This June, we had the opportunity to ask Mathieu Lemarchand, manager of Ker Créa, a few questions about his experience and, more specifically, his beginnings with the DTF technique. You will find some excerpts from that interview in this article.
"It will soon be a year since you adopted this technique, can you tell us more about your beginnings in DTF?"
We first set up DTF equipment in August 2021. So we were really at the very beginning of DTF. At the time, we had a small 30cm printer with 4 print heads , which meant a lot of maintenance and low productivity. But in the end, we learned a lot with that machine.
Alongside that, we worked with many associations and it was a real springboard. It helps to have a base of potential clients.
In terms of orders, we were supposed to be roughly 50% flocking and 50% DTF. Today, we're at 70% DTF and 30% flocking. That's also why we changed machines and switched to a 60CM – 2-head model. Now that we have a lot of orders, we don't even question it anymore and we do DTF.
"What made you want to start using the DTF technique? What were you ultimately missing with the other techniques?"
Initially, we were mainly equipped for flocking, for embroidery. We also tried DTG (Direct-to-Ground) printing. With flocking, we cut, weeded, glued… but it's time-consuming. We also had the limitation with flocking of only being able to use one color or having to layer designs. We couldn't reproduce a design exactly.
In flocking, there is a constraint of one color or layering. Gradients are not possible, and a visual cannot be reproduced identically.
Compared to DTG printing, there are many limitations, particularly with white inks. And since you're working directly on the fabric, you have to wait for it to cool and work on each item individually. With DTF, you print onto a film, so you can significantly increase productivity.
The DTF offers great flexibility in terms of managing one's work.
With DTF, we can print visuals in advance and they're not wasted. Because we work with many associations, especially sports associations, and their logos don't change every time, so we can reuse them.
Of course, DTF won't replace flocking, especially for all the creative effects. But DTF has allowed us to respond promptly to certain clients we wouldn't have been able to reach with flocking. For example, in May, we had urgent orders for large quantities, and we were able to meet their needs with DTF.
"Have you tested other media?"
We use DTF on many materials. We've tried it on nylon and polypropylene. So obviously, on these materials, we're at 5 seconds of pressing time and the result is really great.
We also tested it on cardboard boxes. We were asked to make boxes and instead of ordering stickers or things like that, we were able to use DTF to make them.
Then we also had large runs to produce, for example, 1500 t-shirts. Peeling on DTF (Direct-to-Fly) machines is normally done cold, but for large quantities like that, we don't have time to wait for it to cool down. So, we ran some tests and found that 140°C for 5 seconds, with immediate peeling after pressing, worked just as well. We always do a second press of the t-shirt with a protective paper, and we're delighted with the results.
"For clients who would like to get into DTF, are there any constraints or points to be aware of? For someone who is a complete novice, for example?"
In theory, anyone can do DTF (Direct-to-Fly). But you have to consider whether you have enough orders to justify it. If you have small needs, small quantities, or occasional requests, it can be risky to invest in the equipment. Because ultimately, you spend more time on maintenance than on productivity.
The machine needs to be working; it needs to be constantly printing.
If it isn't, all that time it's idle will be spent on maintenance.
The technique itself is good, but you need the production to go with it.
I would also advise starting by ordering DTF(Ready-to-Press) transfers to see the results. And to get into a technique, you have to dedicate time to. You need to be efficient as quickly as possible, so you have to invest time.
Want to hear Mathieu's full experience? Then head over here to listen to the complete interview. And find all our podcasts on Spotify by simply searching for "Créadhésif"!
Need more information about DTF? We offer free online training (webinars) as well as exclusive videos on YouTube:
- Webinar – The DTF Technique
- Webinar – Ready-to-Press DTF
- Créa'TV – What is a DTF transfer?
- Créa'TV – Presentation of the 4-head DTF kit, 30cm format
- Créa'TV - Interview: DTF in 13 questions
- Créa'Express – 1 min & 4 steps to personalize in DTF!
- Créa'Tuto – Creating a DTF Transfer Marking
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about DTF personalization at 01 34 33 01 55.
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See you soon,
The Créadhésif Team
