The custom apparel industry has gone through a swift change. From the traditional process of graphics placement with screen printing, to efficient turnaround times and providing digital options, companies are always seeking faster, cheaper, and better quality printed apparel options. Direct-to-Film (DTF) printers have fallen into place as disruptive technology. If you're a small business, start-up print shop or thriving clothing company, you're going to want to realise how DTF printers work and why they are becoming so popular.

What Are DTF Printers?

DTF is an acronym for Direct-to-Film printing. This process involves printing your design on a special PET film with pigment inks. The film is coated with hot-melt adhesive powder, cured, and then transferred onto a garment using a heat press. This creates a durable and lasting bond, resulting in a vibrant print on the fabric. 

Although there is a pre-treating pre-process, DTF printing overall is much easier than traditional printing methods that involve screens or stencils or garments that must be pre-treated. DTF lets businesses do detailed designs with different colours, small details, gradients, and photographic quality, quickly and in one easy process, without a lot of setup.

Why DTF Printing Is Disrupting the Industry

1. Versatility Across Fabrics

DTF printers have a significant advantage in terms of being able to print on many types of fabric. DTG generally only works with 100% cotton apparel, while DTF works with cotton, polyester, blends, nylon, and even performance fabrics, meaning you are able to service a larger market with DTF without spending more money on other technologies.

2. Vibrant, Durable Prints

DTF prints are durable and brilliant shades, making them a great option on light or dark garments. The film's adhesive powder helps create a solid bond to the fibres, which ensures your design stays bright even after washing. There is less cracking, peeling, and fading than you'll find with some other printing methods.

3. No Pre-Treatment Needed

Before printing, you typically must pre-treat a garment with DTG printers for proper ink adhesion. This adds extra time, labour, and cost throughout the workflow. DTF printers remove this necessity, which means you can move from design to finished product much more quickly. 

4. Perfect for Small and Large Orders

DTG printers can handle printing one t-shirt or printing hundreds at a time. This greatly benefits small businesses with the ability to print on demand, thus resulting in less wasted stock and storage. Printing on a larger scale is also efficient, as the transfer process can be streamlined and automated. 

5. Lower Cost Per Print

For many businesses, DTF printing provides a more accessible and affordable method to produce custom apparel. There is less preparation, less material use, and a reduced labour component, meaning that the overall cost per print is generally lower than with traditional options.

The Business Case for DTF Printing

Custom t-shirt printing is just the beginning - you can expand to hoodies, tote bags, hats, and even home textiles. Due to the ability to print transfers ahead of time, and then heat press them afterwards, you can scale production on demand - making it easy for busy seasons or special events. 

Additionally, DTF printing lends itself nicely to mass customisation, one of the key current trends in apparel. You will be able to offer a customer a unique one-off design, or a mass personalised order, while doing so quickly and profitably.

DTF Printing vs. DTG Printing

Many people ask whether they should choose DTF or DTG. The answer depends on your business model.

• DTG Printing: Best for ultra-soft prints on cotton garments, especially for photographic detail and small orders.
• DTF Printing: Best for versatility, bulk production, and printing on various fabrics without pre-treatment.

Some businesses even use both technologies simultaneously to offer the most possible options to customers. 

Getting Started with DTF Printing

If you are thinking about DTF printing for your business, the first step is to take a look at some trusted DTF printers at your price point and production volume. Look for features such as:

• Consistent ink delivery
• Compatible RIP software for colour management
• Easy maintenance and support
• High-resolution printing capability

You will also require transfer films, hot-melt adhesive powder, and a heat press. Many suppliers have complete starter kits, so you are assured you'll have everything you need to get started and will not leave anything out.

Conclusion

DTF printers are not just a passing trend. They are changing the game in custom apparel printing. DTF printers offer benefits such as flexibility, low prices, and print quality. Providing a DTF printer is a great idea for anyone working in print-on-demand or with apparel. DTF allows you to provide more variety, fast, service, and amazing products that keep customers coming back for more.