Impressions - May/June 2022 - 16

There are more than 300 types of powder adhesives - including the
variety that can be used at temperatures as low as 225˚F - that are
used in a broad range of applications.
Thanks to an upgrade to the
ColorGATE RIP software,
RICOH Ri 1000 and Ri 2000
DTG printers now have DTFprinting
capabilities.
and Printomize America are examples of suppliers offering equipment
packages, many of which include a printer, PET film, software
and adhesive powder shaker. Garment Printer offers its CobraFlex
line of DTF machines that require no powder, a new alternative to
PET transfer film.
Suppliers also have upped the ante with the inks offered for the
DTF process. For example, NuSign Supply offers a film-to-garment
(FTG) printing solution featuring fluorescent ink. The process incorporates
specialized film and an FTG fixation-fuser unit that applies
powder adhesive evenly onto the printed film. The adhesive is then
melted and the design is applied with a heat press.
Kodak launched its KODACOLOR DTF ink system (although it
uses the term film-to-fabric, or FTF). It can be used with most modified
inkjet printers, according to the company, and is comprised of three
components: KODACOLOR powder, KODACOLOR film and ink
that's specially designed for the DTF application. What's more, decorators
with DTG printers can use KODACOLOR DTG inks with
KODACOLOR film and powder to achieve the DTF application.
It also only took a relatively short time for manufacturers to bring
innovation to the development of films that the DTF process requires.
For example, Coveme now offers its Kemafoil KTR heat-transfer
release films, which are polyester based and specifically designed for
screen printing, digital printing, DTF printing and casting systems.
Kemafoil features special surface receptivity, transparency, humidity
resistance, and antistatic and anti-blocking properties, according to
the company.
DTF technology is considered ideal for businesses that want to
take advantage of the e-commerce trend permeating the industry.
Because decorators can produce transfers that can be stocked or
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IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM MAY/JUNE 2022
printed in any quantity, customized items can be offered quickly and
easily - and at a profitable price. As such, suppliers have begun offering
ways to integrate DTF technology and e-commerce into one
cohesive environment.
This past January, ColDesi announced a partnership with e-commerce
ecosystem Merchadise to offer an integrated e-commerce order-
and workflow-management solution to decorators who own
Digital Heat FX DTF printers, which are offered by ColDesi. Here's
how it works: Merchadise directly integrates the e-commerce front
end and the workflow that comprises the back end, including the
sourcing of blank garments, inventory management and fulfillment
of e-commerce customer orders, according to ColDesi. The total
solution will be available later this year.
Other innovations in the way of DTF equipment and supplies
include DTF printers with more print heads - ColDesi recently
released the DigitalHeat FX DTF-24H4 high-volume DTF printer
with four print heads, printing at 145-155 linear feet of full-color
film - and custom DTF heat transfers that arrive ready to apply,
no printing needed. Stahls' offers UltraColor MAX DTF heat transfers,
which enable highly detailed designs, including floating text,
according to the company. They can be heat-applied at 290˚F and
peeled hot for efficient, speedy production to enable the flexibility
of on-demand customization.
What's truly impressive is how quickly industry suppliers have not
only adopted this technology, but also made investments in improving
it to ensure it meets apparel decorators' needs. One thing is for
certain: As the technology continues to develop, it will be exciting
to see how businesses of all sizes can use it to increase their product
offerings while also strengthening sales. 
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