(Image courtesy of Texintel)
Without doubt, direct to film technology has been the stand-out disruptor of 2024. In creating the perfect storm, the adoption and application of DTF has gained considerable traction and yet still remains very much in its infancy. Over the year ahead, DTF will continue to force printers and the garment decoration industry to re-evaluate their production processes. For many manufacturers, its emergence, ongoing innovation, and eventual automation will continue to upend both DTG and screen printing applications and business models.
Staying at the forefront of the latest innovations in print (no easy feat) is essential for commercial success. This means continuously investing and adapting to new technologies, product trends, and customer demands and, most importantly, staying ahead of your competitors. By seeking out the latest advancements in print equipment, software, application techniques, consumables, and materials, companies not only enhance their production efficiency but also create unique and high-quality products that stand out in a competitive market.
As the sector evolves, innovations are coming thick and fast with powderless inks on the horizon and in the early stages of development, alongside automated carousels (capable of 350 T shirts per hour). Then there are special effect films and environmental materials, all of which pushes DTF towards adopting a more sustainable, greener future. Heat transfer presses, too, are being redesigned alongside experimental inks that lower curing temperatures while also improving durability, stretch, and product hand. In software, white ink is in the spotlight ,and its use is being manipulated to reduce its application volume and to improve color gamut. In doing so, technologists also seek a softer, finer printed output.
The garment decoration sector is in the midst of a seismic shift. This game-changing method is reshaping our perception of on-demand print in an unprecedented way. One of DTF technology’s primary merits is its extraordinary versatility, enabling printing on a diverse range of fabrics, from cotton and polyester to blends and synthetics. This liberates the designer and the commercial printer (and the hobbyist) to rationalize their workflow and to venture into new domains with an entry level, affordable technology that can run in parallel with both conventional screen and digital DTG equipment.
Today, Texintel recognizes five machines at the head of this transformation, spearheading the advancement of DTF technology (in no particular order).
Epson recently showcased its groundbreaking roll-to-roll DTF printer, the first of its kind, and available in 2025. The printer, at 90cm wide, is compact and designed to address customer feedback for a more user-friendly and reliable DTF system. It offers increased productivity, printing large back shirts and doubling output per roll. The printer uses a proven platform for film and incorporates Epson's ink filtration and circulation systems. It also features health awareness for printheads and job accounting.
The goal is to reduce the need for constant monitoring, making it ideal for small businesses and shops, with a launch planned for spring 2025. Read more
The all-new Mimaki TxF300 Series was recently launched with two distinct models. The latest flagship TxF300-1600 offers an impressive print width of 160cm, perfect for large substrates without compromising on performance. It is tailored for businesses seeking to expand their production capabilities.
Offering high production capacity, the Mimaki TxF300-75 DTF printer is a safe and stable solution that’s packed with Mimaki Core Technologies. Print directly onto DTF film or paper with OEKO-TEX-certified inks. Featuring a dual printhead and a print width of 75cm, this innovative model delivers printing speeds up to three times faster than its predecessor, the TxF150-75.
Both models in the TxF300 Series utilize Mimaki’s cutting-edge technology and ECO PASSPORT-certified inks, ensuring high-quality, skin-friendly prints. These models effectively address common DTF challenges such as ink leakage and sedimentation, offering consistent, reliable performance backed by extended technical support. Read More
Sabur Digital Ltd’s DTF printers are designed to meet the diverse needs of the printing industry, from small businesses to large-scale operations. The full range of DTF printers, includes the SABTEX SD30, an entry-level model whose compact footprint makes it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. The SABTEX SD70-4 is an all-in-one inline solution that comprises a high-speed, four-head, 60cm-wide printer with an integrated coating system.
Create highly durable printed garments with an efficient inline process, print on light and dark garments with the addition of white ink. Suitable for a wide range of textiles including stretch materials. Read More
To meet the demand for high-quality production, improve the productivity of DTF printers, and enhance the user experience, Hanrun Paper has launched the Super A-600 DTF Printer. It can be fitted with two or four Epson i3200 printheads and has a four-pass (360x2400dpi) printing speed of up to 22 m2/h, offering unrivaled productivity and innovation. It is compatible with RIP software such as CADlink, Photoprint, and Maintop, delivering exceptional prints every time. The Super A-600 DTF printer is equipped with a CCD vision system next to the printhead that utilizes CCD image sensing technology to monitor nozzle status.
When there is a broken line in the print, the nozzle is automatically cleaned to improve productivity, further reducing the scrap rate and making the print accuracy of the printed materials more guaranteed. Read More
Ricoh showcased their groundbreaking DTF Roll to Roll concept at PRINTING United in Las Vegas. This innovative product redefines the boundaries of creativity and high-quality printing, setting a new standard for artists, designers, and high-volume production businesses. It’s the only DTF printer with proprietary industrial printhead technology developed by Ricoh. Unlike many other thin film piezo heads in the market, Ricoh’s bulk piezo heads deliver robust, high viscosity inks at higher frequency jetting with advanced reliability.
Experience color accuracy and detail thanks to Ricoh’s cutting-edge printheads and image processing technology. The DTF Roll to Roll concept is designed to withstand wear and tear, ensuring that your prints maintain their vibrant appearance over time. It is ideal for a diverse array of uses, including fine art reproductions, custom merchandise, and promotional materials.
A new revolutionary wet capping system ensures this printer is always ready to print and is promoted as “the easiest printer in the market to maintain.” Read More
In Summary
Direct-to-film technology is not just a trend—it’s a significant leap forward for the textile printing industry. By providing unmatched versatility, vibrant output, and an efficient workflow, DTF is setting new standards and opening up opportunities for innovation and growth. As this technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly redefine how businesses approach design and production.
(Image courtesy of Texintel)
Key Takeaways:
Transformative Disruptor: Direct to Film (DTF) technology is poised to be a monumental disruptor in the garment decoration industry, challenging traditional direct to garment (DTG) and screen printing methods, and pushing manufacturers to overhaul production processes for enhanced efficiency and flexibility.
Continuous Innovation: Remaining competitive and successful requires businesses to consistently invest in cutting-edge printing technologies. Look out for powderless inks, automated carousels, and advanced white ink manipulation techniques, all driving towards more sustainable and high-quality production capabilities.
Versatility and Accessibility: The exceptional adaptability of DTF technology allows for printing on a wide array of fabric types, offering designers and printers unprecedented creative freedom while providing cost-effective entry into new market segments, compatible with existing printing solutions.
