DTF transfer printing

What does DTF stand for? How are DTF transfers produced and what equipment is required?

On our pages you will find detailed information on getting started with printing technology or a quick overview if you are already familiar with the basics

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Epson-SC-F2200 details

DTF transfer powder roll printing system

Forever Premium Matt Transfer Film Instant Peel

DTF roll printing details

XP600-PRO

Textile finishing with DTF: fast, flexible, cost-effective

DTF transfer printing is a digital printing process that has revolutionized textile finishing. DTF stands for “Direct-to-Film”, as the design is first printed onto a transfer film (DTF transfer film). The printed film is then sprinkled with a hot-melt adhesive(DTF transfer powder) and gelled to ensure long-term adhesion to the printed objects. The finished DTF transfer is then pressed onto the product to be printed.

In principle, anything that can be pressed can be printed with DTF. DTF has become the standard in textile printing in particular, as it enables high-quality prints with virtually no limits. Textiles made from a wide variety of fabrics can be finished with the right hotmelt adhesive in the right adhesion spectrum.

The printing process only takes a few minutes after data preparation. Short-term customer requests can be realized without any problems. You can press individual designs immediately as well as produce large quantities for later processing.

All-in-one process

Easy handling with CMYK printing, white printing, adhesive application and fixing in a single pass. The process requires little space in production and is also time-saving.

Simple processing

Cost-effective production, as no pre-treatment of the textile and no weeding of the transfer is necessary.

Endless design possibilities

Multicolour transfers and gradients, vivid and rich colours, fine lettering and designs – with DTF you can create full-colour transfers with the finest details in photo quality.

For small & large print runs

With DTF transfer printing, you can produce your own transfer films cost-effectively – whether it’s individual designs or large runs.

How does DTF transfer work?

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Step 1: Print

Any design (CMYK+W) is printed onto the DTF film . A format printing system or a roll printing system can be used for this purpose.

Step 2: Apply hot-melt adhesive and gel

Immediately after printing the design, the DTF film is sprinkled with a powdered hot-melt adhesive (DTF transfer powder). This is then gelled onto the design under the influence of heat. The adhesive forms a homogeneous layer that enables strong adhesion to a wide variety of textiles during subsequent processing.

Step 3: Prepare transfer

Depending on the printing system (format printing or roll printing), the printed film is rolled up and cut into compact transfer sheets. It is now ready for final processing.

Step 4: Transfer

The finished DTF transfer is placed on the product to be printed on using a transfer press and removed after the pressing process. Ready!

DTF equipment: what you need!

Any questions? To the FAQ DTF

Any questions?

Your contacts in System Sales are Bernard (team leader), Maria, Benjamin and Nico (from left to right)
The entire team is available to provide you with expert advice or a needs analysis when it comes to purchasing a new or additional printing system.
Based on your requirements (what is to be printed, how high are the order volumes, etc.), we check together with you and advise you individually and goal-oriented to find the right printing system for you.

The team colleagues are also available to make an appointment for a demo in the Ottersweier showroom if you would like to get to know the systems in live operation.