What Is The Detailed Process Of Direct To Film Transfer?

Direct-to-Film (DTF) is an innovative printing technology for the custom apparel and textile industry. It involves transferring the design from a specialized film called PET to the garment. The process has several steps but it gives excellent results. For this reason, manufacturers have launched a wide range of DTF printers in the market.

Here’re the steps involved in DTF printing

1. Creating the design

First, you need a design to print on a garment. A direct-to-film printer will print the design on the PET film for transfer. The latest model printers allow downloading designs from the web. You can even download a design from your mobile. The design should look realistic with all colors and details clearly visible.  

2. PET film

A polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film serves as a mediator between the printer and the garment. The printer prints the design on a PET film. It is an important step in DTF printing. It involves:

Color Layer: The design is printed on PET film much like paper. Specially formulated inks are used in Direct to Film transfer. These inks stick to the polyethylene terephthalate film perfectly. The process is followed by a layer of white ink.

While Layer: DTF design is printed on the garment in reverse order. The design on PET film is layered with a specific white ink to form a white base for the design. It is necessary to improve the quality of design.

3. Application of Adhesive Powder

The PET film is treated with a hot melt adhesive powder to ensure proper adhesion and durability of design. When the PET film is pressed on the garment under high heat and pressure, the powder melts and bonds with the ink. It allows for smooth transfer of design on the garment.

4. Peeling the Film

Design transfer takes place under high heat and pressure. The PET film and garment are kept under high heat and pressure for a fixed time, after which the film is peeled away. White layer, adhesive powder, and heat-pressure treatment give excellent results. Peeling the film reveals a vibrant, durable, and soft print.

Direct to Film transfer allows printing garments of all sizes and fabrics. Whether it is cotton, polyester, or blend, DTF can print any textile with amazing results. If you want to start an apparel printing business, you can buy a printer for DTF printing. It won’t cost you much in terms of investment.