How DTF Printing Ink Affects Your Setup When Switching from Sublimation

Knowing the gaps between DTF printing ink and sublimation ink matters a lot. This is true when you move from one way to the other. Both ways make good prints. But they need different steps, machine tweaks, and care methods. This full guide looks at the tech sides of changing from sublimation to DTF printing ink. It covers stuff from how the inks are made to machine changes and work flow shifts.

Key Differences Between DTF Printing Ink and Sublimation Ink

The main gaps between these two ink kinds go past their uses. They touch every part of the printing job.

Chemical Composition and Formulation Variations

DTF Ink comes in BK, CY, MG, YL, WT colors. It is made just for DTF Printer. On the other hand, sublimation inks are built in another way for heat start-up. Sublimation printing uses heat and push to turn solid ink into gas. This gas sticks to the stuff for strong prints. DTF inks use water as base. They work with sticky powder. This makes a new transfer way. It does not need the same gas change.

The thickness and drying ways differ a lot too. Sublimation inks flow well. They print 360dpi for 20 meters without stops or gaps. They pass tests for steady heat. But DTF inks are made to fit PET films. They need exact curing steps with powder use.

Compatibility with Different Substrates

DTF handles many fabrics. Sublimation sticks to polyester or its mixes. This basic gap changes how inks are made and how transfers happen. Sublimation printing fits only with mixed or fake fibers and poly-coated stuff. Direct-to-film (DTF) printing works on lots of fabrics. This includes natural ones like cotton and linen.

Heat and Transfer Process Requirements

The transfer ways need different heat and push levels. PET film transfer wants 150°C with 15s time for normal films. Special films like DTF film (Gold) need 165°C with 8s time. Sublimation transfers often ask for higher heat and longer wait times. This helps get right gas change and stuff entry.

Equipment Adjustments When Transitioning to DTF Printing

Shifting from sublimation to DTF printing calls for big machine thoughts and fixes.

Printer Modifications and Ink Delivery Systems

DTF gear costs more. It needs extra care than sublimation gear. The ink send system must get a full clean and reset when changing ink kinds. DTF printing ink flows in its own way. It might need printhead tweaks or swaps of some parts. This stops blocks or bad print looks.

Printers for sublimation usually need full ink system wash before adding DTF inks. The unlike make-ups can cause match problems if old sublimation ink stays in the system.

Required Changes in Heat Press Settings

Heat press levels must fit the exact DTF film in use. Various DTF films want changing transfer heats and times. It goes from 150°C for 15s on standard PET films to 165°C for 8s on special ones like Gold or Glitter types. These levels differ a bunch from normal sublimation transfer needs.

Maintenance Considerations for DTF Inks

DTF inks ask for more often care rules because of their water base. They tend to sit still. Normal printhead clean rounds turn key. White ink paths need special watch as they block easier than color inks. Keep spots must get good care too. This stops ink split or dirt.

Workflow Impacts and Production Considerations

The move to DTF printing ink brings big shifts in daily jobs and making ways.

Changes in Print Preparation and Design Handling

DTF means making patterns by putting water-based ink on transfer film. You add a bottom layer of white ink before printing plans. This many-step job differs from straight sublimation printing. Plan files might need color setup tweaks. This counts for the white ink bottom and unlike color range traits of DTF inks.

The RIP software levels need new setup to handle white ink care. This is not in sublimation ways. Print line handling gets harder due to extra steps in DTF work.

Impact on Color Output and Image Quality

Sublimation cannot print white ink. DTF can. This lets plans show on dark backs. This skill grows plan chances. But it needs new color handling ways. Sublimation inks give wide color range and bright hues. They include big rise in black cover after transfer. DTF inks bring unlike color traits. These might need setup tweaks.

Drying Time and Post-Processing Differences

DTF prints need powder put-on and curing steps that sublimation skips. The drying time changes a lot. The work spot must fit powder shake spots and curing boxes. Plan feel differs too. Sublimation transfers stay soft and bendy. DTF plans can change fabric feel.

Common Challenges When Switching to DTF Printing Ink

Many tech hurdles show up during the shift. They need close watch and fixes.

Clogging Issues and Printhead Maintenance

White DTF ink paths can block easy because of the thick bits needed for cover. Normal clean rounds turn vital. Some workers find they must run clean ways many times a day. The care plan must push harder than usual sublimation jobs.

Differences in Media Handling and Film Usage

DTF films come in many types. This includes one-side and two-side cold tear films with thicknesses from 0.075mm to 0.085mm. Right film care stops static build and makes sure steady feed through the printer. Film keep spots turn key as heat and wet change how they work.

Managing Waste Ink and Environmental Factors

DTF printing makes unlike waste flows. This includes used films, extra powder, and wash water from clean steps. DTF inks use friendly solvents. They are safe and not harmful. But right throw-away rules must still get followed. Air flow needs might shift due to unlike chem sends during the curing step.

Introducing Changfa Digital as a Trusted Supplier

When doing the shift to DTF printing, teaming with skilled sellers turns vital for good results.

Comprehensive Product Range

Changfa Digital are the sublimation paper manufacturer and digital printing service. It’s the factory for sublimation papers, from base paper to make coating and slitting. The company gives full fixes for both sublimation and DTF printing wants. We offer all kinds of sublimation paper manufacturer and digital printing service. This helps firms through their shift between printing ways.

Commitment to Quality, Innovation, and Customer Support

Changfa Digital are the professional sublimation paper manufacturer. They supply the digital printing service for 15+ years. The company keeps 4 coating lines, 4 slitting workshops, 10 slitting machines for 2 and 3 core of the packing rolls. Their promise to quality shows in their new making skills. This includes 1 set of the most advanced coating line for sublimation paper production daily from Germany.

Serving Global Markets with Reliable Solutions for Digital Printing

The total production value are 3000 Tons per month. We will export 120 Containers to all of the worlds per month. This world reach makes sure steady supply and help for firms shifting to DTF printing ink. We provide 24-hour service. You can contact us in time if you have any questions. This gives key help during the tech shift time.

Shifting from sublimation to DTF printing ink means a big change in making style, machine wants, and work flow handling. Good results need careful plans, right machine tweaks, and steady seller teams. The top way hangs on your money, stuff picks, and strong needs. With right ready and grasp of the tech gaps, firms can grow their skills well. They can serve wider spots through DTF printing tech.

Conclusion

In the end, shifting from sublimation to DTF printing ink means handling main gaps in how inks are made, stuff match, and machine wants. By grasping these unlike parts and doing needed tweaks to printers, heat press levels, and work flows, firms can get top DTF prints. Teaming with trusted sellers like Changfa Digital makes sure access to steady goods and help. This lets a smooth change to DTF printing. It grows art and market chances.

FAQs

Q1: What happens if I use sublimation ink in a DTF printer?

A: Putting sublimation ink in a DTF printer will not work well. This is because the chem makes do not match. Sublimation inks need polyester bases and high-heat gas change. DTF systems want water-based inks made to work with sticky powders on PET films. The end would be bad stick, wrong colors, and maybe harm to your printing gear.

Q2: Do I need a new printer when switching from sublimation to DTF printing?

A: Not always. But big fixes are needed. Many wide printers can change for DTF use. Yet you will need to wash the ink system fully. You might swap printheads. Add white ink skills. And reset the whole system. The change job can be hard. It might end warranties. So talking with gear experts is a good idea.

Q3: How do I maintain my printer when using DTF ink?

A: DTF ink care needs more often watch than sublimation inks. Do daily printhead clean rounds. This is key for white ink paths which block fast. Run weekly deep clean ways. Keep steady room heat and wet. And never let the printer sit still for long times without running care rounds. Keep inks right and shake white ink often to stop sitting.