DTF Printer vs. UV DTF Printer: Which One Should you Choose?

Introduction

Traditional DTF printing remains one of the most versatile printing methods today. Because it is compatible with white ink, the DTF printer can create vibrant shirt designs. It also works with almost all types of fabric.

But, while DTF works on soft substrates, it doesn’t work on hard materials. This is where the UV DTF printer comes in.

DTF and UV printing differ in their processes, materials, and costs. In this guide, we will explore these two printing methods more.

What are the Differences Between DTF Printing and UV DTF Printing?

Traditional DTF and UV DTF have few similarities. Both prints are on special transfer films, but the process and application differ. Here’s how they compare:

Supplies and Equipment

To do any of the two means buying specific supplies that are not interchangeable. Here is a list of what you need:

• Printer Machine

In traditional DTF printing, an ordinary inkjet printer can do the job. However, you still have the choice of a more advanced and integrated DTF printer. Still, the bottom line is that the DTF printer machine is more affordable than other methods. You can start printing your design with an inkjet printer with six ink tanks to store the white ink.

This is not the case for UV printing. The UV DTF printer is specifically a digital UV flatbed printer. The printer inks the design pattern once the film is on the flatbed. The UV link instantly cures as a UV lamp passes over it. Unlike traditional printers, a UV printer is more often used to print on rigid materials.

• Transfer Film

The main difference in transfer film usage is that UV printing needs two different films. The first one is the A Film, a self-adhesive PET transfer film. The B film will then be laminated with the A film to produce the design stickers.

However, DTF printing uses only one transfer film. Unlike ordinary PET film, DTF transfer films have an ink-absorbent coating. This is why DTF films present a matte frosted finish rather than transparent.

• Ink

Traditional DTF printing uses pigment ink that is compatible with inkjet printers. These inks come in cyan, yellow, magenta, black, and base white ink. Among the DTF inks provided by Linko, the white ink has excellent purity. The raw materials used in the ink come from the same supplier as Epson ink.

UV printers need UV ink. These UV-curable inks have different categories depending on the application. UV inks can be soft, hard, or flexible inks. Soft inks are for more delicate substrates like silicon phone cases. The hard UV ink applies to hardwood, metal, or glass materials. Flexible inks are often used for leather canvas.

• Laminating Machine

UV DTF printing uses a laminating machine to paste films A and B together. After printing on the transfer film (A), the PET film (B) sticks on top of it.

The laminating machine does its job with convenience. Although manually sticking together the two films also works if you lack a laminating machine.

• Curing Oven

Traditional DTF printing doesn’t need a laminating machine but a curing oven.

After the DTF transfer film is printed and powdered, it goes through an oven to cure the adhesive powder. You can also use the heat press as an alternative to the curing oven.

• Adhesive Powder

The adhesive powder is also exclusive to DTF printing. It is a unique powder applied evenly on the newly printed transfer films. This powder helps the ink to stick to the garment once heat-pressed.

Process

The process for DTF and UV DTF printing is also very different. Aside from printing on a film, the succeeding processes differ in many aspects. Let’s look at their respective process below.

DTF Printing

1. Preparing the design. By using RIP software, you can create your design ideas. DTF printing owes its flexibility to the freedom of designs you can make. It works on white ink and many colors, so your design can range from simple to complex.
2. Printing on transfer film. Once the design is all set, you can load your transfer film and print on it.
3. Powdering the transfer film. You need to apply the adhesive powder while the ink is still wet. This will help the ink bond stronger to the shirts, making a durable transfer.
4. Curing the adhesive powder. After its application, you need to cure the adhesive powder. You can melt the adhesive powder using a curing oven or a heat press.
5. Pre-pressing the shirt. This refers to heat pressing the shirt for two to five seconds. This flattens the printing surface of the shirt and removes traces of moisture.
6. Transferring. Press your design onto the shirt for 15 to 20 seconds at around 170 degrees Celsius. This melts and bonds the ink on the garment.
7. Peeling. Once the design is pressed, remove the transfer film and trash it. Transfer films are single-use and are not printed on more than once.

UV DTF printing

1. Preparing the design. You can use RIP software to design simple to intricate designs.
2. Printing the design. Print your design using a UV flatbed printer. The process should be printing white ink first, then colored ink and varnish.
3. Laminating. Laminate transfer films A and B using a laminating machine. You can also operate lamination manually.
4. Cutting the design. You can manually or machine cut your design. Take note of the dimensions of the substrate you are printing on. Make sure the cut-out lies on the material properly.
5. Pressing the sticker. First, remove the sticker’s film cover. Press the sticker onto the substrate using your finger until the design is pasted on. Slowly remove the film, and your design will be all set.

Applications of DTF vs. UV DTF

DTF printers are the go-to for printing on soft substrates like T-shirts, while UV DTF is for rigid substrates like wood panels and glass. Here are other materials that the methods are often used for.

UV DTF Printer

• Phone cases
• Mugs and glass
• Package boxes
• Tumbler/ bottle
• Luggage
• Tile panels

DTF Printer

• Hoodies
• T-shirts
• Tote bags
• Hats
• Pants