Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1491554
1 2 G R A P H I C S P R O • M A R C H 2 0 2 3 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M A P P A R E L D E C O R A T I N G 1 2 G R A P H I C S P R O • M A R C H 2 0 2 3 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M There is also DTF printing software, which is used to manage the machine and help ensure that the final print is opti- mized to get the best result. One thing that DTF printing requires that other printing techniques may not is hot melt adhesive powder. is is used as an adhesive to bind the color to the fabric. ere are different grades of this powder, which are measured in microns. You will need to have the proper powder ba sed on the requirements of your setup and designs. Another need will be some way to get the powder on the gar- ment accurately and evenly and to remove excess pow- der. Commercial DTF setups may use an automatic pow- der shaker. is applies the powder evenly and provides a way to remove any excess. In order to use the film and adhesive powder, you need to have ink with which to print. DTF printing ink comes in CMY K and white options. The white ink is generally used as a base layer, with the colors printed on top of it in the appropriate places. e ink is printed on the film, and then the adhesive pow- der is added, which sets the ink into the print. Heat is added to melt the powder. You can use a curing oven or a heat press, the top of which would not be closed or locked. Generally, you would leave a four to seven mm gap between the top of the press and the face of the print. e melted powder becomes an adhesive, and this is what allows the print to stick to the garment. e melted powder essentially acts as a binder and melds the fibers of the garment of choice with the pigments. DTF can potentially be a major profit center for a business, but, as with all deco- ration techniques, there are a few pros and cons to consider. One major pro is that this process uses white ink, which makes (Image courtesy of Equipment Zone) (Images courtesy of Equipment Zone)