Ink Category
TrueHue DTF Inks
DTF inks are used in a digital printing method that prints the design onto transfer film rather than directly onto fabric. The print goes through powder application and curing, then is transferred to the fabric with heat.
- Ink family
- TrueHue
- Category
- DTF
- Print medium
- Transfer film
01 / About the Ink
What is DTF ink
DTF ink is the ink class used in the Direct to Film method, where the design is printed onto a transfer film. The print is made on the film as colour and white layers, and adhesive powder is applied while the film is still wet.
Because the bond is formed through the adhesive layer rather than through the dye interacting with the fabric fibre, the method can be used on cotton, polyester and blended fabrics. The result varies with fabric structure, transfer conditions, and the film and powder used.
The ink is one part of a system that works together with the film, the adhesive powder and the printer. For this reason it is not selected on its own; it is assessed together with machine configuration, print head and process conditions.
02 / Applications
Applications
- 01
Apparel and T-shirt printing
Small and medium volume print jobs on products such as T-shirts and sweatshirts.
- 02
Personalized products
Short-run prints such as names, numbers or one-off designs.
- 03
Corporate and workwear textiles
Workwear, aprons and promotional textile products printed with logos and brand marks.
- 04
Mixed fabric range
Transfer onto cotton, polyester and blended fabrics within the same production flow; suitability is assessed by fabric structure and transfer conditions.
Wash expectations and fabric structure are verified with a test print in each application.
03 / Process
The ink's place in the process
- 01Film Printing
Film printing
The ink is printed onto the transfer film; the white layer follows the colour layer.
- 02Powder Application
Powder application
Adhesive powder is spread over the wet print and excess powder is removed.
- 03Curing
Curing
The powder melts and bonds to the print; curing conditions vary with the film, powder and ink.
- 04Transfer
Transfer
The print is transferred to the fabric with heat and pressure, then the film is peeled away.
Temperature, time and pressure values are determined by the film, powder and ink used.
04 / Related Equipment
Related Machines and Equipment
These pages show the machines and process equipment associated with this ink category. Compatibility is not determined by the ink alone; machine configuration, print head and process conditions are assessed together.
- 01View the equipment
DTF Printer System
05 / Knowledge Center
Ink Guide
- 01
What Is DTF Ink and How Does It Work?
DTF is a digital printing method where the design is first printed onto a transfer film, coated with adhesive powder that's cured, then transferred onto the fabric with heat; this adhesive layer lets it work independently of the fabric's fiber structure.
Read the guide - 02
How Is Ink-Machine Compatibility Evaluated?
Ink-machine compatibility is the evaluation, both before and after installation, of whether a given ink series will run smoothly with a machine's print head and feeding system.
Read the guide