DTF VS DTG PRINTING

Statistics show that the digital printing industry has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years. With the tremendous growth of this industry and technological advancement, many individuals or entrepreneurs are moving into the digital printing sector to meet the high demands. Due to the popularity and high demand of these products, many companies have innovated various sophisticated digital printers.

These printers improve ease of printing, consistency, high-quality products, and better fabric performance during production. DTF and DTG printers were the most popular options among investors. However, these printing processes have different aspects and functionality, which you need to understand before making the right choice. If you search for dtg printing near me then you will find us on the first position. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of DTG and DTF printing, helping you find the right garment printing solution for your needs. 

What Is DTF Printing?

DTF printing is a new digital printing process that has revolutionized the apparel printing and decoration sector. The DTF printing process combines high quality digital printing technology. DTF printing uses specially developed textile inks to print on film and then heat the press to transfer the image to the garment.

The process results in high-quality and durable garments, from cotton to silk and polyester to synthetic fibers. A DTF printer is essential in the process, allowing you to print your desired design and transfer it directly to the intended garment. In addition to a DTF printer, you also need the appropriate film software, hot melt adhesive powder, DTF inks, an automatic powder shaker, and a heat press machine for the process.

How Does DTF Printing Work?

With the right printer, DTF printing is a simple process. Below is a step-by-step how DTF printing works:

Step 1. Printing on film

Printing on PET film is the first step of this printing process. After setting the print image and resolution in the software, run the printer to get a mirror image of the actual image needed for the fabric.

Step 2. Powdering

It involves adding fusing powder to the image film. Make sure you add evenly and spread evenly over the printed surface while the ink is still wet and remove any excess powder. Select the powder film and fold it inward to form a slight U or concave surface. You can then rock the film sideways, spreading the powder over the surface of the image. Alternatively, automated shakers will suit mass or commercial production.

Step 3. Melt the powder

During this step, melt the powder on the film in different ways. It is common to place the film with the image and apply the powder in the heat or oven. You may also consider placing the film in a heat press, bringing the tip of the press close to the film.

Step 4. Pre-pressing

This includes pre-pressing your fabric or garment before transferring the image. Experts advise pre-pressing for 2 to 5 seconds to flatten and de-moisten the fabric.

Step 5. Transfer

The process involves placing an image film on a pre-heated fabric at high temperatures, approximately 170 degrees for 20 seconds.

Step 6. Cold crust

After attaching the clothing and film, you need to cool them down before pulling the film off. The cooling effects act as a suitable binder. Now you can download your movie to get the right or desired image. The fabric will now be ready, or you can consider post pressing for high performance parameters and better results.

Advantages Of DTF Printing

• It’s relevant to a wide variety of goods.
• It does not require pre-processing
• Easy to handle
• It requires less white ink, making it a cost effective process
• Environmental
• It does not require special equipment for application
• It provides proper security before printing

Disadvantages Of DTF Printing

• An expensive option for printing on large surfaces
• Despite the benefits of assurance, it is a time-consuming process
• PET film and paper cannot be reused
• Less smoothness and tenderness

What Is DTG Printing?

DTG or direct to garment is sometimes referred to as digital garment printing and inkjet garment printing. The DTG process is a relatively new printing method that produces amazing quality artwork that will stay put for years to come.

DTG printing is the process of printing graphics on textiles and garments, using advanced inkjet technology to print any graphics you want on your shirts. Our ink is completely safe and fast drying, the ink will bleed into your clothing itself and become part of the shirt. The graphics will not fade, peel, or become unreadable due to this.

How Does DTG Printing Work?

DTG printing works on the same principle as inkjet printing. These printers use a special print head to apply water-based ink to the fabric. Since this type of ink is only suitable for natural fibers, DTG prints work perfectly with fabrics such as bamboo, cotton and linen.

Before using DTG to print a design on your garment, the fabric must be pre-treated. To pre-treat the garment, a heat press can be used to compress the fibers. Fibers such as cotton and bamboo are often stripped from clothing and this printing process flattens the fibers, making the printing process more efficient.

While not all clothing needs to be pretreated, it is necessary when applying light or white ink to dark colored clothing. After the garment is pre-treated, it is fixed in place and the image is then printed onto the garment using a DTG printer.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of DTG Printing

Since its inception, many individuals have used DTG printing to produce high-quality designs and prints on a variety of garments. Below are the pros and cons of this printing process that you need to understand:

Prosody

• It enables a rich palette of hues.
• It saves time and resources
• High quality results
• Low setup costs
• The pre-treatment process improves high-quality prints

Against

• Limits printing to cotton garments
• Expensive for mass production
• Design spaces are limited
• Non-permanent clothing and prints

DTF Vs DTG Printing – Which To Choose?

DTG and DTF printing is a popular digital printing process. With the numerous advantages or benefits that come from this process, many individuals find it daunting to choose the one that suits their needs. However, the DTF printing process takes the node as the best alternative as it removes any limitations or challenges in the textile or apparel printing sector.

This process reduces the overall cost of digital clothing printing, as it does not require pre-processing, making it economical for mass production of fabrics or garments. Experts predict that despite several drawbacks, DTF will take over the textile printing industry in the next few decades to produce high-quality products.

However, before investing in DTF printing, understand how the process works and invest in a high-quality DTF printer. These tips will help you have smooth digital printing on a variety of products and consumables. The DTF printing process lowers the products while improving the quality of prints or fabrics of different colors and styles.