DTF printing is a process that transfers prints onto fabric or other substrates with a heat-press mechanism, requiring no pre-treatment even for white ink. Using a specific kind of water-based ink to print a film transfer that is then dried, a powdered glue is applied to the back and then heat cured ready for storage or instant use. 

A direct to film printer allows you to print a design on a film and transfer it directly to the intended surface, such as fabric. The DTF printer technology can allow you to print easily on cotton, polyester, synthetic, or silk without any trouble. Besides, DTF printers can work on both dark and white fabric.

DTF Machine Factory Price

Textek is a source factory, we could provide DTF machines with factory price, it’s affordable and reliable, especially good for beginners and young enterprises.

A3 DTF Printer

Print head: 2*EPSON XP600Printing Speed: 4.5sqm/hPrint Width: 30cm(12 inch)Ink: 4C+W or 6C+W Pigment InkInk Color: 6 Color PrintingRIP Software: Maintop, ...

A3 Pro DTF Printer

Print head: 2*EPSON XP600Printing Speed: 4.5sqm/hPrint Width: 30cm(12 inch)Ink: 4C+W or 6C+W Pigment InkInk Color: 6 Color PrintingRIP Software: Maintop, ...

60CM DTF Printer

Printhead: 2/4*Epson I3200-A1 Printing Speed: 12-15sqm/h Print Width: 60cm(24 inch) Ink: Pigment Ink Ink Color: CMYK+W Printing RIP Software: Maintop, ...

65cm DTF Printer

Printhead: 2*EPSON I3200-A1Printing Speed: 15sqm/hPrint Width: 65cm(24 inch)Ink: CMYK+W Pigment InkInk Color: 4 Color PrintingRIP Software: Maintop, Photoprint Feature of ...

Benefit of DTF Printer 

• Works with almost all types of fabrics.
• Does not require pre-treatment.
• Patterns are washable and soft.
• The process is faster and less tedious than DTG printing.
• No worry about color difference and color fastness.
• No need platemaking, good for customized order, small batch production.
• No need high investment, minimum maintenance and easily operated, labor-saving.

Step by Step DTF Printing Process

• Print on Film

First, print the entire image in white on the PET film. Then, using the appropriate color settings in the printer, print the required image on the white image layer.

• Powdering

This step is the application of hot-melt powder on the film that has the printed image on it. The powder is applied uniformly when the ink is wet and the excess powder needs to be removed carefully or use auto powder shaker machine.

• Melting the powder

The powder is melted in this step. This can be done in various ways. The most common way is to put the film with the printed image and the applied powder in the curing oven and heat. If the curing oven is unavailable, place the film inside the heat press and bring the top of the press very close to the film but not touching it.

• Pre-pressing

The fabric is kept in the heat press and pressurized under heat for about 2 to 5 seconds. This is done to flatten the fabric and also ensure de-humidification of the fabric.

• Transfer

This is the core of the DTF printing process. The PET film with the image and the melted powder is placed on the pre-press fabric in the heat press for a strong adhesion between the film and the fabric. This process is also called ‘curing’. The curing is done at a temperature range of 160 to 170 degrees Celsius for approximately 15 to 20 seconds. The film is now firmly attached to the fabric.

• Cold Peel

The fabric and the attached film on it must cool down to room temperature, then peeled off the fabric, leaving the required design printed in ink over the fabric.

• Post-pressing

In this step, the final fabric with the transferred design is pressed in the heat press for around 10 to 15 seconds. This is an optional step.