Direct to Garment Transfer (DTG), commonly referred to asDirect to Fabric (DTF), does just what it says on the tin. On a unique film, theartwork is printed, and that film is then transferred to fabric or othertextiles.
DTG Transfer: What Is It?
Direct to Garment Transfer (DTG), commonly referred to asDirect to Fabric (DTF), does just what it says on the tin. On a unique film, anartwork is printed, and that film is then transferred to fabric or othertextiles.
Direct to Garment Transfer (DTG), commonly referred to asDirect to Fabric (DTF), does just what it says on the tin. On a unique film, anartwork is printed, and that film is then transferred to fabric or othertextiles. Make white toner printer transfers in your mind as you go throughthis procedure. Printing the picture onto film with an LED printer and whitetoner is possible.
Onto a sort of adhesive sheet, you press it after heatingit. You have a full-color transfer that is ready for use after you "getmarried." An inkjet printer that prints ink directly onto fabric is what aDTG printer is, in its most basic form. However, more recently, new methodshave allowed polyester. Clothes must be made of 100% cotton or a cotton blend.
Think about the advantages of thermal printing vs DTG whiledeciding on your company's next move, whether it be the first or the second.Synthetic clothing decoration with a DTG technique can result in burns becausethe majority of DTG inks cure above 300°F. Initially available exclusively onwhite or extremely light-colored t-shirts, DTG printers were introduced to themarket in 2004.
Benefits
Diverse Material Options
Cotton, nylon, treated leather, polyester, 50/50 mixes, andother materials may all be treated with DTF (light and dark fabrics).
Effective from a financial standpoint
white ink can be saved up to 50%.
Additionally, supplies are far less expensive.
No Pre-Treatment Necessary
Those with direct-to-garment (DTG) experience should befamiliar with pretreating the clothing before printing. The concern ofpretreating the garment before printing is gone with DTF.
Marital Procedures Without A+B Sheets
You'll be relieved to learn that DTF does not require thecostly A+B sheet marriage procedure if you have experience with white tonerlaser printers.
Speed of Production
Production may be sped up since, in essence, one step ofpretreating is removed.
Washability
tested and shown to be at least as good as conventionaldirect-to-garment (DTG) printing.
Simple to Apply
Applying the artwork to awkward or challenging areas of thegarment or fabric is simple using DTF.
High stretchability and supple hand feel
Not at all fiery
Drawbacks
Compared to direct-to-garment (DTG) printers, full sizeprints do not produce as well.
Unlike direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, this material has adifferent tactile feel.
When handling DTF materials, one needs to use protectivegear (protective glasses, a mask, and gloves).
It is necessary to maintain the DTF adhesive powder at acold temperature. Inadequate quality may result from high humidity.
For Your First DTF Print, You Need These Things
DTF doesn't call for a big investment because, as wepreviously discussed, it is quite cost-effective.
Indirect Film Printer
Some of our clients have told us they use theirdirect-to-garment (DTG) printers or adapt a printer for DTF needs.
Films
The term "direct-to-film" refers to a printingtechnology where you print directly on the film. Rolls and chopped sheets ofDTF films are both available.
Software
Any direct-to-garment (DTG) program is available to you. TheKothari Neo Rip, on the other hand, offers further advantages that willsignificantly simplify your life. In order to get a soft touch feel withoutcompromising quality, you may alter the white levels in your prints.
Warm-Melt Adhesive Powder
The design is attached to the cloth of your choice usingthis as a sort of "glue."
Inks
You may use any textile ink, including direct-to-garment(DTG) inks.
Hot Press
tested and shown to be at least as good as conventionaldirect-to-garment (DTG) printing.
Dryer (Optional)
You may accelerate manufacturing even more by using a curingoven or dryer to dissolve the adhesive powder.
Process
Instead, if you'd prefer to watch a video, we made one thatexplains the DTG Transfer (DTF) procedure clearly and simply.
Phase 1: Print on film
(Contrary to direct-to-garment printing) You must print yourCMYK down first, then your white layer (DTG). Using the Kothari Neo Ripprogram, this may be completed quickly and easily. If you want to do this withother applications, you'll need to run the print twice.
Adding powder in Step 2
To guarantee that the print will adhere, evenly apply thepowder while the print is still wet. Make sure there is no powder left behindbesides the print by gently shaking off the excess. The adhesive that attachesthe print to the cloth makes this incredibly crucial.
Melt or cure the powder in step three.
Use a heat press set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for twominutes to cure your freshly powdered print.
Transition in Step 4
You are now prepared to transfer the transfer print to thecloth because it is cooked. Transfer the print film using your heat press for15 seconds at 284 degrees Fahrenheit.
Five: Cold Peel
Peeling the carrier sheet off the garment or fabric shouldonly be done after the print has completely cooled.
Thoughts overall
Direct-to-fabric (DTF) printing is not expected to replacedirect-to-garment (DTG) printing anytime soon, but it may provide your companyand production alternatives access to a completely new market. For smallerpatterns (those are challenging for direct-to-garment printing), such as necklabels, chest pocket prints, etc., we have found that employing DTF works best.
Given its tremendous upside potential and low cost, youshould absolutely give DTF a try if you own a direct-to-garment printer and areinterested in it.
Feel free to go through this page or call us if you have anyquestions about any of these items or procedures. You can also check out ourYouTube channel for walkthroughs, tutorials, product spotlights, seminars, andmore.
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