DTF Printing Process on Garments
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Design Creation:
- The first step is to create or prepare your design. This can be done using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or other design programs. The design should be created in high resolution (300dpi) and in the correct colour mode (usually CMYK).
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Printing the Design onto Film:
- Once the design is ready, it is printed onto a special film using a DTF printer. The printer uses water-based pigment inks to create a mirror image of the design on the film. These films are typically clear or semi-transparent, allowing for easy alignment with the garment during transfer.
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Applying a Powder Adhesive:
- After printing, the film is immediately coated with a special adhesive powder. The powder sticks to the printed ink on the film and must be evenly applied to ensure a successful transfer onto the garment. This step is crucial because it helps the print to bond properly when heat is applied.
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Curing the Adhesive:
- Once the adhesive powder is applied, the film is passed through a curing oven or heat press to melt the powder, allowing it to set and bond to the printed design. This curing process ensures the adhesive sticks firmly to the ink, making the transfer durable and long-lasting.
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Transferring the Design onto the Garment:
- The cured film is placed on the garment, and a heat press is used to transfer the design. The garment is typically pre-heated to ensure the fabric absorbs the ink properly. The heat press applies both heat and pressure to transfer the design from the film to the fabric. This usually takes between 15-30 seconds at temperatures ranging from 160-180°C, depending on the type of fabric and adhesive used.
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Peeling the Film:
- After the transfer process, the film is allowed to cool for a short period before carefully peeling it off the garment. If the process is done correctly, the design should remain on the garment, while the film should peel off without leaving any residue behind.
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Final Curing:
- Some garments may undergo a second curing process after the transfer to ensure the design is fully set and durable. This step ensures the ink and adhesive are properly bonded to the fabric and will withstand washing and wear.
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Quality Check:
- Finally, the garment is checked for print quality, such as clarity, colour accuracy, and adhesion. This is essential to ensure the final product meets the desired standards.
Benefits of DTF Printing:
- Versatility: It works well on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even dark fabrics.
- Durability: The prints are highly durable, offering long-lasting results.
- No Need for Pre-Treating Fabrics: Unlike other printing methods, DTF does not require pre-treatment of garments, which simplifies the process and reduces costs.
- Vibrant Colours: DTF produces vibrant and detailed prints with excellent colour accuracy.
Conclusion:
DTF printing is an efficient and high-quality method for garment printing, offering bright, long-lasting prints on a range of fabrics. The process is relatively straightforward and does not require specialised skills, making it a popular choice for small businesses and custom apparel producers
