The 8 mistakes to avoid before getting into DTF

The 8 mistakes to avoid before getting into DTF

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has become the industry standard for textile personalization in just a few years. In addition to offering exceptional quality, DTF allows for printing on a wide variety of textile materials and colors (light or dark, cotton or polyester, silk or synthetic fibers). Suitable for medium and large production runs, this technique is becoming increasingly accessible, particularly thanks to transfer printing services.

Given this growing interest, we wanted to share the most common mistakes we encounter, whether before purchasing equipment or when preparing files for printing. Here are the errors to avoid before diving into DTF!

1. Minimize its production

Today, regardless of the customization technique you use, you have control over your orders. You certainly have periods of higher or lower activity, but given your equipment, you know what you are capable of producing.

What you need to keep in mind is that with DTF you will be able to respond much more easily to certain customer demands: urgent orders, large quantities... Production times can be drastically reduced, allowing you to accept more and more orders.

It's quite possible that your order volume will increase, along with your productivity. Before choosing a DTF solution, take the time to analyze your current and future demand.

2. Investing in an unsuitable DTF solution

This point goes hand in hand with the previous one. By minimizing your production, you risk opting for a slower DTF solution with lower productivity.

Currently on the market, many DTF solutions exist: printers with widths of 30, 45 or 60 cm; printers with 2 or 4 print heads; XP or i3200 print heads… Before investing in one of these solutions, it is important that you anticipate an increase in your orders.

In the medium to long term, entry-level solutions may not be sufficient. Opting for a 30cm printer, for example, would mean sacrificing faster and higher-volume production.

We understand that price is often the reason our customers opt for machines with a narrower web width. However, it's important that this investment be sustainable and suited to your production needs. A DTF solution may seem expensive, but it can easily be recouped through significant productivity gains.

3. misunderstanding your customers' expectations

Be aware that DTF (Direct-to-Fly) is not a magic bullet that will satisfy all your customers. Some effects found in flocking, such as metallic or phosphorescent, are difficult or even impossible to achieve.

The world of personalization is vast and many techniques exist. Survey your customers beforehand to understand what results they want.

4. Rushing the creation of your print files

Preparing your files is a crucial step for DTF printing. This technique requires a basic understanding of desktop publishing (DTP). Therefore, proficiency in graphic design software such as Illustrator or Photoshop is highly recommended.

Indeed, when creating your files, certain rules must be followed for optimal printing. For example: a transparent background, a resolution of 300 dpi, or the CMYK color mode.

To help you prepare your files, we have created a "DTF Printing Guide" available for free download by clicking here.

If you use a DTF printing service, the requirements will be the same. However, you can still use the services of a graphic designer to help you with the design of your files.

5. misunderstanding one's work environment

You've decided to try this technique, that's great! … But do you have the necessary space? DTF printers and powder dispensers are bulky. You'll need enough floor space to install them in your workshop.

Furthermore, does your premises have the necessary electrical installations? Have you planned a smoke extraction system? These questions are essential to ensure that this technique is compatible with your work environment.

Find all the technical specifications you need to know before your purchase by consulting our "Validation File" available for free download here.

6. Minimize maintenance and investment required

Direct-to-Fly (DTF) printing requires a personal investment. DTF printers are not simple office printers and require more learning, upkeep, and maintenance than other personalization techniques.

These machines are designed for high-volume production. Therefore, we recommend that an operator be present at all times. This person can intervene to refill the ink, toner, or paper, or stop production if necessary. Furthermore, the printers should be used almost daily to ensure proper operation.

What should you do if you have to be away for an extended period, such as a vacation? Solutions exist to protect your printheads, but there are no absolute guarantees. Plan ahead for these absences as much as possible to avoid risky solutions.

7. Using poor quality consumables and textiles

It's obvious that if you use poor-quality ink, your designs will suffer. The same applies to the textiles you plan to personalize. The durability of DTF printing is ultimately inextricably linked to the quality of your textiles.

It's important to know that DTF prints can be transferred onto a wide variety of smooth, non-textured textiles. For best results, avoid sublimated fabrics or any materials that cannot withstand the heat of a heat press.

8. Failure to comply with the recommended pressing conditions

First and foremost, we always recommend pre-pressing your textile materials to remove creases and moisture.

Next, to press the image onto the fabric, your heat press must be set to 160°C. Protect the entire assembly (image + fabric) with a sheet of Teflon and press for 12 seconds.

Note that it is important to perform the peeling when the animal is cold.

Finally, if you wish, you can press your fabric a second time for 5 seconds to obtain a finer finish.

However, DTF can be applied to a wide variety of materials, such as cardboard. Therefore, the material you wish to personalize may not be suitable for DTF. We recommend always conducting tests before starting your production run.

Need more information about DTF? We offer free online training. To register, click here.
Alternatively, you can always contact us by phone at +33 1 34 33 01 55!