What is Direct to Film (DTF) Printing?

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• What is Direct to Film (DTF) Printing?

Direct-to-Film printing, also known as DTF printing, utilises a DTF printer to create film transfers which can then be applied to a large variety of substrates, including those that are traditionally challenging do decorate, such a polyester.

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is a heat transfer-based print process. The process begins by printing designs onto a transfer film, which is then covered with a thermo-adhesive powder and transferred with a heat press to the final substrate.

Created especially for the high demands of production printing, GJS' direct-to-film (DTF) printing solution utilises either a Coltex, Brother, Epson or Roland DG DTF printer to create the film transfer.

Unlike other systems available that use a desktop inkjet printer designed for office paper printing, GJS’ direct-to-film (DTF) solution ensures high quality results by utilising DTF printers that have been designed especially to work with DTF inks and transfer film.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers can be applied to a multitude of fabrics (including polyester) in addition to garment colours that are traditionally difficult to decorate such as blue, green, red, and yellow.

See our extensive range of DTF supplies

• Direct to Film (DTF) Printers

• Direct to Film (DTF) Powder and Film

• Desktop DTF Heat Transfer Presses

• High Production DTF Heat Transfer Presses

• Tunnel Dryers

• DTF Cutters

DTF printing applications

• Customise garments and t-shirts, including polyester and synthetics

• Easily decorate hard-to-print areas, such as neck labels, shoes, sleeves and logos

• Decorate different types of footwear

• Personalise a huge variety of different products

• Print on the crown and bill of headwear

Simple steps to success

• 1 Create and design

  Design your artwork on a computer

• 2 Print to film

  Using a garment printer, print your design directly onto the DTF film

• 3 Apply powder

  While the ink is still wet on the printed film, apply the DTF adhesive powder

• 4 Cure film

  Using a heat press, tunnel dryer or DTF oven to cure the ink to bond it to the DTF film

• 5 Transfer design to garment

  Using a heat press, transfer and press the DTF print to the garment then peel away the film sheet

• 6 Finish

  Place regular office paper over garment and press for three seconds to remove excess powder (if needed)

What’s the difference between DTF printing and DTG printing?

While DTF printing and DTG printing have very similar applications and require similar equipment, by adopting a DTF printing solution into your workflow you can enjoy benefits such as:

• Ability to decorate polyester and synthetic garments

• More vibrant colour production

• Save time printing logos and tags with gang printing

• High print stretchiness

• Ultra-fine detail

GJS’ complete DTF solution – Coltex 60cm printer and powder/shaker combo

Throw your scissors away with the Secabo MultiCut Pro transfer cutter

What do I need for a DTF print solution?

We’ve even made getting started easier for you with our carefully curated DTF starter kits!

How much does it cost to print a DTF shirt?

Using a DTG printer:

Expense Cost T-Shirt $5.00 Ink $1.74 Film $0.98 Powder $0.17 Labour $0.65 Maintenance $0.40 Total $8.94 Average Sell Price $30.00 Profit $21.06

* Logo size: 68x 100mm. Powder usage: 3g at A3. Image has large coverage. All prices exclude GST.

What is the return on investment (ROI) of a DTF print solution?

Using the below points as an example you can potentially break even after just 10 months!

• Direct-to-Film starter kit value: $29,900
• Printing: 8 single-sided shirts a day for 5 days every week
• Average sell price: $30.00 each

* Estimates only and does not take into account your personal situation, overhead expenses and other variable costs. Please conduct your own calculations. These figures are provided for informational purposes only, GJS makes no warranties, expressed or implied in these figures. Consumable costs are correct at time of quote however are subject to change. All prices exclude GST.

Want to learn more? Watch our DTF 101 webinar

Further information

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