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Are you uncertain on whether you should be opting for direct to film or direct to garment printing? Fret no more, as Folker Stachetzki, head of marketing at Brother, weighs in on the pros and cons of both printing processes.
The textile industry has developed rapidly in recent years, particularly in the field of textile printing.
The direct to garment and direct to film processes open up innovative possibilities for printing customised designs on workwear and outdoor wear. Both methods offer unique advantages and are particularly suitable for use in demanding environments. This article explains their advantages and disadvantages as well as their areas of application in the field of workwear and outdoor clothing.
The pros and cons of DTG
DTG is particularly well suited to workwear and outdoor clothing that needs to be custom printed. For example, work shirts, T shirts, polo shirts or jackets for teams or specialised groups can be personalised quickly and cost-effectively.
The advantages of DTG printing are the high print quality with detailed designs and that it is very suitable for all kinds of print runs and individualised prints. DTG printing is a very environmentally friendly process due to its lower material consumption – a fact that is increasingly important for end customers and therefore also producers.
One disadvantage of the DTG method, however, is that it is primarily suitable for natural fibres up to a blend of 50% synthetic fibres (polyester etc.).
The pros and cons of DTF
DTF is especially suitable for outdoor clothing as it can be used on almost all types of fabric. Functional clothing, which is mostly made of synthetic materials, can also be printed using this method. DTF additionally offers an advantage in terms of durability. The prints are weatherproof and resistant to abrasion, making them ideal for use in demanding environments. This robustness is particularly important for workwear that is subject to heavy wear and tear, such as protective clothing.
The advantages are definitely the versatility of use on different types of materials (especially synthetic fabrics) and the durability and resistance to weathering and abrasion.
The disadvantages are the stiff hand feel and that the clothing’s functions, like air permeability, are blocked where the DTG sticks on. Also, the environmental aspect, as a lot of plastic is used in DTF printing, has to be considered.
Both printing processes have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between DTG and DTF depends on the specific requirements of the application in question. DTG is great for all kind of print runs – from medium to long runs and with its detailed designs on cotton fabrics, making it ideal for personalised workwear. However, when it comes to printing on different fabrics, especially synthetic materials, DTF offers clear advantages.
Which printing process should you choose?
In the workwear sector, both methods are useful, depending on the type of garment and the desired longevity. For lighter workwear worn in offices or less stressful environments, DTG is often the first choice. DTF, on the other hand, is used for more robust and particularly water-repellent workwear, for example in the construction industry or in the trades, where clothing is subject to greater wear and tear.
DTF is particularly suitable for outdoor wear due to its weather and abrasion resistance. Outdoor clothing is often made of synthetic materials such as polyester, which are difficult to print with DTG. DTF offers an excellent solution for printing functional clothing that has to withstand the elements.
Both DTG and DTF are cutting-edge printing techniques that are suitable for various workwear and outdoor wear applications. While DTG impresses with its attention to detail and suitability for cotton fabrics, DTF impresses with its versatility and durability on different fabrics.
The choice of the right printing technology ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the clothing in question and the desired functionality. In order to fulfil all demands, you should ideally be able to offer both printing technologies in your production.
