Direct-to-film printing has gained immense popularity after its successful delivery or results. Although many other printing techniques are absolutely fabulous, our revolutionary world and talented people never stop themselves from bringing new innovations.
Similarly, with DTF, there are two printing methods: traditional and UV DTF printing.Let’s explore these two DTF printing techniques together.
What is DTF Printing?
It is a printing technique that prints designs on a special film and then transfers these designs onto a substrate, typically fabric.
DTF printing is applicable to many fabric materials like cotton, polyester, blends, and more. The prints are durable, vibrant, and can withstand multiple washes.
The process involves several key steps:
- Design Creation:The design is created digitally using graphic design software.
- Printing:The design is printed on a special film using a DTF printer that typically uses CMYK and white ink.
- Powder Application:A hot melt adhesive powder is applied to the printed design on the film.
- Curing:The film with the adhesive powder is cured using heat to activate the adhesive.
- Transfer:Then, one can place the cured film on the fabric, and then a heat press will be applied to transfer the design onto the material.
- Peeling:Now peel away the firm, and you will see the permanent design on the fabric.
What is UV DTF Printing?
UV DTF is especially applicable to glass, metal, ceramics, and plastics. As with traditional DTF, this process incorporates UV-curable inks and a unique transfer method that allows it to be used on hard surfaces.
UV DTF printing produces high-quality, durable prints on a variety of non-porous surfaces. UV ink prints never fade away and are ideal for outdoor signage, promotional products, and custom items such as phone cases. If you need a custom UV DTF transfer New York, you can contact DTFprintingny.
Here’s a breakdown of the UV DTF process:
- Design Creation: Similar to DTF, the design is created digitally.
- Printing:UV inks are used to print the design on PET film, and the UV inks are cured instantly with ultraviolet light.
- Adhesive Application:A specialized AB film is applied to the printed design on the PET film.
- Transfer:Now press the PET film with adhesive on the target surface, such as glass or metal.
- Peeling:Now, peel away the film, and you will see the design on the surface.
Key Differences Between UV DTF and Traditional DTF Printing
Both printing methods involve transferring a design from a film onto a surface; they differ significantly in their methods, materials, and applications.
Type of Ink
DTF printing uses water-based pigment inks designed exclusively for fabric. Where as, UV DTF uses UV-curable inks that are cured instantly using ultraviolet light. They are suitable for hard, non-porous surfaces.
Materials
For fabric materials including cotton, polyester, and blends DTF printing is preferable and for glass metal, ceramics, and certain plastic materials UV DTF is suitable.
Adhesion Process
In DTF, the adhesive is a powder that is cured onto the printed film before transfer. However, in UV DTF, the adhesive is a film that is applied after printing and before transfer.
Applications
DTF is ideal for custom apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and other fabric items, and UV DTF is perfect for custom hard goods, such as signage, drinkware, and electronics cases.
Durability
DTF prints are durable and withstand washing but are primarily for fabrics. UV DTF prints are extremely durable, resistant to fading, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use on non-porous surfaces.
Which is Right for You?
Both options are win-win for specific purposes as it depends on your needs. The major difference comes with the printing material whether you need printing for fabrics or for hard surfaces. To create custom apparel, traditional DTF printing offers flexibility, ease of use, and high-quality results on fabrics. If your focus is on hard goods, promotional items, or signage, UV DTF printing provides unmatched durability on various materials.
Ending Note
Now, it’s up to you to choose the printing method and dtfprintingny.com offers both. It is important to see your requirements and then decide which one suits you. I hope this information helped you in differentiating the printing methods. Cheers!
