DTF & Heat Transfer – all you need to know


The adoption fee of Direct-to-Movie (DTF) know-how and warmth switch is in contrast to something the attire trade has seen in fairly a while and the newest DTF units from Mutoh/STS, Mimaki and Roland DG are the go-to  printers and software applied sciences. DTG and sublimation print suppliers are quickly shifting into DTF.

Screen_Shot_2023-03-29_at_10.37.40_am.pngMutoh has produced three DTF-enabled printers and has a partnership with STS for warmth curing

In about three quick years since direct-to-film (DTF) inkjet switch first got here to the embellished attire market, the know-how has actually exploded. Nonetheless, a lot of the market (thus far) has been dominated by programs originating from China that use Epson printheads in addition to Chinese language-made textile pigment inks and hot-melt powders. Domestically, corporations comparable to Velflex, have constructed on their data of heat-transfer vinyl to convey DTF options to the attire branding sector and confirmed this to the world at PacPrint final June

STS has been partnering with Mutoh for over a yr on the DTF entrance with Mutoh’s 24″ VJ628D and XPD-724, plus the 64″ XPJ-1682D for wider purposes and multi-up productiveness. Domestically, Kissel+Wolf has expanded the vary to incorporate Mutoh printers DTF movies, glue powders, inks and ending – and the STS powers shaker/baker for extra even unfold of the switch powder.

Mutoh STS 64 XPJ 1682D DTF PrinterMutoh-made STS 64 XPJ 1682D DTF Printer for wider 64″ DTF

Different native suppliers supporting DTF warmth switch embrace:

https://embroiderysolutions.com.au/merchandise/mutoh-sts-vj-628d-dtf-printer

https://dtgsolutions.com.au/direct-to-film-printing/direct-to-film-printer/

https://www.novasublimation.com.au/product-category/printers-equipment/mutoh-printer-inks/mutoh-dtf-direct-to-film-printers/

Two current DTF entrants have emerged. As each Mimaki and Roland introduced new DTF printers aimed to seize a portion of this rising market, it begs the query: “Will extra manufacturers dive into the DTF realm and convey additional validity to the know-how, and strengthen its presence?” – asks Johnny Shell of Keypoint intelligence.

Mimaki TxF150-75

 Mim_TXF-150-75-2234-760x507.png

Mimaki introduced its new TxF150-75 DTF printer throughout its Mimaki Innovation Days digital occasion earlier this month. The chassis is from the favored CV100-150 printer; nonetheless, the system won’t include the choice of a totally built-in powder shaker/curing system and (in keeping with Mimaki) it has no plans to introduce these elements within the quick time period.

A number of core Mimaki applied sciences are included on the TxF150-75, comparable to white ink circulation, automated nozzle checks for clogged nozzles, and nozzle restoration that compensates for clogged nozzles. The product is scheduled to launch in April 2023, with industrial availability in Might.

Roland BN-20D

 Roland_VersaSTUDIO_BN-20D.jpg

Roland DGA Company confirmed its new VersaSTUDIO BN-20D Direct-to-Movie System on the Impressions Expo in Lengthy Seashore, CA (Jan. 20-22) that gives an answer for small companies and Etsy sort marketplaces.

The system consists of specifically formulated S-PG inks in CMYK and white, S-F164 direct switch movie, and S-POWDER direct switch powder. The BN-20D has a most print width of 18.9″ and can be used as a standalone vinyl cutter, permitting customers to broaden their software choices.

 

DTG & Dye Sublimation Distributors Selling DTF

We’ve additionally seen DTG distributors promote the flexibility of their units to print DTF transfers, principally in sheet kind. However a prototype DTF roll-to-roll system from Brother was being proven within the MHM sales space on the current Printwear and Promotion present within the UK. The system makes use of the well-established GTX Professional print engine modified to feed movie by way of a roll-to-roll media system. There isn’t any inline powder shaker/curing station being supplied by Brother at the moment and the system is due for launch later in 2023.

Keypoint Intelligence Opinion

With out query, the adoption fee of DTF is in contrast to something the embellished attire trade has seen in fairly a while. Whereas many Chinese language DTF distributors originated three years in the past, we’re lastly beginning to see notable motion from well-known manufacturers like Mutoh, Mimaki, Roland, and others who’re introducing  DTF-enabled printers. The kicker is that, presently, DTF inks and powders are third occasion, not OEM – this may increasingly change sooner or later. The identical goes for ending/powder shaking/baking (the perfect outcomes are achieved with a mixture of baking to soften the glue powder after which heat-pressing.)

It’s Keypoint’s opinion that others are additionally within the strategy of creating their very own options to convey DTF to market with unknown timelines which makes this space thrilling, and one to observe. May actions like these from large vendor names into creating a DTF resolution sign a shift of their technique? The rationale driving this could possibly be so simple as DTF is a beautiful market and quickly rising. With COVID additional behind us, maybe we’ll see this within the close to future.

  Based mostly on an article by Johnny Shell, Keypoint Intelligence, with added data by Wideformatonline.

For an excellent article on why DTF is gaining floor, our associates at GraphicsPro and ColDesi penned this professional article:

https://graphics-pro.com/schooling/dtf-printing-a-new-digital-spin-on-an-analog-process/

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