DTF (Direct to Garment), printing is being debated. This raises the question: “What are the advantages to DTF technology?” DTG printing is a high-quality printing process that produces full-size, vibrant prints and has a soft feel to the touch. DTF printing however offers some advantages for garment printing businesses.
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| Ricoh states that DTF doesn’t replace DTG. However, it offers some significant advantages. |
Direct to Film printing refers to printing the design onto special film. Then, a powder adhesive is applied and melted to the film. After that, it’s pressed onto merchandise. You will need transfer film and hot melt powder, as well as the software to create your print – no other special equipment is needed! We will be discussing seven benefits of the newer technology below.
- Use a broad range of materials
Direct to garment printing is best for 100% cotton. DTF can be used on cotton, nylon and treated leather. You can also apply the transfers to luggage and shoes as well as glass, metal, wood and metal surfaces. DTF lets you apply your designs to all kinds of merchandise.
- There is no need to pre-treat
You may be familiar with DTG printing processes, including the drying times. No pretreatment is required because the DTF uses hot melt power to bond the printed material to itself.
- White ink should be used less
DTF requires less white ink – about 40% white versus 200% white for DTG printing. The most costly white ink, because it uses more pigment and is generally Titanium Oxide. It can also be very expensive. You might be able to save money by reducing how much you use for prints.
- DTG print is stronger than DTG.
There’s no denying that DTG prints have soft, barely-there hand feel because the ink is applied directly to the garment. While DTF prints don’t have the same soft hand feel that DTG can boast, the transfers are more durable. Direct to film transfers wash well, and are flexible – meaning they won’t crack or peel, making them great for heavy-use items.
- Simple application
A film transfer allows you to print on any surface that is difficult or inaccessible. A DTF design can be applied to areas that are heated. Your customers can use heat to stick the printed transfers to their items.
- Productivity increases faster
You can reduce the time it takes to dry and pretreat your garments. That’s great news for one-off or small-volume orders that traditionally wouldn’t be profitable.
- Helps keep your inventory more versatile
DTF printing allows you to create popular designs ahead of time and keep them in a small space. You can keep the best-sellers available to you at all times and apply them to every garment.
While DTF printing still isn’t a replacement for DTG, there are lots of reasons why DTF can be a great addition to your business. The RICOH Ri 1000 or RICOH Ri2000 DTG printers make it easy to add this useful technology to your business. You can easily add DTF printing to your existing DTG printer by simply updating the software.
Ricoh provides information about DTF.
www.ricoh.com.au