DTF Printers

A direct-to-film (DTF) printer allows you to print designs on film and transfer them directly to various fabrics like cotton, polyester, synthetic, or silk. Gaining prominence for its versatility, DTF printing works on both dark and white fabrics without needing expensive A & B paper, offering an easy and cost-effective solution for high-quality textile decoration.

DTF printing is fairly quick to do compared to other printing methods. It’s also a great choice for printing detailed designs on bulky, outdoor apparel.

First, a PET film is prepared and placed in the DTF printing machine where the entire design is printed in color.

After the first layer is created, the machine prints a white layer over the entire image, completely covering the first layer, an adhesive powder is uniformly applied onto the wet ink. After applying the powder evenly and removing all excess powder, the film is heated to prepare it for fabric transfer. Adhesive heating is done in either a curing oven or with a heat press machine.

With the PET film preheated, the fabric receiving the design gets dehumidified and pre-flattened by being kept under heat for 2 to 5 seconds inside the heat press machine.

After initial flattening, the printed film is taken and placed on the pre-pressed fabric. The design on the film is then transferred using a heat press for 15 to 20 seconds at an average temperature of 165°C onto the garment.

After transferring the design onto the fabric, carefully cold peel the film and then flatten the fabric again in the heat press to enhance durability. Finally, explore our high-quality printers on our website and ensure you use protective masks and operate in a well-ventilated area with a filtration system when using DTF equipment.

Washability is fine providing you use quality + powder and following correct application procedures. It certainly beats laser white toner transfers. 40C washing temperature is recommended.

The feel would depend on the type of powder you are using and the thickness of your ink layer. More ink will absorb more powder and make the overall result feel thicker. Our soft and stretchy DTF powder has better hand than traditional vinyl or other types of heat transfer. It’s elastic and soft to the touch. It is not softer than DTG prints however.

It will clog up just like a DTG or a regular inkjet printer. If you plan on leaving your printer off for a few weeks or months, you will need to flush the lines, clean your printhead and leave it soaking in a cleaning solution.

As an inkjet printer, a DTF printer does require some maintenance that primarily consists of print head maintenance.