Comparing DTF Printers to Traditional Screen Printing

DTF vs. Traditional Screen Printing

Screen printing has been around for decades now. However, newer DTF technology is gaining momentum in terms of better functionality, flexibility, and, most importantly, affordability.

If you are into the printing business, it is crucial for you to decide whether DTF or screen printing will prove feasible and profitable for your business. So, let us dive right in and find out what sets DTF apart and ahead of conventional screen printing.

DTF Printer and Its Workings

DTF Printers, also known as Direct to Film printers, operate using heat pressing mechanisms to transfer the print from its PET films to the fabric or any other substrate. The best part is that the DTF printer can cater to fabrics and surfaces of almost all types, including 50/50 blends, polyester, nylon, leather cotton.

Whether you wish to use dark garments or white garments, DTF printers will work equally well with both. This saves you a decent amount on pre-production preparations, such as the expensive price tag of you having to press on A + B paper. This is one of the most common costly processes in most conventional white toner printers.

Screen Printing and its Workings

Screen printing is one of the most popular tried-and-tested printing techniques. This classic printing method operates by pushing the ink on the fabric using via a woven mesh stencil. However, this method is only cost-effective for companies producing larger batches. If you are a small business, it is best to choose DTF over this one.

Where it Lacks?

The screen printing method becomes cost-effective with larger prints orders. The more the number of prints you need, the cheaper this method will cost. Screen printing can produce over 1000 garments per hour. However, the cost of preparing the fabric and the high margin or errors makes it a high-risk printing method.

Screen printing comes with an additional drawback that is the high saturation of colors. This means you will have to spend a lot of money on printing ink. Plus, any incident can damage the fabric as the printing creates a layer on the fabric material.

While you can print simpler designs with screen printing, it limits your potential to grow or accept more contemporary high-paying orders. The setting up process for each printing project can consume a lot of time and energy. Some projects can actually take a couple of days before you can start printing.

You can only accept bulk orders. A one of print with less than 100 prints is not feasible for you. This is because the setup, ink, and labor cost will surpass the money you will make from smaller orders. Therefore, you will be literally paying out of your own pocket.

With screen printing, you can only use up to 8 colors. Additionally, this technique has to look for the closest Pantone matches. Therefore, every batch of mixed colors may cause a slight variation in design. You can only print one design per batch, and there is a substantial upfront amount of investment involved.

Therefore, if you are a startup or existing business that wants to offers a wide variety of designs and colorful patterns, screen printing is the most unsustainable printing method.

DTF vs. Traditional Screen Printing

DTF printers offer a perfect and profitable combination of unmatched quality, reliability, and high productivity rate. As a printing business, you will be able to handle large volume orders. This is a key factor for growth and creating brand awareness.

Talking about DTF vs. traditional screen printing, most businesses are now choosing the latter as their preferred choice. . This is because you will be able to afford the large orders due to no need for pre-treatment.

However, if you wish to produce flawless quality, it would be best for you to use DTF sheets and DTF powders. Other material required includes DTF ink as well as print transfer film, also known as PET film.

The high sustainability is another significant benefit of using DTF printing instead of traditional screen printing. There plays a vital role in today’s printing industry because the majority of the work comes from the fashion industry that is continuously evolving and focusing on sustainability.

If you want to offer an affordable and top-notch printing service, DTF printers are the most feasible investment you will ever make. This will also establish your images as a reputable printing company with unmatched prints when it comes to high-quality prints and flawless delivery times.

Other Benefits DTF Printers over Screen Printing

Here are some other benefits that will help you compare DTF printers vs. Traditional screen printing.

• DTF printers are the best solution if you wish to accept orders of small batches and even a one-off piece. This can be any order of 100 pieces or less.
• The designs are easily customizable. Plus, you can add maximum details in a design to reach desired results.
• It offers extensive options when it comes to color, whereas screen printing can only work with a limited number of colors.
• Consistency in the tone due to automatic color mixing and the range of pantones available. Screen printing mixes colors that may vary every time, leading to inconsistent contrast over different batches.
• DTF printer will create an image that is the accurate representation of the artist’s original color requirements.
• You can create unique designs in a single batch if you want to.
• DTF printing will never compromise your design while working with multiple color options. This way, you can be a business that offers printing services specializing in heavily color designs. DTF printers can also handle illustrated gradients, designs, and even photography. Therefore, it will expand your portfolio.
• DTF printing requires minimal upfront monetary investment.
• Most of the DTF printers do not have any limitations on minimum orders for printing. Therefore, you do not have to turn down any orders or worry about maintaining stocks. You can print the orders on demand.

Conclusion

Whether you are a printing business or a startup looking to grow your business, the above-mentioned pointers clearly state that DTF printing is a better option when comparing DTF vs. Traditional screen printing.