The discussion of DTF (direct-to-film) printing versus DTG (direct-to-garment) printing begs the question, "What are the advantages of DTF technology?" While DTG printing produces high-quality, full-size prints with brilliant colors and a very soft feel, there are definitely some advantages to DTF printing that make it the perfect addition to your garment printing business. Direct-to-film printing involves printing a design onto a special film, applying and melting a powder adhesive onto the printed film, and then pressing the design onto the garment or merchandise. You will need the transfer film and hot melt powder, as well as the software to create the prints - no other special equipment is required! Below, we'll discuss seven advantages of this new technology.
Ⅰ. Suitable for a wide range of materials
While direct-to-garment printing works best on 100% cotton, DTF is suitable for many different garment materials: cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 blends, as well as light and dark-colored fabrics. Transfers can even be applied to different types of surfaces such as luggage, shoes, and even glass, wood, and metal! You can expand your inventory by using DTF to apply your designs to a wide range of merchandise.
Ⅱ. No Pre-Processing Required
If you already own a DTG printer, you're probably familiar with the pre-treatment process (not to mention the drying time). The hot melt capacity applied to the DTF transfer bonds the print directly to the material, which means no pretreatment is required.
Ⅲ. Saving white ink
DTF requires less white ink - about 40% white, compared to 200% white for DTG printing. White ink tends to be the most expensive because it is used more and is pigmented with titanium oxide, so reducing the amount of white ink used for printing can save a lot of money.
Ⅳ. More durable than DTG printing
There's no denying that DTG prints have a soft, almost hand-free feel because the ink is applied directly to the garment. While DTF prints don't have the soft feel that DTG boasts, the transfer is more durable. Direct transfers wash well on film and are flexible - meaning they won't crack or peel, making them perfect for heavy-use items.
Ⅴ. Easy to apply
Printing onto film transfers means you can place designs on hard-to-reach or awkward surfaces. If the area can be heated, you can apply a DTF design to it! Because heat is only needed to adhere to the design, you can even sell printed transfers directly to your customers and allow them to place the design on any surface or item of their choice without special equipment!
Ⅵ. Faster Production Process
Since you can eliminate the steps of pre-treating and drying your garments, you can significantly reduce production time. This is great news for one-off or small orders that are traditionally unprofitable.
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a way of adding designs to clothes that's becoming really popular these days. It's great for creating colorful, detailed designs on all kinds of materials.
But like everything, DTF printing has its good points and its bad points. We'll explore them all in this article.
PROS OF DTF PRINTING1. Hassle Free Vibrant High Quality Prints
DTF printing produces sharp detail, across a vibrant wide color gamut. DTF printers accept most art formats with drag and drop simplicity; without requiring rasterization, separation, or other complicated preparation steps.
3. Durability
Rubberized inks and stretchy durable adhesives ensure wash fastness and quality over time. It’s common to see DTF prints lasting 30-50 washes, which is considered industry standard. This easily matches Direct to Garment, surpassing vinyl, and only comes in second to screen printing or sublimation on 100% light polyester.
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4. Fast and Simple Graphics Preparation
Minimal hassle or art preparation is required allowing you to just send a job to print without worry that it will break down. Easily handles CMYK and RGB.
5. Low Production Costs
Inexpensive materials and inks allows you to compete with the big guys. Printing your own DTF transfers is far less expensive than Print on Demand or ordering transfers online. For around $0.75-$1.00 per square foot, your material costs are far below the per transfer price of even 200+ piece order from major transfer companies. This means both lower production costs for your own retail and wholesale production, as well as the ability to resell transfers at competitive prices.
6. Easy to Learn DTF is very simple to learn, print, shake, bake, press. Room to gain mastery over the process. No pre-treating or garment preparation is necessary like in DTG. No A+B marrying like with White Toner printing. While operation is easy, maintenance is the biggest learning curve and can't be overlooked.
7. No Setup Costs At low quantities DTF printing tends to be much cheaper screen printing, since it avoids all screen setup costs while allowing for an infinite number of colors, and multiple locations can often fit on a single sheet.
8. More Production Options In terms of garment preparation, it doesn't require fabrics to be pre-treated, and since images are printed to a transfer, final production doesn’t need to happen in a facility. This means that you or your clients can produce transfers, then take a box of blank shirts and a heat press to a live event and print to order – eliminating the need to hold inventory or waste stock by overprinting certain sizes.
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.CONS OF DTF PRINTING
1. Speed
In terms of garment preparation, it doesn't require fabrics to be pre-treated, and since images are printed to a transfer, final production doesn’t need to happen in a facility. This means that you or your clients can produce transfers, then take a box of blank shirts and a heat press to a live event and print to order – eliminating the need to hold inventory or waste stock by overprinting certain sizes.
2. Maintenance
DTF printers often use Epson print heads that were originally designed for dye or pigment based inks – this goes for nearly every brand. When rubberized, viscous, DTF inks are loaded, the print heads must be constantly used, stay wet, and cleaned regularly. Clogged print heads are the biggest expense. Fortunately this can be avoided with daily maintenance and proper planning for weekends or vacations.
3. Fumes & Ventilation Requirements
The evaporated ‘smoke’ from DTF is not just water. The inks release Polymer fumes that require powerful air filtration using either a specialized fume extractor or ventilation to the outside - usually both. This can't be overlooked, and makes printing in an enclosed space a concern.
4. Equipment costs and Production
With the limitation on speed, the upfront equipment cost in terms of prints per hour, along with the cost of replacement parts and down time can be a concern for new and small businesses. The biggest issue for Direct to Film is production speed and order volume early on. The machine must run or be maintained, but entry level DTF printers can only print 3-8 transfers an hour making it easy to overwhelm a single machine. If you tend to get 25+ shirt orders that come with rush deadlines regularly, you’ll quickly need to add a second (potentially larger) machine.
CONCLUSION
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DTF printing has its upsides and downsides. On the positive side, it offers vibrant and high-quality prints with minimal preparation. It is versatile, working on various materials and allowing for cost-effective production. The durability of the prints and the low production costs are additional advantages.