ImagesMagUK_October_2021

MARKET INTELLIGENCE www.images-magazine.com 54 images OCTOBER 2021 Identity Printing, based in Manchester, was the first company in the UK to install the Resolute R-Jet Pro DTF 600. Production manager Zahid Ali saw the potential of the machine as soon as he was sent a sample by Resolute and placed an order in January, with the installation taking place in May. “We actually flew the machine in from China because we were that excited about it,” he states. Shipping in by air cost £5,000, but Zahid says “it was the best £5,000 we ever spent”. “It’s just an amazing machine,” he explains. “It’s totally changed our whole approach to printing. It’s taken away about 60%, 70% of the work on the DTG machines. “From a quality point of view, it doesn’t fade, it doesn’t crack, it stretches with the fabric, the colours are bright and there’s no pretreating on it. “When we’ve shown clients the two options – this is DTG and this is DTF – straightaway they say, ‘Oh, wow, that’s fantastic.’ And the other thing, the most important thing – it’s cheaper than DTG.” Identity is also now offering a third-party transfer printing service to other printers and customers. It can be used in all markets, reports Zahid, apart from on some designs for the high-fashion sector. “For high fashion, it won’t work for them, because you do get that... not a plasticky feel, but you do get a ‘transfery’ feel to them. If it’s a big, square block of it, then it won’t work, but if it’s a broken- up print, then you can’t feel it.” The only downside with DTF Zahid can think of is that it won’t print a soft edge – it’s got to be a clean edge, although he says that with clever design work it is possible to get round this, and it’s not enough of a problem to stop Identity aiming to place an order for a second machine later this year. “The technology on this is so much easier for people to operate than the DTG machines, it’s unbelievable. It’s a pleasure to come in and switch the machine on and not to think, ‘Oh my God, is something going to happen today?’” Remarkably, Zahid reports that since taking on the machine, Identity has not had one damaged or failed print. The most important aspect, however, is the production rate, he says. “They print on high speed at 12 metres an hour. That’s equivalent to our three DTG machines. “A lot of the competition haven’t realised how much this is going to change the game.” www.identityprinting.co.uk DTF CASE STUDY | Identity Printing A DTF print on a garment from Identity Printing’s Misrep fashion label decorators to visit with Colin or Jim to see its DTF system in a working environment – and every single person who has seen it in action has bought it, confirms Jim. A new development already in the pipeline for the R-Jet is the automatic cutting out and perforating of the bounding box of the transfers, which will reduce labour time further on this already automated system. Equipment and skills needed Decorators thinking of trying DTF don’t need a huge list of equipment. First up is a printer – the DIY route may work for some but remember it will come with no back up, training or warranty from manufacturers. In addition to the printer, you’ll need the correct software, inks, film, adhesive and a heat press. Those opting for the R-Jet will need 32amp power and the space to put it in. Jason adds: “Design skills are paramount if you want to produce not only an amazing design, but a design that suits the DTF process. There’s lots of special effects you can add to your design to improve the final look and feel so it doesn’t feel heavy on the shirt.” Part of the appeal of owning a DTF machine, as shown by both Lofty Creations and Identity Printing’s business models, is not only using the DTF prints in-house, but selling transfers to other companies and organisations. “Fifty percent of our customers have started to sell transfers to their customers, like schools who already have a heat press,” Jason explains. “The transfer process is certainly a lucrative one when done correctly.” DTF may still be in its infancy, but its impact is already rippling across the UK decoration market. Existing systems are being adapted and automated machines are being launched and refined. “In all my years in printing, it’s very rare that you get excited about a machine,” says Zahid, “but this one we just see as a massive, massive game-changer.” DTF transfers, like this one produced by Polyprint, can be applied to most fabrics, from nylon and polyester to cotton