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What a DTF printer is used for
The DTF printer prints the artwork onto a film that is then transferred to the final product using heat and adhesive powder.
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What is a DTF printer used for?
DTF stands for Direct to Film, which means printing directly onto film. The printer prints the artwork onto a specific film, the film receives adhesive powder and undergoes curing; then the artwork is transferred to the final product using a heat press.
The process is widely used in personalization and garment printing because the transfer does not rely on a light background color or pre-treating the garment, as the print includes a white layer.
There is also the UV DTF variation, which uses ultraviolet-cured inks and produces transfer stickers applied to rigid surfaces without a heat press. It is a different technology from textile DTF and serves another product category.
Before choosing equipment, it is worth mapping out product types, monthly volume, and available space. TEKNOVA offers the PRIME 30X and 60X Textile DTF printers, the PRIME DTF 60X i3200, and the PRIME 30X i1600 UV DTF.