Direct to garment (DTG) printing has an important place in the custom apparel industry. However, recently custom DTF printing (direct to film) has become more preferred. It is a matter of debate which of the two different printing technologies is more useful. However, both printing technologies have many unique advantages.
While DTF transfer technology involves applying the design first to the film and then to the fabric, DTG is applied directly to the gamut. Just like DTF technology, it is possible to produce high resolution and quality prints with DTG technology. In addition, if the printing is done on cotton fabrics, the result is much better quality. The main reasons why DTG technology is preferred:
- Quality and Aesthetics: When it comes to print quality, DTG offers high resolution and quality.
- Printer Maintenance: DTG printers require regular maintenance. In DTF printers, both printer and film maintenance are required.
- Texture: Designs created with DTG printing form a very good whole with the fabric. In this way, the print offers a soft feeling. This is not the case with DTF printing. In prints made with DTF printing, a layer that can be felt by hand is formed on the fabric.
- Production Speed: DTG technology is slower than DTF technology in terms of production speed. DTF is used for much faster production.
- Cost: DTG printers are more costly than DTF printers. Although the initial cost is higher than DTF technology, the operating cost is low. If a more limited start is to be made, then DTF printing may be preferred.
- Durability: Although DTF and DTG prints are extremely durable, prints last much longer in production with DTF printing.
- Project Compatibility: Since DTG technology performs a much more detailed printing process, the production speed is low. Therefore, it can be preferred for special orders. For larger orders, DTF printing may be preferred.
- Production: With DTF printers, products called custom gang sheet that are ready for printing at any time can be produced. However, there is no such option in DTG technology.
Which One Should Be Preferred?
DTF printers, which enable production with the custom heat transfer method, have become more preferred as time goes by. This brings to mind the question of DTG or DTF. Although both technologies have their own methods, what they have in common is high resolution and high quality. In DTF printers, the design is first transferred to film. It is then transferred to the fabric using the heat press method.
In DTG technology, the design is transferred directly to the fabric. This process is slower. Therefore, it is a suitable technology for special designs. However, if larger projects are desired and mass production is to be carried out, the DTF system will be the most suitable option.
Differences Between DTF and DTF
The common goal of DTF printing and DTG printing technologies is to produce high quality products. However, although their goals are common, the difference between them is obvious. Printing process in DTF technology:
- First of all, the designed design is transferred to a film.
- The design transferred to the film is transferred to the fabric using the heat press method. Meanwhile, special solutions are used to ensure that the ink adheres more firmly to the fabric.
- The fabric and film are waited to cool.
- The film is peeled off the fabric.
Printing process in DTG technology:
- The designed design is transferred directly onto the fabric via DTG printing.
Both designs have their own unique methods. However, the DTG printing process is slower. Moreover, machine prices are also expensive. With DTF printing technology, mass production is possible and is suitable for larger projects. Here the choice is up to the manufacturer who will produce.
