DTF Printers - Costs, Products and Advantages

DTF is a recent technology that has aroused a lot of interest and doubts, so you can find in the previous text an explanation of the principle of operation, equipment and consumables used in DTF. However, we do not want you to be left with any doubts regarding this matter. Today we are going to clarify some questions about the dtf printer and how it works and even what are the differences between DTF and other textile personalization techniques such as DTG and white toner transfer.

What is DTF printing?

First of all, it is important to clarify that DTF printing took its name from the English acronym, which stands for Direct to Film .

To better understand, this technique consists of printing the image directly onto a film (transfer) which is then transferred to a textile, whether cotton, polyester, or any other type of fabric, regardless of its color.

DTF technology is identical to any transfer process, but the inkjet printer is not common, so it has to be adapted to receive and work with special inks for textiles and white ink channels.

How to customize textiles in DTF?

The white ink layer is printed at the same time as the color ink. This is one of the great advantages of this technique, because it turns out to be a very simple alternative when compared to other methods, such as the use of a laser printer with white toner.

What is needed to work with DTF?

Now that you know better how this technique works, you should consider the investment needed to start a business, or expand the one you already have. See the necessary equipment:

Dtf Printer – must be an inkjet printer modified for DTF printing, with 6 channels of CMYK ink;

– Software RIP – comes with the printer and is required to correctly print the CMYK layers and the white layer;

– Special textile ink for DTF – it is a very elastic ink, which prevents creases in the print, once transferred to the textile;

– DFT Film – this is the media/transfer on which the design is printed;

– DTF powder – acts as an adhesive/glue between inks and textile fibers and can be purchased in packages of either 500g or 1kg;

– DTF A3 Application Oven – this equipment is optional, but if you want an option to cure the ink, you can buy this oven, or use a heat press;

– Heat press – we recommend a press whose top plate drops vertically to facilitate the hardening phase.

DTF technology is identical to any transfer process, but the inkjet printer is not common, so it has to be adapted to receive and work with special inks for textiles and white ink channels.

What is the cost of DTF equipment?

Now that you know what equipment is needed to start production with DTF technology, let’s see what the investment costs are.

The cost of this textile personalization technique is, in fact, one of its advantages and attractions. For starters, you can, for example, get a complete kit for €1970 + VAT. Ready to install and start getting a return on investment in no time.

You can also choose to purchase the DTF printer and accessories or supplies separately. If you already have a flat press, you don’t need to buy an oven or even a new press. It’s one less upfront cost! However, for the curing of the ink, it is important to be able to adjust the heating plate of the heat press, so we suggest that you purchase a “Clam”.

What is the difference between DTF and DTG?

While the DTF process uses a transfer (film) that serves as an intermediary between the printing and the transfer to the fabric, the DTG is a process of printing directly on the textile.