Printing Systems
DTF Printer System
A DTF system prints the design onto a transfer film first. After powder application and curing, the print is transferred to fabric with heat. The system configuration depends on the production need and the consumables used.
01 / About the System
What is a DTF printing system
In the DTF (Direct to Film) method, the design is printed onto a special transfer film instead of directly onto fabric. While the print is still wet, adhesive powder is applied to the film, and the powder melts during curing and bonds to the print.
Because printing happens on film rather than fabric, the transfer can be used on different fabric types. The need for pre-treatment and the transfer conditions are assessed according to the fabric structure.
The system usually consists of a printer and a powder application and curing unit; the transfer is done on a separate heat press. The configuration is set by the production need and the consumables.
02 / Applications
Areas of use
- 01
Apparel and T-shirt printing
Small and medium runs on T-shirts, sweatshirts and similar products.
- 02
Personalized products
Custom prints starting from a single piece: names, numbers or one-off designs.
- 03
Sports and team wear
Logos, numbers and lettering on jerseys and team products.
- 04
Workwear and corporate textiles
Workwear, aprons and promotional textiles printed with logos and branding.
- 05
Bags and accessories
Tote bags, caps and similar textile accessories.
- 06
Different fibre structures
Cotton, polyester and blended fabrics; suitability is assessed according to fabric structure and transfer conditions.
In each application, fabric structure, wash expectations and transfer conditions are confirmed with a test print.
03 / System Structure
Process flow
- 01Printer
Printing
The design is printed onto the transfer film. The colour layer is followed by a white layer.
- 02Powder Application
Powder application
Adhesive powder is spread over the wet print and the excess is removed.
- 03Curing
Curing
The film passes through the curing unit; the powder melts and bonds to the print.
- 04Transfer
Transfer
The finished transfer is applied to fabric with heat and pressure, then the film is peeled from the print.
Temperature, time and pressure values vary with the film, powder and ink used.
04 / Process
Supply and Commissioning Process
A DTF system configuration is defined by the production need, the consumables to be used and the process requirements. Supply can be planned together with installation, commissioning and technical service support.
- 01
Needs assessment
The products to be made, the fabric types and the expected production pattern are clarified.
- 02
System configuration
The printer, the powder application and curing equipment and the consumables are defined according to the need.
- 03
Supply
It is clarified whether the supply scope covers only the printer or also the powder application and curing unit.
- 04
Installation
The energy need of the powder application and curing unit and its layout in the print area are addressed in the installation plan.
- 05
Commissioning
Calibration and test prints bring the system to production readiness.
- 06
Technical support
If print quality, powder adhesion or transfer results show problems after commissioning, a technical service request can be created.
05 / Related Ink
TrueHue DTF inks
The ink for this system can be selected from the TrueHue DTF ink family. Compatibility is not determined by the ink alone; the machine configuration, the print head, the process conditions and the consumable system in use are assessed together.