Direct-to-film (DTF) printing on apparel is having a significant impact in the market for decorated clothing. This growing technology, which was once the domain of small craftsmen and women manufacturers is now offered by machine makers in industrial-grade solutions. In a global market for DTG (direct-to-garment) printing that is predicted to reach nearly US$1.9 billion by 2032, the DTF process is gaining ground by the month—as it offers new and unique advantages to trade printers. This article by WhatTheyThink’s Debbie McKeegan, textile expert, provides more details.
Images courtesy of Texintel
The DTF market (direct-to film) is a major player in the apparel decorated industry. Machine manufacturers now offer ever-more successful industrial solutions for this growing technology—that just a few years ago seemed to be the preserve of the small craft manufacturer.
DTF (direct-to garment) is gaining momentum in a DTG market, which is expected to grow to nearly US$1.9billion by 2032. This is because it provides unique benefits to commercial printers.
The DTF Process
DTF prints begin by printing water-based pigments onto PET films. Due to the fact that it must be transferred, an image in reverse is printed. The wet inkjet print is then powdered using a hot melt glue and then cured. After the image has been cured, it can be applied to any garment with a regular heat press.
DTF is a better process than DTG.
First, the DTF process does not require pre-treatment and it can be applied to many types of fiber compositions—polyester, cotton, nylon, and mixed fiber blends can all be printed using the DTF method. DTF prints are vibrant and have a large color range (results may vary depending on the ink vendor).
The quality of printing is said to also be excellent, as fine lines, fonts and small details can be printed with accuracy due to the surface regularity inherent in PET films.
The DTF printing also improves the clothing’s handle and flexibility because the solids used are less dense.
DTF Economics
DTF’s economic model relies on the simplicity of its printing procedure, which makes it easy to understand and execute. Digital printing onto PET films is not as complicated as it may seem. It is similar to the process of digitally printing on posters or paper, which are well-known in the entire print industry. DTF printing is a simple and effective way to print on PET film, whether you are a one-person operation or an industrial enterprise. The space requirements and ease of learning and application make it possible for anyone.
Printing costs, despite the added cost of powder and film, are estimated to range between $0.50 and $0.75 per meter. This is a significant economic gain for both large industrial enterprises and independent printers in the apparel industry.
The process has the advantage that DTF can be printed at a high rate of speed. The film is then stored until the transfer procedure, so that the print speed of apparel products will not be compromised.
When the film is eventually used, its applications are wide and varied: typically, T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, promotional items, and even interior décor offer commercial opportunities for the DTF process using a film produced at the lowest possible price.
DTF has become the latest, most vibrant trend in apparel decoration due to its combination of print-speed and separate image transfer.
DTF Machinery
Originally, DTF printing, which started at a very small, affordable scale, was the preserve of standard inkjet printers—desktop machines using specific inks for textile use and these were readily available from a multitude of manufacturers.
As DTF has evolved to offer significant benefits, including no fabric limitations and faster printing innovations, many major digital printer manufacturers are now offering a variety of machines with variable speeds, and at varying price points. With time, the technology evolved to allow this sector to use industrial processes.
Mimaki has recently released their TXF15075 which marks their entry in this market for premium-branded apparel. Mark Sollman is a Senior. Mimaki Europe’s Product Manager EMEA commented on the comments:
The apparel decoration sector is one of the most dynamic and popular sectors in which we operate. We could however see how DTF has impacted the textile industry over the past few years with its advantages over other technologies. DTF eliminates screen printing’s time-consuming plate making process and vinyl heat transfers’ need for weeding. With its ability to print in full-color, the technology is able to create designs that are vibrant. We’re excited to bring a solution to the market that is designed for those already active in the decorated apparel sector and those looking to enter it -which excels in usability, reliability and quality.
Ricoh will offer a DTF Retrofit to their Ri 1000 DTG Machines and Ri 2000 DTG Machines in 2022. This allows for a straightforward conversion from their DTG machine.
Axel Stuhlreiter is the Head of Textile Solutions in Graphic Communications Group at Ricoh Europe.
The innovative technology enhances the versatility and flexibility of Ricoh’s leading DTG printers. They can be converted in a matter of minutes to allow DTF printing onto a variety of different materials, and provide a wider range of applications. This simple and fast process produces highly creative and affordable results.
Sublistar STAR-IV Series Printers from China became available by 2023. They include a powder shaker and a fixation drier. The line is capable of printing film quickly and without errors.
Beyond these, in 2022 there were DTF offerings from Epson, Brother, Mutoh, Resolute, Pigment.inc, and Roland—all of which reflected the growing attraction of the DTF market, which a trade commentator recently described as being one of the ”newest and hottest trends in the decorated apparel industry.”
DTF technology is now available on the market. It offers unquestionable production advantages and can print onto any type of fabric.
www.texintel.com