is a detailed step-by-step process for implementing DTF printing.

This image shows the total process of DTF printing.

Step 1: Preparation of the Design and Printer 

Once you have settled on the design, import it to the Image processing Software.

Then, calibrate the required cartridges to set up the DTF printer. Cut out the PET film and load it onto the DTF printer.

Step 2: Print the Design 

Print the entire design in colour. The printer creates the first layer, and then the machine prints the white layer on the whole image, completely covering the first layer. Carefully remove the Film and lay it on a flat surface.

Step 3: Adhesive Powder Application and Curing 

Apply the powder uniformly on the wet ink until complete coverage. Remove the excess powder.

Cure the adhesive by heating the Film in a curing oven or with a heat press machine.

Step 4: Heat Press the Design 

Pre-press the fabric using a heat press for 2-5 seconds. This process dehumidifies and flattens the garment.

Place the printed Film on the fabric, then heat press it for 15-20 seconds at temperatures of 165°C to transfer the image.

Peel the Film from the garment and flatten the design by heat pressing it a second time.

DTF Printing Equipment

Software for DTF Printer

DTF printing requires specialized Taster Image processing software (RIP) to handle CMYK and White colours. RIP converts vector designs to bitmaps optimized for printing. The software impacts the colour performance, ink print features and final print.

DTF Printer

The printing requires a specialized or modified inkjet printer with textile inks specific to DTF printing. Multiple coloured ink tanks allow the printer to work conveniently with CMYK settings.

DTF Printer Ink

The DTF printer inks are unique water-based and solvent-based pigments designed in Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, White, and Black. Water-based inks are more environmentally friendly, but solvent-based ones are more durable.

DTF Printer Films

The DTF printer uses PET films, which are different from the ones used for screen printing. The PET films are 0.75 mm thick, which gives them better transfer characteristics. They are classified according to:

Release mechanism: Cold peel type and hot peel type.

Visual effects, e.g. reflective film, laser film, luminous film, shining film, gild/silver film, glossy transfer film, and color base film.

Coating process: Single-coated and double-coated films.

Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder

DTF printing powder is a white granular powder used for adhesive purposes. It is made from a mixture of polyester and polyurethane resin, color, and other additives. The powder helps to bind the coloured pigments in the printout to the garment surface.

Curing Oven

A small industrial oven melts the hot melt powder onto the transfer film. The heat press machine can also perform this function in a no-contact mode.

Heat Press Machine

This equipment helps to transfer the images onto a fabric surface. It can also melt powder on your DTF film.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DTF Printing

Here are pros and cons of DTF printing.

Advantages​

Low initial investment.

With a proper selection of good-quality ink, printer, and fabric, it produces high-resolution prints with vibrant colors and finer details.

It can work on several fabrics, such as cotton and cotton blends and other varieties like polyester, fleece, and nylon.

With good ink, DTF printing provides elastic prints that won’t crack when stretching the fabric.

It provides good wash and wear resistance, especially when good-quality ink, fabric, and curing processes are used.

It does not require any pre-treatment.

Cons of DTF Printing

DTF printing is a delicate process and requires one to use quality printers, ink, and consumable materials to eliminate deviations in the quality of the output.

Comparison with Other Printing Methods

Item DTF Printing
 DTG Printing Screen Printing White Toner Printing
Color Performance It depends on the ink set, printer and application. It depends on the ink set, printer and application. Better and more consistent It depends on the ink set, printer and application.
Set-up Costs Cheaper to set up Expensive to set up Expensive Inexpensive
Running Costs Depends on print volume, ink prices and film costs. Depends on print volume, ink prices and film costs. Cheaper for larger batches. Depends on print volume, ink prices.
Suitable fabrics cotton and cotton blends and other varieties like polyester, fleece, and nylon. Cotton and cotton blends. Cotton and cotton blends. Cotton, Polyester, Cotton and Polyester blends, hats, backpacks.
Environmental Impact Use eco-solvent inks that are energy efficient.
Requires better disposal of heat transfer film		 Use eco-solvent inks that are energy-efficient. Uses water in screen cleaning and stencil preparation. It uses less material chemicals, and toner cartridges are recyclable.

Application Areas of DTF Printing

This image shows the different applications of DTF printing.

Garment Customization

DTF printing allows designers and clothing brands to deliver personalized and captivating designs on a wide range of clothing. Common examples include T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, and aprons.

Promotional Products

DTF printing delivers brand logos and messages on promotional merchandise such as umbrellas, hats, tote bags, and accessories. These are good marketing tools that promote brand visibility.

Sportswear and Team Uniforms

It is used to craft personalized uniforms and sportswear for amateur leagues and professional teams. It provides durability and clarity for displaying team logos, player names, and numbers.

Product labels and Packaging

This type of printing is also used to label packaging materials. Businesses looking for a practical way to brand their packaging will find that DTF printing provides visually captivating on-pint presentations.

Interiors and Decor

Printing extends beyond interior design. It is also used to customize décor that matches specific color schemes. The designs can be on canvas, photographic frames, or napkins, among other items.

DTF Printing is the Best Method for You If:

You have a low starting investment and want a printing method that will be up and running quickly.

You want to personalize T-shirts and other textile products such as masks, bags, cushion covers, and sweatshirts.

You are dealing with cotton or polyester fabrics and their blends in any color.

You want to deliver premium and quality printing.

You are dealing with both dark and light fabric.

Conclusion

DTF printing is versatile and works on a wide range of fabrics to produce high-quality, vibrant, and durable designs. It compares carefully to other printing methods and has the advantages of lower investment costs and a good wash and wear resistance, especially when working with good-quality ink. It is a great option for small and medium-sized businesses looking to take their garment customization to the next level.

DTF printing is in its youthful stage, with expectations of notable advancements soon. Printer manufacturers are looking to expand the printers' capacity to accommodate faster printing speeds and larger and more surfaces. They are also working on more eco-friendly powders and disposal methods for DTF films to address environmental concerns.

The prospects of AI in digital printing also offer the hope for better design software, print accuracy, and optimized printing workflow.