The custom clothing environment has evolved significantly during the last few years. The most common way was screen printing and Direct-to-garment (DTG), and recently a new solution known as DTF Printing is the most preferred to many individuals who wish to create their own clothes and other accessories.
And in case you wish to have colorful and durable designs in practically any cloth, you have to begin with learning the meaning of DTF printing and its mechanism. In this guide, you will learn about DTF, the mode of operation and the requirements to begin a basic printing business.
What is DTF Printing? (The Definition)
DTF means Direct-to-Film. You print your digital design on a transparent PET film. The ink is then transferred onto the fabric under a heat press by the use of the film.
DTF combines two technologies that were already good: the quality of digital printing and the stability of screen printing. It also can print a white base, thus saturated colours are perfect on dark clothes, polyester, nylon, and cotton.
The 5-Theory DTF Printing Process
The steps are not very easy to understand, at least they are not, as a beginner, but once you see them at work, they are easy. The following is the straightforward route of an electronic file to a complete shirt:
Digital Design
You input or scan your image into a RIP (Raster Image Processing) program. The software instructs the printer to print CMYK colours and then a white overprint to be printed.
Printing to Film
The design is printed on a PET film using Huedrift printer. It is not mirror imaged as the film will be reversed in the future.
Powdering
As long as the ink is wet, a hot-melt adhesive powder is applied to the film. The powder adheres to the wet ink only.
Curing
The powder is melted in the film by either a small oven or heat press. This forms an adhesive gooey film on the reverse of the design.
Heat Transfer
Lastly, you lay the film on the piece of cloth and apply pressure/heat. When it cools (or remains hot, depending on the film) remove the film and you have the design on the garment.
Basic Equipment Required by Beginners
A standard office printer is not usable. To do this, you will require a special equipment:
- A special DTF printer which is capable of using white ink
- Decent quality of inks, PET transfer films, and TPU adhesive powder
- A RIP program to control colours and layers of white ink
- A heat press to complete the transfer
Huedrift Recommended DTF Printers
The selection of the machine is quite critical. Huedrift offers various printers that expand with your business, and these printers are balanced in terms of quality, ease of use and speed.
Huedrift One DTF Printer: The Hero Entry-Level
Targeted at hobbyists and home working small business owners with office in a small shop.
- Print up to A3 size – suitable to shirt, tote bag and hat
- Extremely user-friendly and easy settings
- Includes video tutorials and lifetime remote support
The decision that would be best suited to the new owners with a limited budget.
Huedrift Pro DTF Printer: The Scale-Up Option
When you begin getting more orders, you need it. The Pro is a fast and reliable machine.
- Supports wider print widths
- Brighter colours are used with advanced ink system
- Integrates better software to make the workflow easier
Huedrift Pro Max DTF Printer: The Industrial Giant
In businesses that must print in large volumes. The Pro Max is volume and speed constructed.
- Incorporates inbuilt curing and drying, hence the entire transfer will be faster
- Has professional grade print heads and a durable frame to produce crisp long lasting images
- It has a long warranty in high-usage conditions
Reasons to Select Huedrift to Do Business?
Huedrift is not merely selling machines but it is a step leading to the making and selling of clothing.
The major strengths of Huedrift printers:
- Bright colours – inks are fast and appear vivid
- Operates in numerous fabrics – over 16 varieties such as scarves, bags, windbreakers made of nylon and leather
- The largest printers are provided with a 12-month warranty of the parts and the flexible financing, thus making it easy to begin a new business
Conclusion
DTF printing is concerned with creating high-quality designs on a large variety of material and making them easy to print. You choose the Huedrift One to print on fabric as a hobby or the Pro Max to print on material a growing company, DTF enables you to get the results of printing on any cloth.
DTF printing is easy, expandable and is potentially profitable. With a partner that is trustworthy such as Huedrift, you receive the equipment, learning resources, and guidance that will enable you to make your ideas a reality in the form of a successful apparel company.
Ready to start?See the entire range of Huedrift printers and locate the most suitable one to your desired volume of printing.