The DTF process is as simple in its working as its name suggests - Print on a film and directly transfer it onto fabric. The most prominent factor that makes this process worthy of use across a larger number of people is the freedom to choose almost any fabric.
The requirements for DTF printing
1. DTF printer / Powder Shaker
2. DTF ink
3. DTF transfer film
4. DTF hot-melt adhesive powder
5. Cuyi Heat press machine
Direct to Film Printing (Basic Steps)
Step 1 - Print on Film
Instead of regular paper, insert the PET film into the printer trays. First, print the entire image in white on the PET film. After this, using the appropriate color settings in the printer, print the required image on the white image layer. The important point to remember is that the print on the film must be a mirror image of the actual image that needs to appear on the fabric.
Step 2 - Powdering
This step is the application of hot-melt powder on the film that has the printed image on it. The powder is applied uniformly when the ink is wet and the excess powder needs to be removed carefully. The important thing is to ensure that the powder is evenly spread all over the printed surface on the film.
Step 3 - Melting the powder
As in the name, the powder is melted in this step. This can be done in various ways. The most common way is to put the film with the printed image and the applied powder in the Curing Oven and heat.
Step 4 - Pre-pressing
The step involves pre-pressing the fabric before the transfer of the image by the film. The fabric is kept in the heat press and pressurized under heat for about 2 to 5 seconds. This is done to flatten the fabric and also ensure de-humidification of the fabric. The pre-pressing helps in the proper transfer of the image from the film onto the fabric.
Step 5 - Transfer
This is the heart of the DTF printing process. The PET film with the image and the melted powder is placed on the pre-pressed fabric in the heat press for a strong adhesion between the film and the fabric. This process is also called ‘curing’. The curing is done at a temperature range of 160 to 170 degrees Celsius for approximately 10 to 15secomds. The film is now firmly attached to the fabric.
Step 6 - Cold Peel
The fabric and the now attached film on it must cool down to room temperature before one pulls the film off. Since the hot melt has a nature similar to amides, as it cools down, it acts as a binder that holds the colored pigment in the inks in firm adhesion with the fibers of the fabric. Once the film is cooled, it must be peeled off the fabric, leaving the required design printed in ink over the fabric.
Step 7 - Post-pressing
This is an optional step but is very highly recommended for best results and high-performance parameters like wash and rub fastness. In this step, the final fabric with the transferred design is pressed in the heat press for around 10 to 15 seconds.
7 сен 2024
