DTF Technology for Tee Shirt Printing :
This is a recent method of tee shirt printing where the multi-colour image is printed by using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black and an additional White DTF pigment ink with the help of a modified or specialised inkjet printer to a PET film (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate – thin transparent polyester film). A4 and A3 size PET cut films available in the market.
- The first step is printing the mirror image of the design to the PET film. We can use A4 or A3 modified inkjet printers like EPSON L 805 (A4) or L 1800 (A3) instead of specialised DTF printers. Both printers use 6 colours (Cyan, Light Cyan, Magenta, Light Magenta, Yellow, and Black), of which two colours (Light Cyan and Light Magenta) are replaced with white ink. To handle white ink printing along with CMYK colours a specialized RIP software (Raster Image Processing Software Eg. Acrorip software) is used.
- The next step is to apply an adhesive POWDER known as TPU (Thermoplastic Poly Urethane) to the print area forming a superficial layer over it. The DTF inks dry pretty slowly so you have 10-15 minutes to apply the powder to it. This can be done manually or by using a powder machine for large-scale DTF work.
- After the application of the power, the powder needs to be cured. This can be done by pressing the sheet under low pressure with a press machine with a heat setting at 150 degrees centigrade for 20 seconds or by using an oven to keep it inside for the same time.
- The image is now ready for transfer to a tee shirt by using a heat press. Place the film with the print side down over the tee shirt, set the temperature to 180 degrees and apply pressure for 10 seconds.
- The image is fixed to a tee shirt, Cold peeling off the PET film. The vibrant image has excellent colour stability and excellent yellowing resistance. Soft hand feel and good resilience and stretchability. And it has excellent bonding properties to textiles – (e.g. natural fabrics, polyester, nylon, rayon, blends, and cotton). This method is often used for smaller runs of printed products.
Advantage of DTF Printing.
- Able to print on a wide variety of fabrics
(e.g. natural fabrics, polyester, nylon, rayon, blends, and cotton) - Can print on light or dark garments with vibrant colour and excellent resolution
(image is laid on the top of the fabric) without dye discolouration. The colour won’t fade or crack
over time. - Less investment as compared to DTG. No need for pre-treatment of fabrics.
- Starters can convert EPSON printers like EPSON L 805(A4) or L 1800 (A3) the price of
these printers are low compared to original branded DTF printers.
Disadvantages.
- Frequent head cleaning is needed as the white ink can clog the head nozzles.
- PET film is not reusable.
- Time-consuming and applicable for short-run tee shirt printing.