What is DTF printing?

DTF printer (Direct to Film, printing directly onto film) is a digital printing device that first prints patterns onto a PET transfer film, and then transfers them to fabrics, textiles, and other materials through a heat-melt powder and heat-pressing process. It is suitable for various fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and nylon. 

Working principle and operation process
The core process of DTF printing consists of five steps, and it can complete dark or light color fabric printing without the need for pre-treatment solution: 

Design processing: Use printing software (such as RIIN, Flexiprint, etc.) to adjust parameters such as pattern size and resolution.
Print on film: The printer prints the color ink layer and white ink layer on the PET transfer film in sequence.
Sprinkle powder and cure: Uniformly sprinkle heat-melt glue powder on the white ink layer of the pattern, and through drying, the glue powder melts and cures.
Heat press transfer: Place the finished heat transfer product on the fabric, and set the heat press machine to about 160°C for heating for 15-20 seconds.
Remove film: According to the type of film material, cold or hot tear the film, and the pattern is transferred onto the fabric. 

Compared with traditional DTG (direct printing for clothing) or screen printing, DTF does not require plate making or pre-treatment solution, can break through the color limitation of fabrics, and the wash fastness reaches 4-5 grades.