Textile printing & textile labelling

DTF transfer printing

DTF stands for „Direct to Film“ and refers to a specific type of transfer printing. DTF transfer printing is a digital printing process, where the design is printed directly onto a special transfer film. The design is then transferred from the film onto the fabric.

The DTF transfer printing process works something like this:

• The desired design is created on the computer and prepared for printing.
• The design is created using specialised DTF printers printed onto a special transfer film. A special ink is used for this, which ensures good adhesion to the film.
• Once the design has been printed onto the transfer film, the next step is Curing of the print. This is usually done using Heat and UV light, to allow the ink to dry and set.
• The printed transfer film is placed on the fabric and fixed in place using heat and pressure. The combination of heat and pressure allows the ink to transfer from the Transfer film onto the fabric to transfer and there to be permanently liable.

DTF transfer printing offers a number of advantages. It enables the printing of high-resolution designs with fine details and colour gradients. These are no limit on the number of colours or the complexity of the design. Furthermore, DTF transfer printing can be used on a wide range of textiles, including Cotton, polyester, blended fabrics and other materials.
The finish of DTF transfer printing can vary depending on the print quality and the materials used. Generally, the result is a smooth and flexible finish that feels pleasant to the touch. The print can be slight relief , particularly in designs with a white background, to make the colours stand out more.

DTF transfer printing is a relatively new technology and is becoming increasingly popular due to its wide range of applications and the ability to produce high-quality, detailed prints on a variety of textiles.

Sublimation printing

Sublimation printing is a printing process in which dyes change directly into a gaseous state without first becoming liquid.

• The desired design is printed on a special transfer paper suitable for sublimation Ink printed.
• The printed transfer paper is pressed firmly against the material to be printed, usually polyester or a polymer-coated Material, folded.
• The combination of Heat and pressure is applied to the transfer paper and the material. This causes the dyes on the transfer paper to turn into a gaseous state.
• As the material has an open, porous structure, the gaseous dyes penetrate the fibres. As soon as the heat is removed, the dyes condense back into a solid state and are now permanently incorporated into
• trapped within the fibres of the material.

The end product has a high Colour brilliance and fastness as the ink is embedded in the material rather than sitting on the surface. Sublimation printing is often used for textiles, such as sportswear, T-shirts, flags and banners, but also for other products such as mugs, mobile phone cases and mouse pads. Sublimation printing only works on materials that have a special coating for the dye uptake process. The process is therefore mainly suitable for polyester and certain polymer-coated materials.
Sublimation printing leads not to a significant increase the surface of the material, as the dyes penetrate directly into the material. This means that the end product has a smooth texture retains its texture, which is particularly advantageous for textiles, as there are no unsightly layers on the surface. Sublimation printing allows for high resolution and thus a detailed and photorealistic representation of the design. This is particularly important when printing fine details or complex patterns. Overall, sublimation printing offers a high-quality, durable and photorealistic appearance, which is particularly suitable for specific applications such as sportswear, promotional items and personalised gifts.