What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?”
What is DTF Printing?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is a digital method. It prints designs onto special transfer film. The printer uses water-based pigment ink and hot melt adhesive powder.Heat press moves the sticker from the film to the material. The steps are easy: print, apply powder, heat, and press.
How DTF Printing Works
Printing: Print the image onto a transparent film.
Powder Application: Apply adhesive powder to the printed design.
Heat Treatment: Bond the powder to the ink with heat.
Heat Transfer: Use a heat press machine to transfer the patterns to fabric or other need materials.
UV DTF printing use UV inks. It is prints directly on hard surfaces: glass, metal, ceramic, wood, or plastic.
Differences UV DTF and DTF Printers
Consumables: UV DTF printers use AB film and UV ink. DTF printers use DTF ink, hot melt powder, and transfer film.
Curing Method: DTF printers use hot melt powder and oven heating. UV DTF printers uses UV lamps to cure the ink fast.
Materials: UV DTF prints on hard surfaces. Standard DTF prints on soft surfaces like textiles.
Key Advantages and Limitations
UV DTF Printers
Can print directly or transfer to surfaces.
Offer multiple printing options.
Disadvantage: slower printing speed.
DTF Printers
Produce high-quality prints on fabrics.
Disadvantage: not ideal for high-volume production.
Choosing the Right Printer
We recommend the right solution based on your product type and printing needs. Hard materials work best with UV DTF. Soft materials work best with DTF printers.
If you want an affordable entry point for what is DTF printing, consider the cheapest DTF printer. These printers offer an affordable way to start printing on fabrics. They deliver good quality without high costs.
The main difference between UV DTF and DTF is the material. Pick the printer that fits your products and printing needs.
