DTF & DTG Printing
Do you know what DTF printing and DTG printing are? What are their differences?
Compared to the complicated steps of screen printing, DTF heat transfer and DTG T-shirt direct printing offer a more convenient and simpler process.
For DTF printing, you only need to prepare an all-in-one DTF machine that integrates a DTF printer, DTF powder machine, and drying machine. A heat press machine is also required, along with the essential consumables like DTF ink, DTF hot melt powder, and PET film. DTF printing does not require fabric pre-treatment; just connect to a computer and issue a print command. Once the DTF process starts, the design pattern is printed on the PET film, and a dusting machine automatically sprinkles powder to ensure the hot melt powder adheres evenly to the design. Finally, it enters the oven for high-temperature drying before being cut out and placed on the heat press for transfer.
DTG printing, or direct-to-garment printing, requires one additional pre-treatment step compared to DTF heat transfer. Before printing, a primer must be applied to the fabric. Then, the T-shirt is placed on the printing platform of the DTG T-shirt direct inkjet machine. Unlike DTF printing, there’s no need for heat press transfer afterward. The steps remain relatively simple; you also connect to a computer and print through computer commands to transfer the design pattern directly onto pure cotton fabric.
While DTF and DTG printing are slightly different processes, they each use distinct inks — DTF ink and DTG ink. DTF heat transfer is prevalent in the clothing industry and can be applied to various fabric types, whereas DTG printing machines are primarily used for pure cotton garments. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
