Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is one of the most rapidly evolving design changes in custom clothing, as the process is considered ground-breaking. It used to be that the Direct-to-Garment (DTG) method was preferred over others for small businesses and the print-on-demand market, mainly because of its fabric-direct approach. DTF printing is nevertheless grabbing the crown with its flexibility, lower maintenance, and the fact that it can be applied to a wider range of fabrics. The DTF printers are not doing the direct fabric printing as in DTG, but the design is being transferred to a film, which then, by heat transfer, is applied to the fabric, hence achieving the vividness of colors and longevity of the prints without pretreatment.
Therefore, the switch not only brings faster production but also better scalability and cost-effectiveness, thus making DTF a solution that is compatible with both startups and existing brands. The trend of customized, quality apparel is gaining momentum, and those who adopt the DTF method early will benefit from this by having smoother operations, fewer limitations, and a more extensive product range.
Understanding the DTG process
The direct printing process involves printing the garments directly with water-based inks. The printed garments are cured to allow the colors to set decently on fabrics. The process is simple, but it also has some limitations.
Limitations: Garments need a detailed pre-treatment before printing. Pre-treatment extends the production time and makes it unsuitable for high-volume printing jobs. It works best on natural fibers. In other words, traditional printing can provide limited help.
Best For: A DTG printer prints vibrant designs on soft textiles such as cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. However, traditional technology can print specific fabrics. It led to the invention of the latest DTF technology.
Understanding DTF Process
It is a complex technology that works in a simple manner. It involves a transfer medium, adhesion, and a heat-press machine. A PET film serves as a transfer medium. The design is first printed on the PET film and then transferred to the garment under heat and pressure. The technology has many benefits over the traditional process.
DTF Printer Benefits
- Versatile: DTF provides freedom to print a wide range of substrates, including textiles, leather, wood, glass, and even metal. In textiles, it can print almost all fabric types, including cotton, blends, silk, and polyester.
- Quality: DTF prints are always of high quality. It is the only technology that can print complex designs in an error-free manner. The printed designs look real and remain durable. DTF prints don’t fade, crack, or peel even after multiple washes.
- Speed & Efficiency: It is fast and more efficient than traditional technology. You can print bulk jobs faster and more efficiently with design transfer. The designs are printed on the film and later pressed onto the garments.
- Lower Cost: The DTF production cost is much lower than that of traditional DTG technology. The savings make it more suitable for startups and small businesses that often work with tight budgets. They can save costs and time in the long run.
How DTF is Changing Custom Apparel?
- A wide range of options: With DTF, you can expand your printing services to more than textiles. Since DTF printing machines require minimal space, you can start a home-based business.
- Quick on-demand printing: It is only with DTF that you can accept orders for quick on-demand printing. Whether it is a simple piece of clothing or a high-volume print job, you can complete it on time.
- Lower upfront investment: Roland BY-20 is the best DTF printer for t-shirts. It costs around $9,000.00 and requires little maintenance. You can start your textile business with this machine and expand it to other areas. In this way, you can make a huge profit.
Conclusion
To sum up, the change from DTG to DTF printing represents a radical transformation in the custom apparel industry. The DTF printers, with their adaptability, quicker workflow, and lower running cost,s have made it possible for both new and established brands to create bright, lasting, and top-notch prints on various fabrics. This revolution in technology has removed the restrictions of the old printing methods, thus making production more efficient and expandable. The choice of a dependable DTF printer will enable small businesses to satisfy increasing market demands, provide a wide range of products, and secure profits in the long run, which will make DTF the future of contemporary garment decoration and custom apparel production.