Cadlink Digital Factory v12 DTF Printing (15 Days Trial) Desktop & Wide Format

Clear Answers To Help You Make Informed Decisions

What is DTF (Direct to Film Process)?

Direct to Film or DTF is a process that transfers prints onto fabric or other substrates using a heat-press mechanism. Unlike the DTG method, which only works on cotton fabrics, the Printer DTF method can work on cotton and poly blends and much more.

How DTF Works

The Direct to Film (DTF) process works through several key steps, allowing for vibrant and durable designs to be transferred onto various fabrics. Here's a detailed explanation of how DTF works:

1.Design Preparation:

- Artwork Creation: The design is created or prepared using graphic design software. It is essential that the design is of high resolution to ensure quality printing.

- Color Management: Colors are adjusted and managed to ensure they print correctly and vibrantly.

2. Printing:

-Film Selection: A special PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film, known for its stability and non-stick properties, is chosen.

- Printer Setup: The DTF printer is set up, which is capable of printing with specialized water-based pigment inks. These printers typically have multiple color channels, including white ink, which is essential for opacity on dark fabrics.

- Printing Process: The design is printed directly onto the PET film. The printer lays down the ink in reverse order, starting with the white layer if needed, followed by the colored layers. This ensures that when the design is transferred, it appears correctly.

3. Adhesive Powder Application:

- Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder: While the ink is still wet on the film, a hot-melt adhesive powder is applied. This powder adheres to the ink and will act as the bonding agent between the ink and the fabric.

- Curing: The film with the adhesive powder is then cured, typically using a heat press or a curing oven. This step ensures the powder melts and sticks to the ink without fully activating its adhesive properties yet.

4. Transfer Process:

- Heat Press Setup: The fabric onto which the design will be transferred is placed on a heat press. The press is preheated to the required temperature, usually between 160-180°C (320-356°F), depending on the fabric type.

- Positioning the Film: The cured PET film with the printed design is positioned onto the fabric with the design facing down.

- Heat Transfer: The heat press is closed and pressure is applied for a specific duration, typically around 10-20 seconds. The heat and pressure activate the adhesive powder, bonding the ink to the fabric.

5. Peeling:

- Cooling: After the heat press cycle, the fabric and film are allowed to cool down to avoid smudging or misalignment.

- Film Removal: Once cooled, the PET film is carefully peeled away, leaving the printed design adhered to the fabric.

6. Final Touch:

- Post-Pressing: Sometimes, a final pressing without the film can be done to ensure the design is firmly bonded and to enhance its durability.

The DTF process is favored for its ability to print highly detailed and vibrant designs on a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and more. It is also appreciated for its versatility, enabling printing on both light and dark garments without significant adjustments.

How to Create a Gang Sheet

A gang sheet is a single sheet that contains multiple designs or different sizes of the same design, allowing you to maximize space and reduce printing costs. It’s a popular method for team uniforms, logos, or any project where you need several prints at once.

Steps to Build a Gang Sheet (using Photoshop, Illustrator, or Corel Draw):

• Set up your document – Start a new file (or adjust your canvas) to match the sheet size you’ll be printing on.
  
• Choose the right color mode – Switch your document to CMYK for best printing results.
  
• Place your artwork – Position each design at the size you want it printed, beginning in the top-left corner. Make adjustments so everything fits neatly on the sheet.
  
• Add spacing guides – Create a rectangular box (½″ tall and the width of your sheet) to serve as a cutting guide. Example: ½″ x 11″ for an 11" × 17" sheet.
  
• Fill the row – Duplicate your first image across the sheet (Command + Shift + D on Mac) until you reach the edge.
  
• Add vertical cut space – Draw another rectangle (the length of the sheet × ½″) for vertical trimming. Example: 17″ × ½″ for an 11" × 17" sheet.
  
• Duplicate rows – Copy your completed row downward until the sheet is filled.
  
• Save properly – Export your final file as a PNG with embedded images to preserve transparency and quality.
  

Once finished, upload your gang sheet for production. If you’d like us to design one for you, we can create it for a small additional fee.

Pressing Instructions

Direct To Film Transfer Pressing Instructions

Heat Press is REQUIRED.

It is important to know not all heat presses are alike, temperatures may vary and uneven temperatures during pressing may occur.

Best practice is to preheat garment to remove excess moisture

Our film is peeled cold.

-Align Transfer and Press at 300-325 degrees for 10-15 seconds.

-Allow Transfer to COOL COMPLETELY before removing clear film

-Cover with parchment and re-press for 5 seconds to cure into the fabric.

It is best practice to wait 24 hours before washing or stretching

Trouble shooting Cold Peel Film:

BE SURE IT IS COMPLETELY COOL BEFORE ATTEMPTING REMOVAL! Although pressing issues are uncommon, If your transfer attempts to lift when removing the clear film, press it again for 2-5 seconds. You may need to increase your heat by 10 degrees, pressing time by 2-3 seconds or pressure dependent on your press. Digital Transfers are very forgiving and can tolerate a temperature or pressing time a little longer than listed. These are guidelines - you should always test with your own equipment before attempting a full project.

These are instructions from the Manufacturer and have worked for me personally! You have to figure out your press and what works best for it. Pressure and heat! There are no refunds or exchanges for operator error!