What is DTF Printing?
DTF technology is a newer technique in the printing industry that enables you to print designs on special DTF films. These films are then applied through heat pressing onto multiple materials, including cotton, polyester, or blended materials, and even non-fabric surfaces like metal and wood. Direct-to-Film is recognized for its broad usability because it can be applied to a wide range of fabrics.Advantages of DTF:
1. Ability to print on many fabrics: It allows printing on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, including natural and synthetic fibers, giving it a broader range of application compared to sublimation.2. Excellent color vibrancy and details: The colors in DTF prints are bright, and it can handle small details with high fidelity.
3. Durability: DTF prints are made to last, standing up to multiple wash sessions without showing cracks or fading.
4. Simple process: DTF doesn’t involve pre-processing the fabric, making the process simpler and quicker for large production runs.
Limitations of DTF:
1. Cost: DTF printing involves costly materials and printers, which can make the entry cost higher.2. Material texture: The heat transfer material can result in a stiffer feel and bulkier compared to sublimation.
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation transfer uses heat application to embed dye directly into synthetic fibers or pre-treated surfaces. It works by transforming solid ink into a gas state, which then integrates with the fibers, creating a bright, seamless finish.Advantages of Sublimation:
1. Soft Feel: Since the printing process becomes part of the fabric, the sublimated design keep the fabric's original feel.2. Vibrant, durable prints: Sublimation provides sharp, long-lasting prints that won’t degrade over time over time.
3. Affordable for polyester garments: It's an optimal method for synthetic apparel or items like mugs and phone cases.
Limitations of Sublimation:
1. Can only be used on certain fabrics: Sublimation is restricted to synthetic fabrics or polyester-coated surfaces, making it not applicable to cotton fabrics.2. Requires Light Fabrics: Sublimation is limited when used on dark colors since the ink becomes part of the fabric, and dark fabrics won't show the print well.
Conclusion:
These two printing methods have their strengths. If you want to print on a range of fabrics, DTF is an excellent choice. However, if you're printing a lot of polyester-based materials and need a smooth, soft finish, sublimation may be the way to go.Find out more on - dtf vs sublimation
Contact:
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Address: Xinghe World, No. 56, lingzhi Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu
Phone: 86-15850596034, 86-25-86628894
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