Prerequisites for DTF Printing

The requirements of DTF printing do not require a large investment by the user. Whether you are currently working on one of the above digital textile printing processes and looking to expand your business with DTF printing, or you are looking to start your foray into digital textile printing with DTF, you must invest in the following:

1. Direct to film printer

These printers are often called DTF modified printers. Most of these printers are basic 6-color ink cartridge printers, such as Epson L800, L805, L1800, etc. This series of printers was chosen because these printers are available in 6 colors. This provides ease of operation as CMYK DTF inks can go into standard CMYK tanks, while the printer's LC and LM tanks can be filled with white DTF inks. In addition, the rollers used to slide the pages were removed to prevent "liners" from appearing on the white layer printed on the DTF film.

2. Films

PET film is used in DTF printing process. These films are different from those used in screen printing. They have a thickness of about 0.75mm and better transmission characteristics. In marketing language, these are often referred to as DTF transfer films. DTF film is available in cut sheets (available for small-scale use) and rolls (for commercial settings). Another classification of PET films is based on the type of peeling performed after transfer. Depending on the temperature, the film is either a hot-peel or cold-peel film

3. Software

Software is an important part of the process. The printing characteristics, the color properties of the ink, and the final print performance on fabric after transfer are greatly influenced by the software. For DTF, specialized RIP software that can handle CMYK and white is required. Color profiles, ink levels, droplet size and other factors that affect optimal print results are all controlled by the DTF printing software.

4. Hot melt adhesive powder

DTF printing powder is white and is used as a binder material to bind the coloured pigments in the print to the fibres in the fabric. There are different grades of DTF hot melt powder, measured in microns. The appropriate grade should be selected according to the requirements.

5. DTF printing ink

These are specially designed pigment inks available in cyan, magenta, yellow, black and white. White ink is a special component that creates the white undertone of the print on the film and prints the colored pattern on it.

6. Automatic powder shakers

Automatic powder shakers are used in commercial DTF units to evenly apply powder and remove excess powder.

7. Curing oven

A curing oven is a small industrial furnace used to melt hot melt powders coated on transfer films. Alternatively, a heat press can also be used to do this, but should be used in non-contact mode.

8. Heat press

Heat presses are mainly used to transfer images printed on film to fabrics. It can also be used to heat hot melt powders on DTF films. The method for doing this is described in the procedure detailed below.

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