DTF printing or flocking, which solution to choose?
The DTF (Direct To Film) technique has become, in the space of a few years, the reference technique for the personalization of textiles, even going so far as to compete with other techniques already well established on the market.
Today, techniques like flocking or screen printing have to prove their legitimacy in the face of the rise of DTF.
Nevertheless, despite the growing popularity of DTF (Direct-to-Fly) printing, not all flocking professionals have abandoned this technique. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, but which one should you choose? If you're still undecided, this article is for you. Discover our comparison and choose the technique that's right for you!
What is DTF?
A revolutionary technique in textile personalization, DTF or Direct To Film has established itself on the market with little difficulty. As its name suggests, the design is printed directly onto a film, which is then transferred onto the textile using a heat press.
In addition to offering exceptional quality, DTF allows for printing on all types of materials and colors (light or dark, cotton or polyester, silk or synthetic fibers). DTF transfers enable you to reproduce crisp images with fine details, vibrant and colorful visuals, and markings that resist fading and peeling.
Ideal for medium to large production runs, this technique is the fastest and cheapest on the textile personalization market. Whether it's printing (20m²/h with a 60cm printer, 4 print heads and 4 passes) or pressing (12 seconds at 150°C), it's clear that DTF far surpasses other personalization techniques.
The arrival of printing services has also made DTF (Direct-to-Fly) printing simpler and more accessible , eliminating the need for professionals to invest in sometimes expensive and maintenance-intensive machines. If you opt for ready-to-press DTF prints, all you need is a heat press to personalize your textiles.
However, it's important to remember that perfect prints require perfect files. You absolutely must follow certain printing rules to achieve the desired result. A poorly prepared file can negatively impact print quality. Therefore, creating your file is crucial and will be the most time-consuming step.
Furthermore, for those considering this technology, it's important to understand that a DTF printer differs from a standard office printer and requires regular upkeep and maintenance. It's designed for high-volume production and is therefore unsuitable for small print runs.
What is flocking?
Flock printing is a technique that involves cutting designs from a sheet or roll of flex material and transferring them onto the textile using a heat press.
Like DTF (Direct-to-Fly) printing, flocking allows for the customization of all types of materials and colors. Some heat transfer vinyls even allow you to personalize specific textiles such as swimsuits or pre-sublimated polyester fabrics. This technique is very popular in sports and professional organizations because it offers exceptional resistance to washing and abrasion.
With a wide range of colors and effects available (mirror, glitter, metallic, fluorescent, velvet, etc.), flocking allows even the most creative users to create colorful and unique designs. Furthermore, flocking is also remarkably fast, particularly in terms of application speed, as some heat transfer vinyls can be applied in just 5 seconds at 130°C. This saves both time and energy.
Furthermore, some brands are innovating and standing out by offering certified heat transfer vinyl, with precise specifications to ensure recognized quality. On our website, you'll find heat transfer vinyl made in France, certified REACH and Oeko-Tex, or even vegan options.
However, weeding is the major drawback of flocking. Depending on the design you cut, you could have hours of weeding ahead of you before you can press. It's an essential step, but often a significant burden for medium and large production runs.
Final verdict: DTF vs Flockage, who wins?
So, have you managed to make a choice? For us, it really depends on what you're looking for.
If you're looking for a method that allows you to easily a wide range of colors and complex patterns at a low cost, then DTF printing is probably the way to go. Conversely, if you're more interested in a tried-and-tested technique, creative effects, or the possibility of producing small runs, then flocking is likely a better fit.
If you are still hesitating between the two techniques, do not hesitate to contact us by phone at 01 34 33 01 55.
See you soon,
The Créadhésif Team
