![]() ![]() The Sober Evaluator: DTF is an emergent technology, probably great in the right hands, but still not quite ready for prime-time in a busy shop.So it makes sense that everyone would be interested and the manufacturers would want to sell it. The Excited Optimist: DTF is really exciting technology that enables on-demand, one-off custom garments and is finally available at a reasonable price.heat transfers breaks down into three distinct camps: There’s a robust market for heat presses and HTV that’s grown significantly.īut the outlook for DTF printing vs. Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) has been sold for decades by print shops doing custom apparel. Heat transfers, by comparison, are a time-tested technology. You might assume we’re on the cusp of a revolution in the custom printing industry. Eco-solvent inks are fade-resistant, waterproof and resistant to wear, but only for about two to three years.DTF printing was everywhere at 2022’s Impressions Expo show at Long Beach. The durability is also not as good as a solvent ink. As a result, in comparison to solvent inks, these inks are less toxic and are even usable in office environments as long as there is adequate (yet minimal) ventilation. Eco-solvent inks were developed in response to the demand for more user-friendly inks than the original “strong” or “aggressive” solvent inks. However, the solvent solution in eco-solvent ink comes from ether extracts taken from refined mineral oil. The process of eco-solvent printing also involves mixing pigment and a solvent together to create a liquid ink. Overall, in comparison to eco-solvent ink, solvent inks are relatively low cost and very effective. Letting a solvent printer sit around for a few days without maintenance is not ideal, and will likely result in the printer needing a new print head. Regular maintenance and cleaning are mandatory to keep a solvent ink printer running well. In this case, a print head (the “nozzles” or the part of the printer that disperses the ink) using solvent ink can easily be clogged. ![]() Additionally, it does not take much heat for the solvent to evaporate, meaning the ink dries relatively fast. ![]() Please note that solvents for printing are extremely toxic, therefore strict and adequate ventilation is absolutely necessary when using these inks. That being said, it is excellent for maintaining long-term durability. Solvent ink has the advantage of typically being fade-resistant, waterproof and resistant to wear for 5 years or more. Solvent ink can print on many different uncoated materials. The heat of the printer evaporates the solvent solution, leaving behind a hard layer of pigment that forms the desired design. Specifically, the solvent refers to the oil-based solution that holds the pigment. The process of solvent printing involves mixing pigment and a solvent together to create a liquid ink. How do these printers work? Here, we break down the differences between solvent, eco-solvent and latex inks. Also, nearly all of them are compatible with HP latex printers. All of our printable vinyls are compatible with solvent and eco-solvent printers. If you’re looking to expand your business, the use of printable vinyl can be very helpful. Printable vinyl allows for the creation of multi-colored designs that are too complex to create with your regular HTV. ![]()
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