ImagesMagUK_October_2021

MARKET INTELLIGENCE www.images-magazine.com 52 images OCTOBER 2021 as they were never designed to print DTF ink onto film,” warns Colin. Adapting DTG to offer DTF An indication that other printing equipment manufacturers are taking DTF seriously too has been the introduction of software and consumables that allow customers to adapt their DTG printers to create DTF films, albeit it sheets rather than rolls. One of these is Polyprint, the manufacturer behind the TexJet series of DTG printers. In April this year, the company launched DTF Xpress for TexJet operators, which involves a driver update for its Cadlink software RIP along with DTF Xpress Transfer Films, Adhesive Power and Antislip Pad (an optional accessory that keeps the film flat and steady during printing). The Polyprint DTF system has been used at Lofty Creations since January this year [see boxout below], reports owner Jason Beevor, and is proving a big success for the company. “DTF is definitely a huge game-changer in the print industry and personally, I think it has superseded the hype that it came with thanks to its simplicity and ease of use.” “People are interested in trying the new printing method and exploring their options,” notes Dimitris Stavrakidis, Polyprint’s technical support engineer. He believes it opens up new possibilities, with its main advantage being the ability to print cost-effectively on dark polyester and nylon. “It also helps garment decorators increase productivity, as with a single print you gain multiple applications, eg printing logos and neck labels.” As with all printing methods, adds Dimitris, there are some substrates that he says are not as well suited for DTF. “So far, we have found that this mostly applies in materials that have an inner lining and make it hard to heat transfer it evenly. Also, some materials might require more white ink than others, so the result may vary depending on the material.” Another point he highlights is the feel of the print. “What people should keep in mind is that DTF produces a quick, hard-edged print that can be thin or thick and soft or plastic, in comparison to DTG printing, which provides a nice, soft feel. DTG printing provides high-quality prints with vivid colours and sharp design details.” It’s Lofty Creations in Harlow, Essex uses its existing Polyprint DTG printer to print all of its DTF sheets. The maximum print size the company offers is currently A3+, confirms owner Jason Beevor. “We have been printing, using and selling DTF transfers since the beginning of 2021,” he explains. “We have always done an awful lot of HTV work for sports clubs that have always requested printed logos. Due to a lot of the garments they use being coloured polyester and Lycra it hasn’t always been possible to give the customer what they want without other printed transfer options deteriorating quickly. “DTF meant we could take our offerings to the next level knowing that, with the correct aftercare, what we supply will last as long as the garment. “DTF has really put our services in demand. We have companies all over the UK and parts of Europe contacting us to supply large quantities of DTF transfers. This is on top of a huge demand from the smaller guys (like us) that rely on a personal service with a fast turnaround from a trusted company to help them secure contracts they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. “DTF is great for small detailed logos, multi-coloured logos, and knocks the socks off printing hundreds of left breast positions as DTG. “We have runs of several hundred garments regularly; with DTF we can avoid pretreating which can take a lot of time when you have so many garments to do, especially left breasts. “We are currently producing all of our DTF manually at the moment – manual powdering and curing.” The team cures the DTF films for two to three minutes in a dedicated oven. “You need to cure slowly so it doesn’t over-cook the powder or kill the print vibrancy.” “We are looking into new machinery to make the process easier and less time-consuming for us, but we aren’t rushing into anything just yet as our way of doing things is working well… If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” If you’re thinking of getting into DTF printing, thorough research is key, says Jason. “Research everything – printers, RIP software, maintenance, supplies, inks… Everything. There’s no hard and fast rule as there is still a lot to be learned in the process. “The biggest tip I can give is to choose your film and powder supplier carefully. Make sure you test everything and really put it through its paces before offering the service.” www.weareloftycreations.com DTF CASE STUDY | Lofty Creations Lofty Creations prints transfers for other companies This polo, DTF printed by Lofty Creations, has been washed more than 100 times I think it has superseded the hype thanks to its simplicity and ease of use