DTF Printer

Find the best consumables and professional equipment for DTF printing on MTP. A selection of most recent generation, reliable DTF printers that pay for themselves quickly. Used with our range of consumables, like DTF film, you will get prints with incredible detail and vibrant colours.

To complete and automate your DTF (Direct-To-Film) printing system, discover a complete range of DTF powder curing, conveyors and other specialised equipment.

What is a DTF printer?

The DTF (Direct-to-Film) printer is an inkjet textile printer designed to print high-quality designs directly onto specific film. The transfer is applied to a vast variety of textiles like organic cotton, cotton and polyester blends, work or sports clothing.

Unlike DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printers like the Brother GTX Pro Bulk which print directly onto fabric, a DTF machine prints directly onto PET transfer film. Once all the steps of DTF printing are completed, it is then transferred to the desired surface using a heat press.

A Direct To Film printer is suitable for both single-unit personalisation and large-production printing (depending on the capabilities of the printing system). The prices of DTF supplies like ink as well as the investment of equipment is more affordable.

DTF printer, 60 cm, two Epson I3200 print heads.

The Epson I3200 dual printhead DTF printer combines exceptional print quality with large format capacity up to 60 cm wide. Digital textile printing at your fingertips with flexible use.

Its “Roll to Roll” system automates the entire printing chain and powder drying. Its high printing speed allows it to produce 10 to 15 ml/hour.

The fastest: DTF printer with four Epson I3200 print heads.

A 4-head DTF printer can increase its printing speed by 80%. In addition to its speed of execution, the four heads maintain visual quality and color rendering. This textile printing system is suitable for textile customisation workshops with high production capacity.

The steps of DTF printing: Professional DTF printer and dryer/powder.

Direct to film printing is revolutionising the textile personalisation market. A printing technique that has many economic and functional advantages, such as printing speed and low production costs.

How to make a DTF print?

Printing: The DTF machine prints directly on a film coated with an undercoat to attach the textile ink. The colours of the pattern first then the layer of white second.

Powdering: The film for the DTF transfer is then driven into the powder. The hot melt powder is applied automatically, and the excess is removed by shaking the DTF roller. The excess powder falls into a compartment to then reuse it.

Drying: The powdered visual arrives in the heating zone by entrainment of the film and maintained by suction. The powder dries and emerges with a smooth white and shiny appearance.

Hot pressing: After cutting the transfer, smooth the textile with a hot press to obtain a very flat surface. Then place the visual, press. The time and temperature depend on the material of the clothes or accessory to be personalised.

Peeling the DTF transfer: Peel the film hot or a cold depending on the transfer film used. Press a second time for a few seconds.

DTF Starter Kit.

Employing a Direct-To-Film printer requires a set of basic consumables and equipment such as:

• DTF printer;
• RIP (printing software) CADlink digital factory DTF + computer;
• DTF dryer/powder or a DTF oven (Provide a smoke extraction system.);
• Hot press;
• The DTF Starter Kit: DTF ink, transfer film, hot melt powder and DTF dipping solution.

Advantages of a DTF printer.

One of the main advantages of DTF printing is it can be used to print on a general variety of clothing and accessories made from cotton, polyester and more.

• More affordable printing equipment than other printing techniques;
• Supplies and equipment much increasingly attractive than DTG printing;
• No need to pre-treat the t-shirt;
• Fast printing with a variety of impressive colours;
• Delicate and flexible touch;
• Ease of use, an operator can manage several DTF machines at the same time.
• Excellent resistance to washing.

What type of printer should I use for DTF printing?

A DTF printer is a textile printing system exclusively designed to print visuals directly onto PET film. Transfer film is available in sheet or roll packaging. The direct to film printer uses water-based DTF inks.

60 cm printer or DTF Roll to Roll printer: DTF printer intended for frequent use for high production capacities. With a dryer/powderer, the production line is completely automated. Additionally, a single operator can manage multiple DTF machines.

A3 sheet DTG printer: A DTG printer like the Brother GTX Pro/ Pro Bulk or Epson F2200 can easily print DTF on a sheet for A3 DTF. DTF printing can be done with DTG ink. However, remember changing the settings because this marking technique requires less ink.

Printer to convert back to DTF: Converting a printer to DTF printing entails some modifications. Like adding a DTF ink tank or cartridge system and installing a special DTF RIP. These modifications may void the printer warranty. The print heads get clogged regularly. This system is suitable for small production capacities.

How much does a DTF printer cost?

The I3200 2-head DTF printer setup with powder, CADlink RIP costs €17,500.

The target price of an Epson I3200-A1 4-head DTF printer combined with its powder duster/dryer, RIP CADlink costs €22,500.

DTF Powdering/Curing, Conveyors.

The powder is dried in diverse ways like using a DTF A2 or A3 oven or a powder dryer assembly.

DTF powder curing station automates and speeds up print production by powdering, shaking and melting powder in a single process.

There are different types of DTF powder curing station. The horizontal DTF powder or the vertical DTF shaker. The range of drying tunnels for DTF includes a version for 2-head printers and a faster version for 4-head DTf printers.

How the DTF powder dryer works.

When the design comes out of the DTF printer, the powder is evenly applied to the ink. The DTF transfer film is shaken to eliminate and then recover the excess hot melt powder. The heating zone contains several lamps which melt the powder homogeneously.

Should you use a DTF printer every day?

The DTF white ink formula contains pigments. They clog together easily like the white from a DTG printer. DTF Roll to Roll printers have a white ink circulation system to prevent pigment sedimentation.

RIP CADlink DTF Factory

Our DTF printers benefit from CADlink DTF edition printing software. The Digital Factory Direct to Film RIP is much more than standard textile printing software!

It offers high-quality printing, professional work, editing and management tools to optimise your production. It is ideal for beginners to Direct To Film printing, experienced users and high-volume productions.

Find a complete range of DTF consumables like film for DTF transfer, maintenance solution for DTF printer.

• DTF ink;
• DTF film;
• DTF powder;
• DTF accessories.