Direct-to-film (DTF) printing on apparel is having a significant impact on the decorated clothing market. Machine manufacturers are now offering more and more industrial solutions to this technology that was once considered the exclusive domain of small craft manufacturers. 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 of Texintel
The DTF (direct to film) printing of apparel is having a major impact on the decorated garment 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 (direct-to fabric) is gaining momentum in a DTG market, which is expected to reach US$1.9billion by 2032. This is because it offers trade printers new and unique benefits.
The DTF Process
The DTF printing process begins with the printing of images on PET film using water-based inks. Due to the fact that it is a transfer, the image must be printed in reverse. The wet inkjet print is then powdered using a hot melt glue and then cured. The image can then be transferred to a garment with a heat press.
DTF has several advantages over DTG:
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 printing offers vibrant output and a wide color range (results vary depending on ink vendor).
The quality of print can also be described as exceptional, since lines, small fonts and fine details are accurately printed because of the surface regularity inherent in PET film.
DTF prints also improve the elasticity of garments and their stretchability.
DTF Economics
DTF is an economic model based on a simple printing process that is both easy to use and understand. The digital printing process for printing onto PET films is similar to that of printing on posters or paper, which are well-known in the print sector. DTF printing works well for a small business or an industrial operation, because it is simple to use and requires little space.
Printing costs, despite the added cost of powder and film, are estimated to range between $0.50 and $0.75 per meter. This is a significant economic gain for both large-scale industrial operations and independent printers in the apparel industry.
DTF printing is possible at high speeds. The film can now be stored until the transfer is required.
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 is the newest and most popular trend in apparel decoration. This combination of print speeds and separate image transfers generates enormous set-up costs in the garment production process.
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.
But with the development of DTF, and its significant advantages such as not having to limit the fabric and the innovations that allow for faster printing, many digital print machine makers now offer a wide range of machines, which are available at different speeds and price points. With time, the technology has improved to allow this sector to adopt an industrial process.
Recently, Mimaki announced the TXF150 75 as their entry to this premium brand apparel market. Mark Sollman is a Senior. 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 eliminates the tedious screen-printing process and vinyl heat-transfer weeding. 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 that they will be releasing a DTF retrofit in 2022 for their Ri 1000 and Ri2000 DTG capabilities. This allows a simple conversion to the new DTG 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 DTFP Printer, manufactured in China, became available to the public in 2023. It includes a balanced in-line print, powder shakers, moisturizing agents, and fixation driers, allowing for fast and error-free printing.
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 benefits in terms of production, as well as the ability to print virtually any fabric.
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