In the broad field of digital printing technology, DTF (Direct-to-Film Transfer) printing and sublimation printing are two common processes, each of which has unique advantages and application scenarios. This article will delve into the similarities and differences between these two printing technologies to help readers better understand their respective characteristics and applications.
1. Technical overview
DTF printing
DTF printing, full name of Direct-to-Film Transfer, is a high-temperature transfer technology used in the garment industry. The technology uses a computer to design patterns and transfers them to a DTF printer for printing. After the printing is complete, the pattern is transferred to a special transfer film, which is then dusted by a shaking machine and baked at a high temperature to finally achieve the fixed pattern on the fabric. The DTF printing process does not require plate making, engraving or waste discharge, and has the advantage of zero inventory and a minimum order of one piece, which is very suitable for e-commerce and customized factories.
Sublimation printing
Sublimation printing, also known as thermal transfer printing, is a digital printing technology. It uses heat-sensitive toner or resin pigment to transfer the pattern directly to paper or other materials under the action of heat and pressure. The technology is particularly suitable for materials such as polyester that have a professional polymer coating, such as cups, mousepads, coasters, etc. The heart of sublimation printing lies in its dyeing process, which penetrates color directly onto the surface of the material through heat transfer to form a permanent pattern.
2. Similarities
(1) Digital design
Both DTF printing and sublimation printing rely on digital design. Users can design patterns through computer software, and then transfer the design file to the corresponding printer for printing. This digital design process greatly improves the flexibility and efficiency of the design, making personalized customization possible.
(2) No plate making is required
Both techniques avoid the platemaking process in traditional printing. In DTF printing, the pattern is printed directly on the transfer film without plate making; In sublimation printing, the pattern is also transferred directly to the material through the printer, again without plate making. This plateless printing method not only saves costs, but also shortens the production cycle.
(3) High-precision printing
Both DTF printing and sublimation printing have the ability to print with high precision. They can print delicate, clear patterns to meet the user’s pursuit of detail. Whether it is text, images or complex design patterns, they can be perfectly presented under these two technologies.
3. Differences
(1) Application field
DTF printing is mainly used in the clothing industry, especially pattern transfer on cloth. It can print the pattern directly to the transfer film and fix the pattern to the fabric by high-temperature baking. Therefore, DTF printing is very suitable for personalized customization of cloth products such as T-shirts, hoodies, environmental bags, throw pillows and so on. Sublimation printing is more widely used on materials with professional polymer coatings, such as polyester cups, mouse pads, etc. In addition, sublimation printing can also be applied to hard materials such as glass under specific conditions.
(2) Printing materials
DTF printing mainly uses water-based inks, which are environmentally friendly and suitable for soft materials such as cloth. The water-based ink has strong adhesion on the fabric, is not easy to fade, and can maintain the brightness and durability of the pattern. Sublimation printing, on the other hand, uses heat-sensitive toners or resin pigments, which are able to penetrate the surface of the material under heat and pressure to form a permanent pattern. The material selection for sublimation printing is relatively wider, but is mainly limited to materials with specialized polymer coatings.
(3) Process flow
DTF printing process includes pattern design, printing, shake powder, baking and pressing steps. Among them, the shaking powder is to form a uniform powder layer on the surface of the pattern in order to better fix the pattern when baked at high temperatures. Baking and pressing are the key steps to firmly transfer the pattern to the fabric. In contrast, the process of sublimation printing is relatively simple, mainly including pattern design, printing and heating and pressing steps. Sublimation printing penetrates color directly to the surface of the material through heat transfer without the need for additional powder layers.
(4) Color effect
DTF printing is excellent in terms of color reproduction. It is able to print rich color layers and details, making the pattern more full and vivid. DTF ink is made of imported raw materials, the printed pattern is bright and soft, and the water resistance is high. Sublimation printing is known for its unique dyeing process, which is able to penetrate color directly into the surface of the material to create a natural, long-lasting color effect. However, sublimed printing may not perform as well on dark materials as light materials because dark materials are less able to absorb color.
(5) Cost and efficiency
DTF printing has certain advantages in terms of cost and efficiency. Because the DTF printing process does not require plate making, engraving or waste discharge, and can achieve a one-piece MOQ, zero inventory production mode, it greatly reduces production costs and inventory pressure. At the same time, the speed of DTF printing is also relatively fast, which can meet the needs of large-scale production. In contrast, sublimation printing also has the advantages of high precision and high color reproduction, but its equipment and material costs are relatively high, and in some application scenarios may be limited by material selection. However, on large-scale printing, it is still a large sublimation printer with fast speed, equipped with 10,000 meters of large scroll sublimation paper, ultra-high-speed printing, and the unit cost is reduced. Currently, Sublistar is 1.8 meters wide with 24 print heads and can print thousands of square meters per hour.
4. Conclusion
As two important forms of digital printing technology, DTF printing and sublimation printing have their own unique advantages and application scenarios. They have similarities in digital design, high-precision printing, etc., but there are obvious differences in application fields, printing materials, process flows, color effects, and cost and efficiency. Therefore, in the selection of printing technology, users should be based on their own needs and actual conditions for comprehensive consideration and selection. Whether it is DTF printing or sublimation printing, they provide strong support for the development and application of digital printing technology.
