With the gradual maturity of dtf printing technology, there are more and more printers on the market, ranging from desktop dtf printers to industrial large format dtf printers. DTF ink is one of the essential consumables for dtf printing, so how to choose the ink suitable for your machine?
What is dtf ink？
DTF ink is an ink used in direct film (DTF) printing technology. DTF printing is a relatively new method for high-quality, full-color printing on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester and blends. In dtf printing, the pattern is printed directly on a special film, which is then transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure.
DTF inks are specially made up to work with the dtf printing process. It is a pigment-based ink designed to provide bright, vibrant color that is fade-resistant and long-lasting. Available in a variety of colors, dtf inks produce high-quality prints on light and dark fabrics.
DTF inks have very wide compatibility with different textile types. It has a big market in the clothing market.
Characteristics of dtf ink:
1. Washable: Printing has strong washable.
2. Flexible: The pattern can be stretched without cracking.
3. Unlimited fabrics: almost all kinds of fabrics can be printed, dark or light.
4. Compatibility: Compatible with any printer that supports DTF.
5. Support: Suitable for most DTF membranes.
6. Color scheme: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black and White (CMYKW).
7. DTF ink dries quickly and is smudge-resistant, perfect for professional printing jobs.
Selection of high-quality DTF ink:
1. The acidity and alkalinity of Direct to film printer ink. For example, some metal parts of PET film dtf printers will be corroded when in contact with dtf printing consumables. We therefore recommend that you use pH-neutral printer inks.
2. Observe the fluidity of DTF ink. Buy some trial dtf ink and put it in the air, observe whether there are serious particle problems for a month, and then you can identify its fluidity.
3. Pay attention to the surface tension of DTF ink. The better the fluidity of the ink, the smaller the tension of the dtf ink, and the finer the printed graphic lines.
4. Pay attention to the preservation of dtf ink. The indoor temperature and humidity of the printing environment should be strictly controlled. The minimum indoor temperature should not be lower than 18°C. For users in subtropical regions, after the temperature rises, the indoor humidity should be controlled. If the humidity is too high, the pattern printed by dtf will not be easy to dry, and the material will be easily damp, which will affect the printing accuracy and the post-processing of the pattern.
How to choose dtf ink, we suggest you choose original ink:
1. The original ink is generally tested by the manufacturer for a long time, the performance is relatively stable, and the printing effect can be guaranteed.
2. The original ink has good compatibility with the nozzles of large dtf digital machines, and it is not easy to block and damage the nozzles, ensuring that the dtf digital machines can maintain the best working condition anytime and anywhere.
3. The printing quality of the original ink is higher, the color expression is strong, the picture is delicate, and the definition is high.
4. With the continuous innovation of dtf printing technology, the cost of original ink has been continuously reduced, and the price has become more and more affordable.
Precautions for installing original ink:
1. To add ink to the ink cartridge, please add ink according to the color identification.
2. A funnel can be used to assist when adding ink to prevent ink from overflowing.
3. If you are changing to different inks, be sure to clean the relevant ink cartridges and ink paths, so as to avoid impurities from mixing different inks and clogging the nozzles of the dtf shirt printer.
How to evaluate dtf ink?
1. Fluency of white ink. We can print 10 square meters with 100% ink drops, and the number of broken needles is less than 5 times.
2. Fluency in CMYK and other colors.
3. When the printer stops working, how long can it keep without cleaning the ink printed by all nozzle holes? It takes more than 0.5 hours.
4. How about 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% white ink coverage? If the white ink has strong covering power, it is good, and if the covering power is weak, it is not good.
5. Will the white ink be a little blue or yellow? The normal color of white ink is pure white.
6. How flexible is the white ink? The more flexible ink is the better.
7. Is the white grainy?
8. Compatibility of white ink and film: it is good if white ink can adapt to more kinds of films; it is not good if it can only adapt to several kinds of PET films.
10. Compatibility of CMYK ink and film.
11. If the white ink flows or has water on the film, it is not a good white ink, or it is not compatible with white and other colors.
12. Printing environment temperature and humidity range. The bigger the better. Normal working temperature: 20-30℃, working humidity: 40-60%.
13. What is the color of the picture? Is it on Is the color gamut wide? Are the colors real colors?
14. Can the color blocks of each color be pure, clean and true? If there is any ripple. Means the ink is not compatible with the film. Or the printer waveform doesn't match the ink.
15. Does the printed picture have oil stains on the surface after a few days? If there is a lot of oil in the ink, or the inside of the ink layer is not dry. Can adjust the baker equipment to avoid this.
TEXTEK's business covers many countries around the world, including emerging markets and mature markets. We have a complete sales system and are committed to using our professional knowledge and first-class service to help customers improve their digital printing business.
