Choose DTF or DTG?

At the end of 2019, a new process of T-shirt digital printing became popular rapidly. The technical term in the industry: digital film transfer printing, commonly known as DTF. It has an impact on the original digital white ink direct printing of ready-made garments in the market. We will compare the two printings for your reference when choosing:

1. Color

Both processes are digital printing, which is similar in color richness, but the process is different.

DTG

DTG directly prints white ink on the fabric, then prints color ink on the white ink, and it directly prints white ink on the clothing fabric. Part of it will be absorbed by the fabric, and most of the fiber surface of the fabric is uneven, so the white ink we see is like It is not so white, and the color printed on the white ink does not seem to be so bright.

DTF

DTF is to print color ink onto the transfer film, then print white ink onto the color ink, and after the white ink is sprinkled with glue powder, it is turned the other way round ironed onto the clothes. DTF ink is directly printed on the film, in fact, it is printed on the coating of the film. The coating will not absorb any ink, and it can ensure that the ink does not spread. The white ink is printed on the color ink, and then sprinkled with glue powder, to ensure vivid colors.

Carefully observe the red part of the tongue, DTF is brighter than DTG.

Summary: DTF color is better than DTG.

2. Fastness

We often talk about three types of clothing fastness: dry rubbing fastness, wet rubbing fastness, and washing fastness.
1) Dry Rubbing Fastness

The dry rubbing fastness of DTF is generally 4-4.5, and DTG is generally above level 4. DTF is better, but they can all meet the requirements.

2) Wet Rubbing Fastness

The wet rubbing fastness of DTF is generally up to level 4, and DTG is generally 2-2.5 level, DTF is much better.

3) Washing fastness

The washing fastness of DTF generally reaches level 4, DTG generally reaches level 3-4, DTF is much better.

This is the original sample after the test. Most of the DTF wet wipes are above 4. DTG is around 3.

Summary: The fastness of DTF is better than that of DTG.

3. Product suitability

In principle, paint ink is suitable for any clothing fabric, and the paint particles are glued to the clothing fabric by adhesive, but in actual application, it is different.

DTF process

The DTF process is suitable for all fabrics.

DTG process

In principle, paint ink is suitable for any fabric, but the DTG process does not perform well on some fabrics, such as pure polyester fabrics or fabrics with low cotton content, which do not perform well in terms of fastness.

Summary: The DTF process is adapted to more fabrics and processes.

4. Cost

Cost consists of two parts: material cost and production cost.

1) Material costs

DTF ink has relatively low requirements for ink because it is printed on film. The film transfer printing market is developing rapidly and the competition is fierce. At present, the price of DTF ink is far lower than that of DTG ink.

In the DTG production process, the fabric needs to be pre-treated, and the cost of the pre-treatment material is relatively high, and the cost of the pre-treatment is much higher than the cost of the film.

2) Cost of production

The cost of production is directly related to production efficiency, and the complexity of the process will affect the efficiency.

    DTF production process

    Film Printing ➡ Cutting ➡ Heat Press Transfer

    DTG Production Process

    Spray treatment liquid ➡ drying (pressing) ➡ printing ➡ drying ➡ drying (pressing) to fix color

When printing the same pattern, the DTG process and the DTF process take basically the same time, but besides printing, DTG requires two more processes than DTF, and from the perspective of time, it takes almost double the time, so the production efficiency is doubled.

In the printing process, there is not much difference between the two processes, but in addition to printing, the DTF process is simple, the efficiency is high, and the corresponding labor cost is low.

Summary: The material and labor costs of DTF are lower than those of DTG.

5. Environmental protection

DTF and DTG will not have any impact on the environment during the production process, and are both environmentally friendly production processes.

DTG

DTG printing produces almost no waste, and the printing ink hardly contains any toxic substances.

DTF

The production process of DTF will produce waste film, but the film can be recycled and reused, and the production process will not produce waste ink.

 
Summary: Both DTF and DTG have no pollution to the environment.

6. Product comfort

The below picture on the left is DTG effect, the right is DTF effect (the top picture with more colors is the front). We look at the bright part from the back. The DTG part has even light coming through it. The DTF part is all black, without any light. If we blow air on the cloth with our mouth, we will find that the DTG is breathable, and the DTF is airtight. For summer clothes, the air permeability is good and the comfort is good.

Summary: DTG has good air permeability, so the wearing comfort is better than that of DTF.

7. Comparison of market prospects

Summary: According to the above analysis, 6 indicators and 5 indicators of DTF is superior, but in the most critical index, wearing comfort is lagging behind. Therefore, although DTG is at a disadvantage, it cannot be eliminated. The DTF process has obvious advantages and good market prospects, but it cannot be dominated by one family.