How Do DTF Transfers Achieve Perfection?

The garment printing industry has experienced rapid growth in technology from simple prints to high-quality DTF transfers that have more pros than cons. DTF stands for direct-to-film and it can be simplified as a direct printing process where no intermediary is used to facilitate the transfer.  

How does direct-to-film process work?

It produces prints on garments with amazing clarity. The process involves a specific film, software, curator, and other things to produce prints. If you want to understand the process, you need to go through the technologies involved in direct-to-film printing.

1. Printer film

A direct-to-film printing machine uses PET films. These films are different from those used for screen printing. The advantage of PET films is their thickness. They come in a thickness of 0.75mm. It is this thickness that makes PET films suitable for direct-to-film transfer. But they also have a drawback that you will learn later in the blog. 

2. Software

A specialized RIP software program is used to influence the overall print quality. It helps in color optimization and maintaining color consistency in repeated or reprinting jobs. A RIP software program is essential to control color profiling, ink levels, drop sizes, and other factors critical to print quality.  

3. Curing oven

A conveyor dryer is used to melt powder before the power goes to the transfer film. It is a simple process that can further boost the color contrast and durability of the print. But there is little need to worry about using a curing oven as it doesn’t require prior experience or knowledge.

Pros and cons of direct-to-film printing

1. The biggest advantage of direct-to-film transfer is it doesn’t require any pretreatment job. You are free from any kind of manual work. 

2. Direct-to-film process works on all kinds and types of fabrics. Whether it is cotton, polyester, or any other kind of material, you can print the fabric with DTF.

3. Direct-to-film is less tedious and quicker. Also, the prints exhibit excellent wash resistance. They are more durable than others. 

Cons

1. The print area is slightly more noticeable in direct-to-film printing. It is due to thick PET films and it is the only drawback of DTF films. 

2. The color vibrancy is somewhat lower in comparison to the sublimation printing.

DTF printer is the best machine and direct-to-film printing is the best process in garment printing. Also, you can use a UVDTF laminator to further enhance the color consistency and durability of your prints.