Printroute/dtf-prints

The DTF process is as simple in its working as its name suggests – Print on a film and directly transfer it onto fabric. Direct to film printing is one of the most versatile printing technologies that involves printing designs onto special films for transfer onto garments. DTF printing is a heat transfer process, most print methods are limited to a range of similar fabrics, like cotton and cotton-blended materials. With a DTF print, we can work with tougher fabric varieties like polyester, fleece, nylon, and of course, classic cotton.

DTF printing involves printing a design onto a piece of PET film (a special film with a coating that helps transfer designs) using water-based inks and a special powder adhesive. Then, the design on the PET film is heat transferred to fabric using a heat press machine. This printing method is durable and the designs come out very detailed and vibrant. Printroute offering best DTF service as per your requirement.

Direct to Film Printing Process

Setp-1 Print on Film

In DTF printing technology the design is printed on PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film instead of regular papers. Printing the entire image in white on the PET film is the initial process. After this, using the appropriate color settings in the printer, print the required image on the white image layer. The important point to remember is that the print on the film must be a mirror image of the actual image that needs to appear on the fabric.

STEP2 – Powdering

This step is the application of hot-melt powder on the film that has the printed image on it. The powder is applied uniformly when the ink is wet and the excess powder needs to be removed carefully. The important thing is to ensure that the powder is evenly spread all over the printed surface on the film.

STEP 3 – Melting the powder

In this step, the powder is melted. This can be done in various ways

STEP 4 – Pre-pressing

The step involves pre-pressing the fabric before the transfer of the image by the film. The fabric is kept in the heat press and pressurized under heat for about 2 to 5 seconds. This is done to flatten the fabric and also ensure de-humidification of the fabric. The pre-pressing helps in the proper transfer of the image from the film onto the fabric.

STEP 5 – Transfer

This is the heart and important step of the DTF printing process. The PET film with the image and the melted powder is placed on the pre-pressed fabric in the heat press for a strong adhesion between the film and the fabric. This process is also called ‘curing’. The film is now firmly attached to the fabric.

STEP 6 – Cold Peel

The fabric and the now attached film on it must cool down to room temperature before one pulls the film off. Once the film is cooled, it must be peeled off the fabric, leaving the required design printed in ink over the fabric

Direct To Film Printing Service