Since 2020 you have heard about this recent printing technique: Direct-to-Film. This revolutionary process provides multiple benefits. On nsp-dtf.com you’ll find all the DTF equipment necessary to start or improve your textile printing business. Fast shipping to Europe on dtf printers, supplies, software, parts and more.
But do you really know what is printing Direct-to-Film? This concept combines a mix between Direct to Garment printing and Digital Screen Transfer. The DTF is a reverse DTG printing in the manner of a serigraphic transfer or Digital Screen Transfer.
What is DTG printing?
This printing technique was developed in the 2000s. It took 10 years for the textile printing industry to start being reliable and improve quality to the industry’s standards. Since then, every on-demand textile printing company has bought at least one DTG printing system. Thanks to technical progress and the most recent innovation, It’s now a very used process.It became very famous in the 2010’s and 2020’s.
This process uses inkjet printing. The water-based ink is printed directly on clothes, mainly cotton, for this reason the name Direct-To-Garment. Fixing and holding the ink on dark or black textiles need the spraying of a DTG pretreatment. Dry your customizable t-shirt, then smooth it out before printing your design.
Production costs depend on various parameters like fabric material, shade, use of DTG pretreatment solution. Also, it demands the use of the printer a conveyor dryer and pretreatment machine.
In summary, the economic cost of ink and necessary maintenance of the DTG system is average to high. Currently, you get great quality with the most recent machines like the Brother GTX Pro.
What is DST printing?
DST printing or Digital Screen Transfer printing comes from an innovative mix between laser printing on film and classic plastisol transfers. Precisely, the DST process is made of the printing of colours images (CMYK) on polyester substrate with a laser printer and the addition of screen-printing white underbase (plastisol or water based).
To make your transfer sticky, add powder over the ink. Remove the excess, then harden it by running it through a dryer. Place your garment on a heat press, iron it out so that you have a flat surface. Now lay out your DST print and press it onto the t-shirt.
One of the advantages of DST is it can make pre-printed designs in advance and stock them. When regular orders arrive, you are at present in the starting blocks. Hot press to finalize it and promptly deliver your customers.
Set up cost and time are higher than DTG but for important volumes, the price is cheap. With this process, your personalized textiles are of good quality and durable. However, the installation needs very expensive equipment. To get the most value from your work, print a minimum of 20 to 50 A3 designs, naturally depending on their size and colours.
DTF an ideal combination of DTG and DST.
The birth of the Direct-to-Film printing technique stems from a formidable mix between DTG and DTF printing. We combine everything up and start over! Only the best features are kept! it truly is the best of the best in on-demand textile printing.
The latest DTG printers print the layer of white on the cotton first. Then the second pass deposits the CMJK. Conversely, the DTF prints CMJK first and then the white on top.
The process of application and curing remains the same as that of DST. The good thing is that now a dtf machine performs all of its steps automatically. It integrates everything into a unique device. It applies DTF powder, removes excess. At that time, it cured the DTF transfer film sheet, the DTF inks as well as the powder.
A unique process exploiting all the benefits of both techniques.
The principal advantages of direct to film (DTF) printing.
On NSP-DTF we offer industrial quality DTF equipment. Buying on our website ensures you a reliable and robust equipment. Also, benefit from our 10 years of experience in on-demand textile printing. Do you have any questions? Our experts will be happy to answer you. Contact us.
DTF printing systems give you many advantages. No setup costs! This process takes advantage of the cheaper water-based DTF inks. The touch provides a soft feeling noticeably like DTG. The prints are very durable and resistant to washing.
It’s simple to use and prints any type of design with a large choice of colours. Plus, it stays bright and vibrant on your clothes. DTF prints small details to perfection. DTF transfer films adhere to many materials and are easily placed in difficult-to-print complex surfaces.
Final product is cheap and the quality is amazing. It can produce one offs and also massive quantities. A single HV2 machine can produce up to 80 A3 designs or 1600 8x8cm an hour!
By using the best RIP, the NSP-DTF machines are perfectly colour profiled. The DTF software offer high end features like halftoning and the best production manager.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and revolutionize your digital printing industry. Surpass your competition. Retain more your customers by offering high-quality prints with resplendent colours, at a competitive price.