DTF hot melt powder for white ink heat transfer printing is one of the most important consumables in DTF white ink heat transfer printing. It is often evenly sprinkled on the side with printed ink by a powder sprinkler or manually. Without the existence of DTF hot melt powder, DTF ink and DTF PET film, the DTF printing process cannot be successfully completed.
1. Characteristics of DTF powder
- Difference between DTF hot melt powder and traditional hot melt powder
- Classification of DTF hot melt powder
(1) Soft DTF powder
(2) Coarse DTF powder
(3) Anti-stretch DTF powder
(4) Anti-sublimation DTF powder
(5) Easy-peel DTF powder - Advantages of DTF hot melt powder
- How to store DTF hot melt powder
Frequently Asked Questions
- Characteristics of DTF hot melt powder
DTF hot melt powder is widely popular in the printing industry due to its unique characteristics: temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, moisture resistance, acid and alkali resistance, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. In addition, DTF hot melt powder has a waterproof function, effectively prolonging the service life of products.
(1) Temperature resistance. At temperatures ranging from -50°C to 180°C, the performance of DTF hot melt powder will not be affected, ensuring the stability and service life of products.
(2) Abrasion resistance. DTF hot melt powder has excellent abrasion resistance. It is durable and stretch-resistant.
(3) Moisture resistance. DTF hot melt powder contains a large amount of thermoplastic polymers, which can effectively absorb moisture and maintain the long-term stability of products.
(4) Acid and alkali resistance. DTF hot melt powder can resist the corrosion of strong acids and alkalis and effectively prevent corrosion.
(5) Corrosion resistance. DTF hot melt powder can prevent products from being corroded by oxidants and oils.
(6) Heat resistance. DTF hot melt powder has excellent heat resistance, making it able to withstand high temperatures.
- Difference between traditional hot melt powder and DTF hot melt powder
Unlike DTF hot melt powder, traditional hot melt powder does not need curing. The main reason for this is that the ink used in traditional heat transfer printing does not contain excessive glycerin and water. However, in digital heat transfer printing, curing must be carried out to prevent ink backflow.
The particles of traditional hot melt powder are usually larger, typically between 120 and 150 micrometers. In contrast, the particles of DTF hot melt powder are often softer, with a particle size in the range of 80 to 160 micrometers.
The compositions of traditional hot melt powder and DTF hot melt powder are slightly different. Traditional hot melt powder can choose different powder compositions to achieve different levels of fastness, hand feel, and tension. On the other hand, DTF hot melt powder is made of high-purity TPU powder. This high-purity TPU DTF hot melt powder has excellent resilience, stretch resistance, and is not easily cracked or deformed. - Classification of DTF hot melt powder
Generally speaking, DTF hot melt powder can be classified into the following types: soft DTF powder, coarse DTF powder, anti-stretch DTF powder, anti-sublimation DTF powder, and instant-peel DTF powder.
(1) Soft DTF powder. The particle size is about 80 to 170 micrometers. Soft DTF powder is easy to melt, leaving a soft and smooth surface after transfer. It is suitable for smooth and flat fabrics such as T-shirts, sweaters, and Polo shirts.
(2) Coarse DTF powder. The particle size is 120 to 250 micrometers. After transfer, this type of DTF powder has a relatively less soft hand feel. It is suitable for coarse fabrics such as denim, non-woven fabric, and linen.
(3) Anti-stretch DTF powder. This powder is very fine and easily melts. The finished product has anti-stretch properties. Therefore, it is suitable for stretch fabrics.
(4) Anti-sublimation DTF powder. It is used to block the color or pattern of clothing that may be visible through transfer and is suitable for dark fabrics.
(5) Instant-peel DTF powder. As the name suggests, it uses easy-peel DTF powder technology, enabling instant peeling even with ordinary cold-peel DTF film without waiting.
- Advantages of DTF hot melt powder
(1) DTF hot melt powder can be applied in different fields, not only suitable for DTF printing. Industries such as bronzing, flocking printing, woven and non-woven interlinings, shoe linings, and shoulder pads can all use DTF hot melt powder.
(2) DTF hot melt powder is not only effective but also safe and non-toxic. It can be used in conjunction with a properly functioning DTF white ink heat transfer printing machine. In addition, DTF hot melt powder is also very environmentally friendly. Compared with alternative bonding methods, it generates less waste. The spilled dust can be absorbed and processed by a purifier, having little impact on the environment.
(3) This DTF hot melt powder is very easy to use. If you have a DTF powder shaker, you can pour the powder into the powder trough of the machine. Then the powder shaker automatically sprinkles the powder evenly on the surface of the film. At the same time, the combined action of the powder shaker and the oven will quickly cure the powder after it combines with the DTF ink. If you don’t have a DTF powder shaker, you can apply the powder on the surface of the film by yourself, hold the DTF film with both hands, and evenly shake the powder on the just-printed pattern. Then put the remaining powder into the powder box and wait for curing in the oven. After drying, it can be cut and transferred.
(4) As mentioned above, the characteristics of DTF film make it durable, high temperature resistant, and stretch resistant. It also has excellent adhesion and wash resistance. - How to store DTF hot melt powder
DTF hot melt powder must be stored in a sealed manner! After use, the temperature and humidity of the operating environment should be properly maintained in time. Otherwise, the hot melt powder will condense into lumps due to moisture absorption, and the powder will not be evenly spread, affecting the transfer effect.
In conclusion, as an important part of DTF white ink printing, the quality of DTF hot melt powder plays a crucial role in printing performance. When choosing DTF hot melt powder, it is very important to give priority to qualified and reliable options.