DTF transfer printing has progressed from a solution based on converted Epson desktop printers and manual shake and bake adhesion application to a solution that includes purpose-built printers, adhesive applicators, and adhesive curing dryers.
Digital images are printed face down and overlaid with white ink, which remains tacky until an adhesive powder is cascaded on the prints, vibrated off, and cured. The finished images are cut and pressed (about 10 seconds) with results that are comparable to direct print screen printing in terms of durability and feel.
The software included in the Sublistar solution makes efficient use of media to reduce waste and increase profits – and can be integrated to work with the user’s order system to quickly get orders from the web to production with no human-computer interaction required until prints are ready to be released.
The requirements for DTF transfer printer do not necessitate a significant investment from the client. Whether you are currently involved in one of the digital textile printing processes mentioned above and want to expand your business into DTF transfer printer, or you want to get started in digital printing with DTF printer, you should invest in the following.
1. Direct to Film Transfer Printer
These printers are commonly referred to as DTF Modified Printers. These printers are mostly basic 6-color ink tank printers like the Epson L800, L805, L1800, and so on. The reason for selecting this series of printers is that they work with 6 tones. This allows for activity because the CMYK DTF inks can be loaded into the printer’s standard CMYK tanks while the LC and LM tanks can be loaded with White DTF inks. Furthermore, the rollers used to slide the page are removed to prevent the appearance of ‘linings’ on the white layer imprinted on the DTF film.
2. DTF PET Films
DTF inkjet printers are used to print aqueous colored inks onto PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film in DTF printing. PET film is employed because of its non-toxicity and dimensional stability when heated. Images are printed on PET film in a mirrored form, so that the image is “face down.”
The final color to be printed is usually white, which dries slowly and remains sticky for the acceptance of a powdered adhesive (a hot melt powder made of polyurethane resin). After applying the powder by cascading it over the tacky print and shaking/agitating the film to remove any unbonded powder, the film is passed through a heat tunnel that melts the adhesive and bonds it to the ink. When you exit the tunnel, the print and adhesive have cooled and are ready to be applied.
The DTF printing process makes use of DTF PET films. These films are not the same as the ones used in screen printing. These have a 0.75mm thickness and better transfer properties. In the market, these are frequently referred to DTF Transfer Films. DTF films are available in Cut Sheets (which can be used for limited scope applications) and Rolls (utilized with a business arrangement). Another classification of PET films is based on the type of stripping completed after the transfer. The films are classified as either hot-strip or cold-strip based on their temperature.
3. Software
The software is an important component of the interaction. The Software has a considerable impact on the print qualities, ink variety execution, and the last print execution on the texture after transfer. DTF would necessitate the use of RIP software capable of dealing with CMYK and white colors. The DTF transfer Printing software unquestionably manages the many profiles, ink levels, drop sizes, and other aspects that contribute to an improved print outcome.
4. Hot-melt Powder
The DTF printing powder is white and acts as an adhesive, connecting the shaded colors in the print to the filaments in the texture. There are different grades of DTF hot melt powder that are measured in microns. A suitable grade should be chosen based on the requirements.
5. DTF Inks
These are exceptionally planned color inks available in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White tones. The White Ink is a distinct component that spreads out the white background of the print on the film and onto which the shaded plan is produced.
6. Powder Shaker Automatic
The Automatic Powder Shaker is used in commercial DTF systems to administer powder evenly and to remove excess powder.
7. Oven for Curing
The curing oven is a small modern oven used to melt the hot melt powder that has been placed to the transfer film. A heat press machine, on the other hand, can be used to do this, but it must be used in no-contact mode.
8. Heat Press Machine
The heat press machine is mostly used to transfer the image imprinted on the film onto the texture. It can also be used to warm the hot melt powder on the DTF film. The technique for accomplishing this is detailed in the process below.
