DTF (direct-to-film) printing is a relatively new technology that is revolutionizing the textile customization and graphic design industry. As the name suggests, DTF printing allows you to print directly onto transfer paper that then be heat-pressed onto fabrics like cotton, polyester, blended fabrics, leather, and more. It eliminates the need for screen printing and allows for on-demand, full-color printing that rivals screen print quality. The benefit of DTF printing is the ability to print per meter rather than per garment. Printing per meter boosts print durability and quality in several key ways.

With traditional DTF printing, the image is printed onto an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of transfer paper, also known as a transfer. It allows you to print one design at a time. With DTF per meter printing, the image is printed directly onto a roll of transfer material. Using it, you to produce hundreds of feet of customized prints in one session. The per-meter rolls are loaded directly into the printer, so you don’t have to stop to load individual sheets. It enables faster printing, higher productivity, and lower costs. It also leads to higher print durability and quality since the printer calibrates for a full roll rather than individual sheets.

Higher print quality and consistency

When printing per meter, the printer calibrates for a full roll of transfer material rather than individual sheets. It leads to consistent print quality from start to finish without fluctuations that can occur with sheet-fed printing. The printer is also able to reach an optimal print temperature and speed when printing a full roll. This further improves print quality and reduces issues like banding. Overall, you get professional, production-level print quality printing per meter.

Improved print durability

DTF per meter printing creates a more durable print than sheet-fed DTF printing. The continuous material feed leads to precise calibration of print head height. It also maintains a constant temperature across the full print area. This optimal print head pressure and temperature bake the ink into the transfer material more evenly. The ink better penetrates the transfer film for a print that is less likely to crack or fade when transferred to the garment.

Wider print options

DTF per meter printing opens up wider print options compared to sheet-fed printing. With rolls, you print a continuous design up to the maximum print width of your printer. This allows for things like full repeating prints for yardages of fabric. You also print multiple images in sequence along the roll. This allows efficient printing of items like sports jerseys that require front and back designs. It unlocks wider and more versatile print options.

Lower costs

The increased efficiency and productivity enabled by transfer DTF printing leads to lower costs. You save time and money by minimizing media reloading. You also get more sellable prints from each hour of production using a roll printer. In high-volume production, DTF per meter printing provides the lowest cost per print. The savings add up, enabling highly competitive pricing for custom prints. In a customer-driven era, DTF rolls make on-demand customization much more profitable.