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 states that DTF doesn’t replace DTG, but does provide significant benefits. |
Direct to film printing is the process of printing a design on a special film and then applying and melting a powder adhesive. Finally, the design is pressed onto the merchandise or garment. You will need transfer film and hot melt powder, as well as the software to create your print – no other special equipment is needed! Here are seven benefits to this new technology.
- Use a variety materials
DTF is best for 100% cotton. However, it can also be done on nylon, treated skin, polyester, 50/50 blends, as well as light and dark fabrics. Transfers can be applied to many surfaces, including luggage, shoes, glass and wood, as well as metal and metal. DTF allows you to expand your product line by applying your designs on a variety of merchandise.
- Pretreatment is not necessary
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 tends be more expensive due to the higher amount of it used. Also, the pigment Titanium Oxide is the most expensive. This means that reducing the amount used for printing can help you save money.
- 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. You can sell your printed transfers directly and let your customers lay the design on any surface or item that they desire. All it takes to stick the design is heat!
- Productivity increases faster
You can reduce the time it takes to dry and pretreat 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. The RICOH Ri 1000 or RICOH Ri2000 DTG printers make it easy to add this useful technology to your arsenal. You can add DTF printing to your existing DTG printers by simply updating the software.
Ricoh provides information about DTF.
www.ricoh.com.au