Direct to film (DTF) heat printing is a relatively new technology that involves using specialized printers to print designs directly onto a thin film material that can then be transferred onto various fabrics using a heat press machine. This process is different from traditional screen printing, which involves creating a stencil and then using that stencil to apply ink onto the fabric.
With DTF heat printing, the design is printed onto the film using a printer that is specially designed to work with the film material. The ink used in DTF printing is typically a type of UV-curable ink, which is cured using a UV light to make it durable and long-lasting.
Once the design is printed onto the film, it can be cut into the desired shape using a cutting machine. The film is then placed onto the fabric, and a heat press machine is used to apply heat and pressure to the film, which transfers the design onto the fabric.
One of the advantages of DTF heat printing is that it allows for very detailed and vibrant designs to be created. The process also works well for printing onto fabrics with unusual textures or surfaces, such as leather or denim.
DTF heat printing is becoming increasingly popular in the garment decoration industry, particularly for creating custom t-shirts, hats, and other apparel. It offers a cost-effective and efficient way to produce high-quality, full-color designs with a high level of detail and durability.