DTF printing is here at Big Systems and available immediately in multiple configurations. As the printing industry continues to grow, more organizations are turning to DTF printers for their flexibility, efficiency, and expanding application range. By using Direct-to-Film printing, shops gain simplicity, convenience, and consistent performance while producing vibrant results across a wide range of colors. As a result, DTF printers have become a reliable and cost-effective system for many production environments.
What Is DTF Printing?
DTF printing combines simplicity, convenience, and consistency with dependable performance for fabric transfer applications. Unlike Direct-to-Garment printing, DTF allows users to print logos and artwork onto a specially coated PET film rather than directly onto fabric.
Next, operators apply a lightweight adhesive powder to the printed film, either manually or with an automatic powder shaker, to ensure even coverage. After curing, the transfer is ready to apply to textiles using a heat press. This process creates durable, high-quality graphics while allowing greater flexibility across different garment types. Big Systems provides everything needed to get started with confidence.
The coated PET film used in DTF printing is engineered to handle the high heat and pressure required during transfer. Our high-quality printable film works with both desktop and large format DTF printers and is readily available from Big Systems.
In addition, adhesive powder plays a critical role in transfer quality and durability. Big Systems offers powders designed to deliver strong coverage and high transfer rates, even after 40 or more washes. Because unused powder can be collected and reused, operators can maximize efficiency while reducing material waste.
When it comes to inks, Big Systems continues to lead with a broad selection of high-quality options. Our DTF inks are specifically formulated for this process and manufactured in the USA under strict quality standards. With decades of experience supporting print providers, we deliver the consistency and performance customers expect, and our DTF inks for film printing meet those same expectations.
The DTF Process: How It Works
DTF printing begins by printing artwork directly onto coated PET film using a DTF printer. After printing, adhesive powder is applied evenly across the image, either by hand or with an automatic shaker. Once cured, the transfer is ready to apply to textiles using a heat press. This straightforward process makes DTF an accessible and effective solution for producing durable, high-quality fabric graphics.
Design & Print: Creative Freedom
Create your design using your graphic software, such as Illustrator or Photoshop. Using the included RIP software, your artwork is sent to
the printer with a white ink overlay. The printer outputs your design on coated PET film.
Shake & Bake: Prep For Transfer
Apply powder adhesive evenly onto the printed film. This can be manual or using an automated powder shaker. Then melt the
adhesive using a heat press, oven or heated shaker unit.
Transfer: Ready To Go!
Heat press your design onto the desired garment or substrate. Applicable on cotton, polyester, blends, denim, silk, nylon, fleece, leather, cardboard and
other flat, rough and rigid materials. Works equally well on white, light or dark colored textiles.
What Sets DTF Apart from Other Methods? Versatility
Here are some key factors that set Direct-to-Film apart from other transfer processes…
- Use on almost any material or fabric
- Does not require any pretreatment
- Transfers exhibit excellent wash resistance
- Process less tedious and quicker than DTG
- No cutting and weeding required
- Crisp, defined edges and images
- No advanced printing knowledge required
- Great option for small orders
- Low cost on waste
- Low investment — high reward
Works on Most any Fabrics
DTG technology works best on cotton pre-treated fabrics while DTF opens the door to a wide range of choices and is capable of printing onto non-treated cotton, silk, polyester, denim, nylon, leather, 50/50 blends, and more. Additionally, it works equally well on white and dark textiles.
- Nylon
- Denim
- Fleece
- Polyester
- Cotton
Big Systems has the complete system components and supplies for your turnkey DTF Printing solution. To learn more details, start shopping. Finally, Big Systems is proud to feature DTF supplies manufactured in the USA by STS Inks.