Development of UV/DTF/UV-DTF printers
Traditional printers were no longer able to meet the needs of customers who had different printing requirements, such as rapid processing or printing on surfaces that were abrasive. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional printing, an innovative technique — UV printing — has been developed. UV Printer, developed to satisfy customers’ unsatisfied needs, still has some shortcomings. UV printers will have difficulty printing an object with a sloped surface, for example.
DTF printers were developed to solve the problems caused by UV printers. DTF printers print first on DTF PET film instead of directly printing on an object’s surface, since UV printers can’t print on inclined planes. Your design will transfer to an object after the powdering and heating process is completed, even if the surface of the object is uneven or inclined. DTF printers have primarily been used for textile/leather prints.
Due to differences in the inks and the lack of UV technology, color vibrancy is lower for patterns printed with DTF printers. DTF printers can print on textiles and leather, but the effect is not as good as that of UV printers. The DTF printers were created by those who wanted to achieve the ultimate in printing technology. This printer is able to print on surfaces that UV/DTF printers cannot print. It also prints high-quality patterns with accuracy.
UV Printers and UV DTF Printers: Similarities and differences
Both UV DTF printers and UV printers use ultraviolet heating technology for printing. The substrate is exposed to UV light immediately after passing through the press. This type of ink dries quickly under UV(UV) light. There is almost no ink diffusion or leakage. Both types of printers use UV ink.
UV printers can print directly onto the item’s surface. The printing results of UV printers may not be satisfactory if an object’s surface has a slope. However, UV DTF printers print the logos/patterns/stickers(or we say crystal stickers) on the UV DTF A film first. The patterns from A film are laminated onto B film (transfer film) using a laminator and adhesive. Then, after the above procedure, press the transfer sheet with your fingertips on the object you want to transfer to for a few seconds, and then tear it off. The stickers can be applied to virtually any surface or material, which is a great improvement over UV/DTG printers.
If you use a UV DTF printer to print stickers, you must first print the sticker on the film, and then the laminating step is next. Is there a UV DTF that prints stickers that can be applied directly to the item with just a finger press, without having to complete the laminating process manually? You will find the answer to this question at the end of the article.
The similarities and differences between UV DTF printers and DTF printers
Both UV DTF and DTF printers print first on PET film and require a transfer procedure.
UV DTF printers use a different ink than DTF printers. UV DTF Printers use UV Ink while DTF Printers use DTF Ink.
The tool that is used for transfer differs. UV DTF printing requires laminating as previously mentioned. Then, using your fingers, simply press and tear away the B film.
DTF printers require hot-melt powder adhesive and a heat press to transfer the design onto fabric or other substrates.
DTF printers can also print on leather and textiles with greater professionalism. UV DTF Printers are more adept at printing on other substrates than DTF Printers. The printing quality of UV DTF is not as good as that of DTF printers.
UV DTF printers and UV DTF printers are used for a variety of applications.
UV Printer Applications:
The home decor field includes the customization of tiles, sliding glass doors, wardrobes, and more.
Labels and packaging, posters, signage, bottle printing, and other advertising materials are all part of the advertisement field.
Other customized products include leather printing, phone case printing, glass, and metal, as well as 3D objects.
Application of DTF printers
DTF printing is used primarily for printing on leather and textiles.
Application of UV DTF Printers:
UV DTF Printers have a wider range of applications, almost combining UV and DTF printers.
Compare UV Printers with DTF Printers and UV DTF Printers
Specification
| Printers | UV Printer | DTF Printer (e.g. E30 DTF Transfer Printer) | UV DTF Printer (e.g. 30cm UV DTF Laminating Printer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printing Media | Phone Case Leather/Lithograph Crystal/Acrylic/card CD/U disk/Name plate | Leather /Textile,ETC. | Phone Case Leather/glass/metal Lithograph/Acrylic/plastic/ wood/name plate/Textile,etc. |
| Consumable needed | UV Ink | Hot Melt adhesive powder DTF INK/DTF FILM | UV ink/UV DTF AB FILM/GLUE/VARNISH |
| Printing steps | 1. set the software 2. Place the item on the platform 3.set software and print 4.wait for printing to finish | 1. software processes design 2.Print the design 3.shaker powder 4. Oven Drying 5.Heat press 6.Tear off DTF film | 1.Install uv dtf ab film 2. Upload patterns 3. Press print button 4. Laminating 5.Transferring |
| Ink Needed | UV INK | DTF INK | UV INK |
| Price | About $2299-$2699 | About $2900-$3400 | About $4300-$5800 |
The pros and cons of UV printers, DTF printers and UV DTF printers
UV printers:
Pros:
- In the table, you will see that it is possible to print on many different materials and surfaces.
- Clarity, accuracy and color saturation of the printed material were all improved. Thanks to UV printing, inks are not absorbed and there is less chemical interaction between the substrate and the ink. This allows for different substrates, including recycled materials, to be used.
- It is less harmful to the environment because it emits fewer VOCs.
- Durability, flexibility and scratch resistance have been improved.
- High production efficiency
- The pattern is printed with a tactile quality.
Cons:
- UV ink may cause irritation to the skin. It won’t dry unless it is exposed to UV light.
- Due to its uniqueness, the price of ink is higher.
- The printing quality can be affected by the slope of the surface.
Pros:
- Printing on fabrics of all types is possible.
- No pretreatment required
- Printing with DTG requires fewer steps and is faster.
- Extraordinary light/oxidation/water resistance provides a subtle feel when you touch it.
Cons:
- The color of the printed material is less vivid than sublimation printing.
- The pattern is not smooth and tender.
Pros:
- UV DTF printers are able to print on virtually any surface and material.
- To finish printing, you only need to follow a few simple steps.
- Enhance the efficiency of your work by supporting varnish printing.
- UV printers have other advantages.
Cons:
- Both UV inks and PET films (AB films) are required.
- UV ink should not be used by operators.
- The price is slightly higher as the printer combines two different types of printers.
As we all know, different types of tools and printers have been developed to meet the more demanding requirements of niche markets. This makes printers more professional but also limits their functions. UV DTF Printers are excellent and share many advantages with UV printers. However, UV DTF users cannot escape the laminating process. All have their own shortcomings. We believe that combining the functions of various types of prints is the next big trend in this industry. In a post-pandemic recovery period, customers’ demand will increase. This means that they need more powerful and efficient printing equipment. We are proud to announce our new arrival 2023 1 7-inch 2-in-1 Dual Heads UV DTF Laminating Printer integrates all the benefits of UV/DTF/UVDTF printers, with an added bonus.
1. A3 UV DTF laminating printer — A time-saver
The machine will also complete the laminating process, ensuring excellent printing. Install AB film first. Upload the stickers or patterns. To finish, click the print button on your computer. This saves time by eliminating the need for laminating or heat-pressing. The A3 also comes with dual Epson printer heads, which improve efficiency.
2. It’s also a money-saver
The A3 UV DTF laminating printer has a built-in laminating feature. You don’t need to buy a separate laminator. You can save a lot of money.
3. Patented technology
Our patented white ink circulation technology has also been applied to the A3 UV DTF laminating printer. The white ink circulation works together with an automatic printhead cleaning system. These two techniques greatly reduce the chance of clogging.
4. UV Varnish Printing
The A3 UV DTF Laminating Printer supports UV Varnish printing. This type of printing produces a luxurious and exquisite surface that gives a more vibrant touch. This technology is used widely on packaging, business cards, etc.
Our 2-in-1 dual heads A3 UV DTF laminating printer is a great choice if you are looking for UV DTF Printers. We can also satisfy your requirements if you need DTF/ UV printers/ DTG/ printers.