Draft:DTF printing

• Comment: Requires multiple reliable sources that are independent of the subject, each with significant coverage of the subject. Current sources are from involved companies. Lopifalko (talk) 08:30, 15 January 2024 (UTC)

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Direct-to-film (DTF) printing, a term that has gained considerable traction in the digital printing industry, refers to a process whereby a digital printer uses inkjet technology to apply ink directly onto a PET film. This innovative technique merges the principles of digital printing with traditional heat transfer processes utilizing water-based ink digital printing.

History

In 2018, Polytech (Shenzhen), based in China, developed the DTF printing technology based on its water-based pigment inks and introduced an integrated DTF printing machine solution. at the 2019 Shanghai CSGIA exhibition, featuring the Epson 3480 printer and their patented powder shaking machine.

Starting from 2020, despite the impact of the pandemic, numerous Chinese printer manufacturers began to roll out DTF solutions, creating a vast global industrial chain.

Products

DTF printers

These are commonly equipped with Epson piezoelectric printheads, and the print width can range from A4 size up to 1.2 meters.

DTF printing Inks

Typically, these are water-based pigment inks, including both color and white inks. Color inks are designed for smooth flow, while white ink offers excellent coverage. The white ink maintains a certain level of moist before it's completely dried to allow for the adhesion of hot-melt powder.

DTF prints

Usually made of PET material, available in rolls or sheets, it must have good stable release qualities and excellent ink absorption capabilities to support a significant amount of water-based pigment ink, resulting in bright and finely detailed colorful patterns.

Powder shaking and drying machines

These are used to pre-dry the printed DTF films, sprinkle hot-melt powder, remove excess powder from around the designs, and complete the final drying process. Invention patent is owned by Polytech (Shenzhen) Inc

Printing process

This is used to transfer the dried printed mirror-image patterns from the film onto fabrics or garments under high temperature and pressure, completing the printing process.

The DTF printing technique consists of designing the desired pattern in graphic software, especially adding a white ink layer, and then importing the file into the software that drives the printer for mirror-image printing. The water-based ink is then printed onto the special DTF film using piezoelectric printheads. Before the ink is completely dry, a dedicated powder shaking and drying machine applies hot-melt glue powder to the pattern, which, after high-temperature baking, results in a transfer-ready print film. The required print film is cut and finally, through a high-temperature heat press, the pattern is transferred onto the substrate, especially fabrics or garments.

Advantages of DTF printing

• DTF printing technology offers several clear advantages over traditional screen heat transfer and adhesive heat transfer printing methods.
• DTF is applicable to a wide range of printing fabrics, suitable for any material that can withstand high temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius and whose surface has not been treated with silicone oil, waterproofing, or softening agents.
• The process is simple and the workflow is very short, meaning a low rate of defects and quick delivery times.
• No need for screen, providing a clear cost advantage for small to medium-sized orders.
• Highly accurate pattern alignment is achievable due to the precision and accuracy of digital printing's ink dots, allowing for no intermediate colors between color shades, ensuring precise alignment between white and colored inks, thereby significantly reducing the demands on mechanical equipment and operator skill level.
• Costs remain low as the PET print film remains very affordable, and by choosing high-quality consumables, a perfect transfer process is achievable with a very low rate of defects, virtually eliminating the risk of losing garments or fabric due to printing flaws.
• DTF printing aligns with contemporary demands for small orders with quick turnaround times, which is particularly suited to the current trend of fragmented orders in the apparel industry.