FAQ

DTF, Direct to Film (DTF) Printing is a digital printing method that involves printing designs onto a special film and then transferring them onto various fabrics using heat and pressure. Unlike traditional printing methods that require printing directly onto the material, DTF printing prints onto a transfer film.

DTF printing is versatile and suitable for both light and dark-colored fabrics. It can be used on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, 50/50 blends, leather, nylon, canvas and more fabrics and performs amazingly well on t-shirts, safety vests, hats, masks, shoes, banners, towels, aprons, bags, slippers, PU notebooks, coasters and more.

DTF printing is valued for its flexibility and ease of use. It can be used on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends, and doesn't require the fabric to be pre-treated, unlike some other printing methods. This makes DTF an accessible and versatile option for both small-scale custom projects and larger production runs.

Direct to Film (DTF) printing works through a multi-step process that transfers a design from a special film onto a variety of fabrics.

Design Preparation: First, a digital design is created or selected. This design is then processed through specialized software that prepares it for DTF printing.

Printing onto Film: The design is printed onto a clear PET film using DTF-specific ink. These inks are usually a combination of CMYK and white colors. The white ink is laid down last and acts as a base for the CMYK inks on darker fabrics.

Applying Adhesive Powder: After the design is printed onto the film, an adhesive powder (typically a polyurethane blend) is evenly distributed over the wet ink. This powder sticks to the printed areas.

Melting the Powder: The film, now with the adhesive powder on it, is passed through a heat source (like an oven or a heat press). The heat melts the powder without distorting the printed image. This process turns the ink and powder into a solid transferable layer.

Transferring to Fabric: The film with the melted powder and ink is then placed onto the fabric, and a heat press is used to apply heat and pressure. This process transfers the ink and adhesive mixture from the film onto the fabric.

Final Product: The film is peeled off, leaving the design adhered to the fabric. The result is a vibrant, high-quality print that is durable and can withstand washing and wear. 

While Direct to Film (DTF) printing is known for its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of fabrics, there are some materials that are not well-suited for this printing technique. Because DTF prints require a certain level of porosity to adhere properly. Non-porous materials like nylon, certain types of polyester, and coated fabrics can be challenging for DTF inks and adhesives to bond with. 

Glass, Metal, and Hard Plastics are also not good for DTF printing.

A high-quality DTF prints can typically withstand 40-50 washes or more without significant degradation in the print quality, such as fading or cracking, when proper washing guidelines are followed. To maximize the lifespan of DTF prints on t-shirts or other garments, it's advisable to:

• Wash inside out with cold water.

• Use mild detergents and avoid bleach.

• Hang dry or use low heat settings in a dryer.

• Avoid direct ironing on the print area.

Following these care instructions can help maintain the vibrancy and integrity of DTF prints over many wash cycles.

The main difference between DTF (Direct to Film) and DTG (Direct to Garment) printing lies in their process and application:

DTF Printing: Involves printing designs onto a special film, applying adhesive powder, melting it, and then transferring the design from the film to various fabrics using heat and pressure. It's versatile, working on a wide range of fabric types without requiring pre-treatment, and allows for vibrant prints on both light and dark garments.

DTG Printing: Prints directly onto the fabric using specialized inkjet technology. It primarily suits cotton or high-cotton-blend fabrics and often requires pre-treatment for dark garments to ensure color vibrancy and print durability. DTG is noted for its detail and quality for short runs.

For DTF films: Avoid humidity and moisture and away from direct sunlight

For DTF Inks: Store the inks away from direct sunlight and at a stable, moderate temperature (15-25°C or 59-77°F is ideal). And ensure ink containers are tightly closed to prevent air exposure and evaporation.

Sure. Choose Otter 40 DTF printer system can make DTF printing at home possible.

7 reaosns for you to choose Otter DTF, making it a compelling option for businesses and individuals alike.

• Versatility

• Quality and Durability

• Ease of Use

• Cost-Effectiveness

• Eco-Friendly Options

• Support and Community

• Innovation and Development

Choosing Otter DTF means investing in a printing solution that offers quality, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, supported by a company dedicated to innovation and customer satisfaction.

You might encounter nozzle clogs, film misfeeding, ink smudging, white ink settling, or color accuracy issues with other brands' DTF printers. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. With the Otter DTF All-In-One system, you can either avoid these common problems or significantly reduce their occurrence. Our system features Epson original printheads, an automatic white ink circulation system, an air suction function to keep the film flat, and an integrated curing system for efficient powder shaking and adhesion. These innovations ensure smooth and reliable DTF printing for your daily operations.

Here are some refined Maintenance Tips to ensure your machines operate flawlessly:

Regular Cleaning:

Keep the printer and its components clean, focusing on the print heads and feed mechanisms.

Use High-Quality Inks and Consumables:

Invest in high-quality DTF inks, films, and powder to reduce the risk of clogging and ensure optimal print quality.

Keep the Printer Environment Clean

Dust and debris can affect print quality and even damage the printer. Keep the printer area clean and cover the printer when not in use.

Select a Dependable DTF Supply Partner:

Choosing the right supplier for your DTF essentials is crucial. We're here to support your business's growth by providing top-tier supplies and expert guidance.

By implementing these maintenance practices, you can extend the lifespan of your DTF equipment and achieve consistent, high-quality printing results. We look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your business expansion and success. Otter DTF is waiting for you to contact. Please feel free to contact us at info@otterdtf.com

The printhead is crucial in all types of printing, impacting speed, resolution, and quality. When choosing a printer, considering the printhead is vital. Below, we've compared several printheads to assist you with your purchase.

I3200-A1 Printhead

This Epson i3200 printhead is ideal for large-format DTF (direct-to-film) printers. It has 3200 nozzles and 8 channels, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and consistent performance. It stands out for its durability and reliability, offering a long lifespan and minimal maintenance.

I1600-A1 Printhead

The Epson i1600-A1 printhead has the same specifications for size, nozzle resolution, and ink droplet ejection performance as the i3200-A1, but the I1600 is exactly half the I3200 printhead with 1600 nozzles and 4 channels. Although the I1600 is slower in print speed, both printheads have high productivity and high image quality with 600dpi high-density resolution. Therefore, the i1600 printhead is more cost-effective in the market.

F1080/XP600

The F1080 / XP600 printhead is suitable for small desktop DTF printers with a printing width of 30cm or less, delivering exceptional print quality and vibrant colors. With its advanced technology and precise ink droplet placement, it enables sharp details and smooth gradients, resulting in professional-level prints.

I3200-U1 Printhead

The U1 series printhead is suitable for UV ink. It is a cost-effective 1.33inch-wide MEMs head series providing high productivity and high image quality with 600dpi high-density resolution.