The DTF (direct to film) clothing printing market is booming. This growing technology, which was once the domain of small craftsmen and women, is now offered by machine manufacturers in industrial solutions that are more effective. In a global market for DTG (direct-to-garment) printing that is predicted to reach nearly US$1.9 billion by 2032, the DTF process is gaining ground by the month—as it offers new and unique advantages to trade printers. This article by WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, a textiles expert, provides more information.
(Image courtesy Texintel).
Direct-to-film (DTF) apparel printing has a significant impact on the decorated clothing market. Machine manufacturers now offer ever-more successful industrial solutions for this growing technology—that just a few years ago seemed to be the preserve of the small craft manufacturer.
DTF is gaining popularity in a market that will reach almost US$1.9 billion (direct-to garment) by 2032. It offers unique and new advantages for trade printers.
The DTF Process
DTF prints begin by printing images with water-based pigments onto PET film. The image is reverse printed because it must be transferred. The wet inkjet print is then powdered using a hot melt glue and finally dried. The image can then be transferred to a garment with a heat press.
The DTF process is superior to DTG in a few ways:
First, the DTF process does not require pre-treatment and it can be applied to many types of fiber compositions—polyester, cotton, nylon, and mixed fiber blends can all be printed using the DTF method. DTF prints are vibrant and have a wide range of colors (results may vary depending on the ink vendor).
The quality of the print is said to be excellent as fine details, fine lines and small fonts are all printed with accuracy because of the surface regularity inherent in the PET film.
DTF prints also improve the handle of garments due to their lower solid mass.
DTF Economics
DTF’s economic model is based on the simplicity of the DTF printing process. It is easy to understand and simple to implement. The digital printing process for printing on a PET film substrate is similar to that of printing on paper, which is well-known in all print industries. DTF printing is a simple and effective way to print on PET film, whether you are a one-person operation or a large-scale industry. The space requirements and ease of learning and application make it possible for anyone.
Despite the higher cost of film or powder, printing costs can range from $0.50 per meter to $0.75. The economic benefits are therefore shared by both independent printers as well as large-scale manufacturing operations in the apparel sector.
The process has the advantage that DTF can be printed at a high speed. The film can be stored indefinitely, waiting for the transfer process. This means that the speed of apparel production printing is not affected by traditional workflows, double-white/CMYK prints or operator intervention.
When the film is eventually used, its applications are wide and varied: typically, T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, promotional items, and even interior décor offer commercial opportunities for the DTF process using a film produced at the lowest possible price.
DTF has become the latest and hottest trend in garment decoration due to its combination of print speed with separate image transfer.
DTF Machinery
Originally, DTF printing, which started at a very small, affordable scale, was the preserve of standard inkjet printers—desktop machines using specific inks for textile use and these were readily available from a multitude of manufacturers.
As DTF has developed, and as its advantages have grown, like the fact that there is no fabric limit and the innovations in printing speed, a wide range of digital printing machines are available, with different speeds and price points. With time, the technology has improved to allow this sector to adopt an industrial process.
Recently Mimaki released their TXF15075 which marked their entry in this premium branded clothing market. Mark Sollman Sr. Mimaki Europe’s Product Manager EMEA commented:
Apparel decorating is a very popular and dynamic market, which we operate in already with our textile technologies. In recent years we have seen the positive impact of DTF technology on the textile industry, as it offers significant advantages to existing technologies. DTF, for example, eliminates the lengthy process of creating plates in screen printing as well as the weeding required in vinyl heat transfers. Full color printing is also possible with this technology. We’re excited to bring a solution to the market that is designed for those already active in the decorated apparel sector and those looking to enter it -which excels in usability, reliability and quality.
Ricoh announced in 2022 a DTF Retrofit for existing Ri 1000 DTG and Ri 2000 DTG capability, allowing their DTG machines to be converted easily to the new DTF process.
Axel Stuhlreiter commented on the comment made by Axel Stuhlreiter.
The innovative technology enhances the versatility and flexibility of Ricoh’s leading DTG printers. They can be converted in a few easy steps to allow DTF printing onto a variety of materials, and deliver a wider range of applications. This simple and fast process produces highly creative results in a short time.
Sublistar STAR-IV Series Printers from China became available in 2023. They include a powder shaker and a fixation drier. The line is capable of printing film quickly and without errors.
Beyond these, in 2022 there were DTF offerings from Epson, Brother, Mutoh, Resolute, Pigment.inc, and Roland—all of which reflected the growing attraction of the DTF market, which a trade commentator recently described as being one of the ”newest and hottest trends in the decorated apparel industry.”
DTF technology is now available on the market. It offers unquestionable production benefits and can print any fabric.
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