The need for immediate transfer after printing on DTF film involves a few factors, and it’s not always a strict “immediate” requirement. Here’s a breakdown:
Factors Influencing Transfer Timing
- Powder Application and Curing
- The most critical step immediately after printing is the application of DTF powder. This must be done while the ink is still wet.
- After powdering, the powder needs to be cured (melted). This curing process stabilizes the print.
- Once the powder is properly cured, the transfer is relatively stable.
- Storage Conditions
- Cured DTF transfers can be stored for a period of time before being heat-pressed onto garments.
- However, proper storage is essential. Factors like humidity and temperature can affect the quality of the transfer.
- Production Workflow
- In high-volume production, the workflow might involve printing, powdering, curing, and then transferring in batches. In this scenario, transfers won’t be immediately applied.
- For smaller, on-demand jobs, the transfer might be applied shortly after curing.
- Film type
- The type of film, and how it reacts to it’s environment can also affect the timing of the transfer.
Key Points
- The crucial immediate step is powdering the wet ink.
- Curing the powder stabilizes the transfer.
- Cured transfers can be stored, but proper storage is necessary.
- Production workflow influences transfer timing.
In essence
- While you don’t necessarily need to transfer the print to a garment the instant it comes off the printer, you do need to immediately powder it, and then cure the powder. After the curing process, there is more flexibility in the timing of the final heat press to the garment.
