DTF stands for Direct to Film, which refers to a heat transfer printing process commonly used in the garment industry. In this process, a design is created on the computer, sent to a DTF printer, and printed directly onto a special film. The design is then sprinkled with powder (using a powder shaker) and cured with heat to set the colors. Finally, the printed design is heat-pressed onto the fabric. There is no need for plate-making, carving, or waste disposal during the process, and there are no minimum order requirements. This allows for true one-off production with zero inventory, making it a popular option for e-commerce businesses and custom garment factories.
UVDTF, on the other hand, stands for UV Direct to Film, which refers to a new printing process used in the advertising industry. Unlike DTF, UVDTF involves a simpler process: the design is created on a computer, printed with a UVDTF printer, and automatically laminated after printing. The print is ready for immediate use, and the process does not require a powder shaker or heat curing. The design is applied directly to objects by hand or with a machine. UVDTF prints are vivid, bright, and have a raised, 3D effect. Like DTF, UVDTF also supports one-off production with zero inventory, making it an attractive option for custom gift manufacturers.
Differences in Applications:
- DTF is mainly used for fabrics, including cotton and polyester. T-shirts and hoodies are the most common applications, but it can also be used on items like eco-friendly bags, pillows, aprons, and promotional shirts. Other suitable materials include linen, denim, and mesh fabrics.
- UVDTF is primarily used for hard surfaces like glass, metal, acrylic, wood, ceramics, plastic, and even rigid cardboard. It can be applied to flat or curved surfaces, with typical applications including tea boxes, wine bottles, cosmetics, and signage.
Hardware Differences:
- DTF requires a combination of a printer and a powder shaker.
- UVDTF only requires a UVDTF printer, as there is no need for a powder shaker.
Ink Differences:
- DTF uses water-based ink.
- UVDTF uses UV oil-based ink. The printer is equipped with UV lights that cure the ink during the printing process.
Printing Film Differences:
- DTF uses a single type of printing film, but there are variations such as single-sided, double-sided, cold peel, and hot peel films, depending on customer requirements.
- UVDTF uses two types of film, A-film and B-film, used in combination. A-film is the printing film that contains an adhesive layer, which also serves as the ink-absorbent layer. After printing, the B-film, which is a transfer film, is automatically laminated onto the A-film. The B-film protects the design and facilitates the transfer process, all done automatically by the UVDTF machine without manual lamination.