If you're new to the world of DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, the sheer number of terms and techniques can feel overwhelming. Understanding the language of the industry is crucial to mastering the process and achieving the high-quality results that DTF printing is known for. This guide is designed with beginners in mind, offering a comprehensive list of over 100 common terms used in the DTF printing business.
From foundational concepts like adhesive powders and PET film to advanced techniques and troubleshooting tips, this resource will help you navigate the equipment, materials, and processes involved. Whether you're setting up your first DTF printer or simply looking to familiarize yourself with the industry's terminology, this list provides a solid foundation to get you started. Let's dive in and decode the essential terms that will set you on the path to success in DTF printing!
General Process Terms
- DTF (Direct-to-Film): A printing process where designs are printed onto a PET film and transferred to fabric using adhesive powder and heat.
- PET Film: The polyester film used as a medium to hold the printed design until transfer.
- Adhesive Powder (Hot Melt Powder): A powdered adhesive applied to the printed design to enable it to bond with fabric.
- Heat Press: A machine used to apply heat and pressure for transferring designs.
- Curing: The process of heating the adhesive powder to activate its bonding properties.
- Cold Peel: A transfer method where the film is removed after cooling down.
- Hot Peel: A transfer method where the film is removed while still warm.
- Transfer: Moving the design from the film to the substrate using heat.
- Double Pressing: A two-step heat pressing method to ensure better adhesion, durability, and hand feel.
Equipment Terms
- DTF Printer: A specialized printer designed for Direct-to-Film printing.
- Roll-to-Roll Printer: A printer designed for high-volume DTF production on rolls of PET film.
- Print Head: The part of the printer that jets ink onto the PET film.
- Powder Shaker: A machine that applies and cures adhesive powder automatically.
- Curing Oven: Equipment used to cure the adhesive powder evenly.
- Flatbed Heat Press: A manual heat press used for small-scale transfers.
- Auto Powder Applicator: A device that automates powder application for consistent results.
- Vacuum Bed: A flat surface used to hold film steady during printing.
- UV Light: Used to cure UV DTF inks instead of heat.
- Bulk Ink System: A system supplying ink in large quantities for production efficiency. Bulk ink systems do not use cartridges with a chip in them.
Material Terms
- DTF Ink: A specialized water based pigment based ink formulated for DTF printing, including white and CMYK colors.
- White Ink: Used as a base layer to make colors vibrant on dark fabrics.
- Pigment Ink: High-quality ink that provides durability and color accuracy.
- Glossy PET Film: PET film with a shiny finish for brighter designs.
- Matte PET Film: PET film with a flat finish for subtle prints.
- Anti-Static Film: A film with an anti-static coating to prevent static buildup during printing.
- High-Tack Powder: Adhesive powder with strong bonding properties for challenging materials.
- Low-Tack Powder: A powder suitable for delicate fabrics that require lighter adhesion.
- Specialty Films: Films designed for unique applications like metallic or glitter effects.
Color Management Terms
- RIP Software: A program for managing color separations and print settings.
- Color Separation: Splitting a design into layers for accurate printing.
- White Underbase: A layer of white ink printed beneath the design for opacity.
- Gradient Printing: Creating smooth transitions between colors.
- CMYK Ink: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (Key) inks used for color printing.
- Spot Color: A single color used for specific design elements.
- Opacity Control: Adjusting the transparency of colors in a design.
- ICC Profile: A color profile ensuring consistent color reproduction.
- Color Matching: Ensuring printed colors match the design.
- Ink Saturation: The amount of ink applied to the film.
Heat Press Terms
- Heat Press: A machine that uses heat and pressure to transfer DTF designs from PET film onto various materials.
- Platen: The heated surface of a heat press that applies heat and pressure to transfer designs onto fabric.
- Clamshell Press: A compact heat press that opens vertically, making it ideal for small spaces.
- Swing-Away Press: A heat press where the top platen swings away to provide better access to the garment during pressing.
- Cricut Press: A smaller, portable heat press designed for precision pressing on garments with challenging areas like buttons or zippers.
- Mini Cricut Press: A compact heat press perfect for tight areas like pockets, avoiding raised seams for better results.
- Pressure Setting: A feature that allows adjustment of the pressure based on the thickness and material of the substrate being printed.
- Silicone Upper Platen Cover: A protective silicone cover for the heat press platen that prevents scorch marks and reduces pressing time by up to 4x.
- Protective Cover Sheet: A sheet placed between the heat press and garment to evenly distribute heat and prevent scorching.
- Heat Press Pillow: A cushion inserted inside garments to ensure even pressure over raised areas, such as seams and buttons, reducing the risk of scorch marks.
- Application Pad: A thick pad used over the transfer to help distribute heat evenly, especially on delicate fabrics.
- Garment Protector Pad: A silicone pad that protects garments while ensuring even pressure during pressing.
- Pocket Platen: A smaller interchangeable platen designed specifically for pressing tight areas like pockets, sleeves, and small sections of garments.
- Substrate: The surface onto which a DTF transfer is applied, such as cotton, polyester, leather, or other materials.
Design Terms
- Vector Design: A scalable graphic format ideal for DTF.
- Raster Image: A pixel-based image format.
- Resolution (DPI): Dots per inch; determines print quality.
- Transparent Background: A design without a background layer.
- Bleed Area: Extra space around the design to avoid trimming issues.
- Masking Layer: A protective layer applied to specific areas.
- Crop Marks: Indicators for cutting or aligning the design.
- Alignment Guides: Tools for precise placement of designs.
- Layering: Stacking multiple design elements for complex prints.
- Color Blending: Merging colors smoothly in a design.
- RGB (Red, Green, Blue): An additive color model used for digital displays, capable of producing a wide range of vibrant colors through light mixing.
- CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): A subtractive color model used in printing, where colors are created by subtracting light.
- Color Gamut: The complete range of colors that can be represented in a given color model; RGB has a wider gamut than CMYK.
- sRGB: A standard RGB color space commonly used for digital images.
- Rich Black: A mix of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in CMYK to achieve a deeper, more vibrant black in printing.
- Halftones: A design technique that uses tiny dots to break up solid areas of color, enhancing breathability and softness in prints.
- Underbase: The layer of white ink in DTF printing which can be adjusted to reduce the thickness and improve softness.
Application Terms
- Transfer Adhesion: The ability of a design to bond with a substrate.
- Curved Surface Application: Printing on rounded or uneven surfaces.
- High-Pressure Setting: A heat press setting for dense materials.
- Low-Pressure Setting: A heat press setting for delicate fabrics.
- Temperature Calibration: Ensuring consistent heat for transfers.
- Peeling Technique: The method for removing the PET film.
- Multi-Layer Application: Using multiple layers for special effects.
- Edge-to-Edge Printing: Printing designs that cover the entire surface.
- Post-Press Cooling: Allowing prints to cool for better durability.
- Custom Effects: Adding unique finishes like glitter or metallics.
- Dye Migration: This occurs when the dye from the garment you're printing on bleeds through the heat transfer. Commonly occurs when printing on sublimated garments.
- Carrier: Refers to the sheet (usually a specialty paper) the heat transfer is printed on.
Troubleshooting Terms
- Banding: Visible lines caused by inconsistent ink flow.
- Clogging: Blockages in the print head.
- Nozzle Check: A test to ensure all nozzles are working.
- Ghosting: A faint duplicate image caused by misalignment.
- Powder Residue: Excess adhesive powder left on the design.
- Wrinkled Film: Creases in the film affecting transfer quality.
- Image Fading: Loss of vibrancy due to incorrect curing.
- Uneven Film Coating: Results in patchy or inconsistent prints.
- Color Bleeding: Colors spreading into unintended areas.
- Misregistration: Poor alignment of design layers.
Production Terms
- Batch Processing: Printing multiple designs simultaneously.
- Turnaround Time: The time required to complete a print job.
- Automated Workflow: Using machines to streamline production.
- Proofing: Checking designs before final printing.
- High-Volume Printing: Large-scale production for bulk orders.
- Print Queue: The order of designs waiting to be printed.
- Custom Orders: Personalized designs for clients.
- Mockup: A visual representation of the design on a product.
- Production Downtime: Periods when machines are idle.
- Print Scalability: The ability to increase production capacity.
Advanced Techniques
- Hybrid Printing: Combining DTF with other techniques like screen printing.
- Embossed Prints: Creating raised designs.
- Gloss Effects: Adding a shiny finish to designs.
- Matte Effects: Creating a flat, non-reflective finish.
- Texture Enhancement: Adding tactile elements to prints.
- 3D Effects: Giving designs a three-dimensional appearance.
- Layering Effects: Using multiple layers for depth.
- Special Coatings: Applying protective layers for durability.
We hope this guide has helped you feel more confident and prepared to explore this versatile and innovative printing method. As you embark on your DTF journey, remember that learning and experimenting are all part of the process.
At Lawson Screen & Digital Products, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions, need expert advice, or are ready to invest in DTF equipment, we’re just a call or click away. We also offer training and resources to ensure you’re equipped with the skills and tools you need for success.
We’re excited to be a part of your DTF printing adventure—best wishes on achieving your creative and business goals!
