A 10 Step Guide to DTF Printing
In general, the Direct-to-Film (DTF) process can be broken down into 10 steps. Below is a guide that covers the basics of DTF printing, from artwork creation and printing, to powder and pressing. This is a great tutorial for those thinking about adding DTF to an existing shop or wanting to start out in DTF printing.
1. Prepare artwork at 300 dpi, be sure to prepare on a transparent background. Then, create a channel for the white layer.
2. Now you have to RIP the artwork file using software. Cadlink’s Digital Factory DTF Module is a popular software choice and is supported by the manufacturer and their worldwide dealer network. You can use most any RIP you like, including Wasatch, Flexi, ColorGate and others.
3. Next, the artwork is printed with an inkjet DTF printer using pigment-based inks CMYK+W onto a clear Polyester release film. DTF is printed in reverse order from screen printing or DTG. Your DTF printer will print the color inks followed by white on top.
4. After printing the design image, in a production environment, the film travels over a heated platen on its way to an adhesive powder shaker/bath. The powder only sticks to the wet ink. In single sheet applications, you use a “dipping tub” or a specialized single sheet powder/shaker.
5. Any powder left in the non-image area is then shaken off by the shaker (or manually by “flicking” the sheet) before the adhesive powder is dried.
6. There are several ways to dry the DTF powder. If you are doing production DTF printing, your automatic adhesive powder shaker/applicator will also dry it. For sheets, you can use a conveyor dryer, or heat press. Either process cures the ink and melts the adhesive powder, leaving a semi-rough appearance on the film when properly cured.
7. In automatic applications, the film travels past cooling fans until it is wound up through the take up system.
8. The printed transfers can be heat-pressed at 275˚ to 295˚F for 10-15 seconds, depending on the type and brand of film.
9. Depending on the film used, the transfer can be peeled hot or cold. A hot peel produces a matte finish, whereas a cold peel produces a glossier finish.
10. Once you press and peel your DTF transfer, you shirt is ready to be shipped, sold or worn.
