The adoption rate of Direct-to-Film (DTF) technology and heat transfer is unlike anything the apparel industry has seen in quite some time and the latest DTF devices from Mutoh/STS, Mimaki and Roland DG are the go-to printers and application technologies. DTG and sublimation printer providers are quickly moving to DTF.
Mutoh has three DTF-enabled printing machines and a partnership with STS to heat cure
The technology has seen a rapid rise in popularity since its introduction to the decorated apparel market three years ago. The majority of the market has been dominated, however, by systems from China that use Epson printerheads along with Chinese-made textile pigments inks and heat-melt powders. Velflex and other local companies have used their heat-transfer vinyl knowledge to bring DTF solutions into the apparel branding sector. They also showed it off to the rest of the world at PacPrint last May
STS has been partnering Mutoh for more than one year on DTF. Mutoh offers the 24″ VJ628D as well as the XPD-724. The 64″ XPJ-1682D is available for multi-up productivity and wider applications. Kissel+Wolf in the local area has expanded their range to include Mutoh printers DTF film, glue powders and finishing.
Mutoh-made STS 64 XPJ 1682D DTF Printer for wider 64″ DTF
These are just a few of the local suppliers that support DTF heat transfer:
https://embroiderysolutions.com.au/products/mutoh-sts-vj-628d-dtf-printer
https://dtgsolutions.com.au/direct-to-film-printing/direct-to-film-printer/
https://www.novasublimation.com.au/product-category/printers-equipment/mutoh-printer-inks/mutoh-dtf-direct-to-film-printers/
Recent DTF entrants include Roland and Mimaki. As both Mimaki and Roland announced new DTF printers aimed to capture a portion of this growing market, it begs the question: “Will more brands dive into the DTF realm and bring further validity to the technology, and strengthen its presence?” – asks Johnny Shell of Keypoint intelligence.
Mimaki TxF150-75
Mimaki’s new TxF150 75 DTF printer was announced by the company during its Mimaki Innovation Days virtual events earlier in the month. This chassis is similar to the CV100/150 printer. However the device will not include an integrated powder shaker/curing station and Mimaki states that it does not plan to do so in the short-term.
TxF150-75 features several core Mimaki technologies such as white ink circulation and automatic nozzle checks to ensure clogged outlets. There is also a nozzle recovery feature that compensates for blocked nozzles. The product will be available for commercial purchase in May 2023.
Roland BN-20D
Roland DGA Corporation displayed its VersaSTUDIO BN-20D direct-to-film system at the Impressions Expo in Long Beach (Jan. 20-22). It is a solution for small businesses, Etsy types of marketplaces.
S-PG Inks in CMYK or white, S–F164 direct film transfer film and S–POWDER direct powder transfer powder make up the system. The BN-20D can print up to 18.9 inches and can be used as a standalone vinyl cutter. This allows users to expand their applications.
DTG & Dye Sublimation Vendors Promoting DTF
We’ve also seen DTG vendors promote the ability of their devices to print DTF transfers, mostly in sheet form. Brother’s prototype DTF roll to-roll device was displayed at the MHM booth during the Printwear and Promotion Show in the UK. The GTX Pro print engine was modified to feed film using a roll–to-roll media system. Brother currently does not offer an inline powder shaking/curing station and will launch the device later in 2023.
Opinion of Keypoint Intelligence
DTF adoption is unprecedented in the decorated apparel industry. While many Chinese DTF vendors originated three years ago, we are finally starting to see notable movement from well-known brands like Mutoh, Mimaki, Roland, and others who are introducing DTF-enabled printers. DTF powders and inks currently are third party. However, this could change in the future. This is also true for powder shaking/baking. Best results are achieved using both baking to melt the glue and heat-pressing.
Keypoint is of the opinion that other vendors are developing solutions to bring DTF on-line in unknown time frames. This makes this exciting and worth your attention. Are these big vendors moving towards a DTF solution a sign that their strategy is changing? This could be due to DTF being a lucrative market that is rapidly growing. We may see this happening in the near future, with COVID now behind us.
– Based on an article by Johnny Shell from Keypoint Intelligence. Wideformatonline has additional information.
GraphicsPro and ColDesi have compiled this excellent article about why DTF is growing in popularity.
https://graphics-pro.com/education/dtf-printing-a-new-digital-spin-on-an-analog-process/
