Which is better, DTF or DTG?

DTF (Direct to Film) and DTG (Direct-To-Garment) have obvious difference and advantages in the field of clothing printing. The following is a detailed analysis of the differences and advantages

 between the two:

Difference

Working principle:

DTF: Print the design pattern on PET film or transfer paper through a printer, then sprinkle a layer of hot melt powder, and transfer the pattern to the clothing through high temperature and hot pressing.

DTG: Inkjet printing directly on clothing, no transfer medium is required, and the ink penetrates directly into the clothing fiber.

Required equipment:

DTF: A DTF printer, powder sprinkler, oven and heat press are required.

DTG: Only one DTG direct printing machine is required.

Pretreatment steps:

DTF: Usually no pretreatment of clothing is required, and it is printed directly on the transfer film.

DTG: Some DTG machines require pretreatment of clothing before printing, such as using a heat press to heat press to improve ink adhesion.

Printing materials:

DTF: Printing materials are diverse, suitable for a variety of fabrics such as pure cotton, polyester, wool, nylon, etc.

DTG: Initially mainly used for pure cotton clothing, but some high-end machines have been able to expand to non-pure cotton fabrics, but the cost is higher.

Printing speed and efficiency:

DTF: Fast printing speed, high production efficiency, suitable for mass production.

DTG: Relatively slow printing speed, especially dark clothing takes longer, suitable for small batches or personalized customization.

Advantages

Advantages of DTF:

Wide applicability: It can be applied to a variety of fabrics and is a "universal printing machine" in the clothing industry.

Efficient production capacity: Fast printing speed, high production efficiency, suitable for batch printing in peak seasons.

Excellent printing quality: Washable and scratch-resistant, with a washing color fastness of up to level 4-5.

Cost-effectiveness: Compared with DTG, DTF has lower ink consumption, which helps to reduce costs.

Advantages of DTG:

Direct printing: No transfer medium is required, the ink directly penetrates into the clothing fiber, and the pattern is more solid.

High-quality printing effect: For pure cotton clothing, DTG can achieve very delicate printing effects, bright colors and long-lasting.

Personalized customization: Suitable for small batches or personalized customization, and can quickly respond to market demand.

Breathability: Clothing printed by DTG is usually better than DTF in terms of breathability, especially for customers with high requirements for breathability.