What is DTF printing?
"Direct film printing" refers to printing patterns onto specialized film and transferring those designs to garments. Thermal transfer printing, also called DTF printing, is a method of producing prints that may be as long as screen printing, if not longer.
PET film is used for direct film printing. This is a different method than screen printing. Since PET film is approximately 0.75 mm thick, it makes a good transfer medium.
What is sublimation printing?
Although the name of the method may sound complex and technical, it is actually not difficult to understand. Sublimation is a process that occurs in the field of chemistry. This is when a solid changes directly from solid to gas, avoiding the liquid phase in between. When trying to figure out what "sublimation printing" is, remember that the word "sublimation" refers to the dye itself. This process is often called dye sublimation because the dye is the part that undergoes the phase change.
Difference Between DTF and Sublimation
Stamping temperature and time: DTF130-150℃, time is 6-10s, sublimation temperature is 200-230℃, time is 15-20s
Different printing fabrics: DTF can be used for stamping on pure cotton and other fabrics. Sublimation paper can only be used on light-colored polyester fabrics.
It feels different: DTF hot stamping feels hard to the touch. Sublimation is soft to the touch.
