Ricoh explains why DTF is your next best move in textiles
The debate over Direct to Film (DTF), versus Direct to Garment (DTG) printing raises the question, “What are the benefits of DTF technology?” DTG printing can produce high-quality full-size prints with vivid colors and an incredibly soft feel in the hand, but DTF printing has certain benefits that will make it a great addition to your garment printing business.
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| Ricoh says DTF is not a replacement for DTG, but it does offer significant advantages. |
Direct to Film printing involves printing a design onto special film, melting a powder adhesive, and pressing it onto merchandise or clothing. 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 this new technology below.
- Use a wide range of materials
Direct to garment printing is best for 100% cotton. DTF can be used on all types of garments: nylon, treated leather and polyester. You can also apply the transfers to luggage, shoes, glass, wood and metal. DTF allows you to expand your product line by applying your designs on a variety of merchandise.
- Pretreatment not required
You may be familiar with the pretreatment and drying times if you have a DTG printer. No pretreatment is required because the DTF uses hot melt power to bond the print to the material.
- Use less white Ink
DTF requires less white ink – about 40% white versus 200% white for DTG printing. White ink is usually the most expensive because it requires more ink. The pigment used is Titanium Oxide. It can save you money by reducing the amount of ink needed for your prints.
- DTG prints are more durable
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.
- It’s easy to apply
A film transfer allows you to print on any surface that is difficult or inaccessible. A DTF design can be applied to any surface that can be heated. Your customers can use heat to adhere your printed transfer designs to any surface.
- Productivity increases faster
This allows you to cut down on the amount of time needed to pretreat and dry 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 can be used to print popular designs on a variety of sizes and colors. While this might not be possible, it is possible to store the prints in a small area. This allows you to keep your top-sellers ready to go on any 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. You can easily add this technology to your business with the RICOH Ri 1000 DTG printers. You can add DTF printing to your existing DTG printer by simply updating the software.
Ricoh provides information about DTF.
www.ricoh.com.au