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What is DTF ink?
DTF ink is a water-based pigment ink and one of the consumables of DTF printers. DTF ink is used to print patterns on coated PET film through a DTF printer, and then the patterns are transferred to textiles through powder shaking and high-temperature baking.
DTF ink composition
Composition of DTF Ink
DTF (Direct to Film) ink is a high-quality inkjet printing ink, composed of multiple chemical substances. Its main components are solvents, pigments, additives, and other ingredients. The composition of these elements significantly influences the color, fluidity, adhesion, and various other characteristics of the DTF ink.
Solvents
Acetone:
Characteristics: High volatility and solubility
Function: Quick drying
Toluene:
Characteristics: High volatility and solubility
Function: Increases the concentration of pigment
Ethyl Acetate:
Characteristics: High volatility and solubility
Function: Increases gloss
Pigments
Dye Pigments:
Purpose: Mainly for coloring
Common Types: Methylene blue, azo yellow, azo red
Pigment Pigments:
Purpose: Mainly for black and white color preparation
Common Types: Carbon black, titanium dioxide
Additives
Silicone Oil:
Function: Provides lubrication and reduces nozzle wear
Preservatives:
Function: Prevents microbial contamination and extends the ink’s service life
Surfactants:
Function: Improves ink fluidity and adhesion, reduces foam
Additional Solvents
Butylene Glycol:
Characteristics: Good solubility and volatility
Function: Adjusts ink viscosity
Propylene Glycol:
Characteristics: Good volatility and moisturizing properties
Function: Prevents the ink head from drying
Glycerin:
Characteristics: Excellent moisturizing effect
Function: Prevents the ink head from drying
Other Ingredients
Water:
Purpose: Dilutes the ink and adjusts the ink concentration
pH Adjuster:
Purpose: Adjusts the pH value of the ink, ensuring compatibility with the printer nozzle
Copper Sulfate:
Purpose: Increases the stability and light resistance of dye pigments
Summary
The chemical composition of DTF ink is carefully formulated to achieve optimal performance in terms of color quality, drying time, gloss, and longevity. Each of the solvents, pigments, additives, and other ingredients plays a specific role in attaining these desired characteristics.
Eatures of High Purity and High-Quality DTF Ink
Durable and non-clogging
At room temperature, even if the machine is shut down for 24 hours, DTF ink can still remain liquid and not dry up, preventing the print head from drying out and clogging, extending the printer maintenance cycle and improving overall work efficiency.
Economical Usage
Compared to ordinary ink, DTF ink covers 10-20% more area, making it more economical and cost-efficient.
High Color Reproduction
It has excellent color saturation and restoration capabilities, and can accurately print rich and delicate color levels to achieve a nearly realistic printing effect.
Sharp Edges
The printed pattern has sharp edges, the powder shaking process is clean and neat, and it is not easy to produce glue edges, ensuring the fineness and professional texture of the finished product.
Soft Touch
Made from imported raw materials, the printed patterns are not only bright but also soft to the touch, with enhanced water resistance.
Ink Color
DTF ink comes in five colours, white, black, cyan, magenta (Magenta) and yellow. These colours are often referred to as CMYK plus an extra white, i.e. K (Black), C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow) and W (White). DTF ink is suitable for all kinds of printer printheads, such as Epson DX5/5113/4720/I3200, etc. It has the characteristics of bright colours, high ink concentration, and water washing resistance. Precautions for the use of DTF White Ink hot stamping printing ink include shaking well before use, and it is recommended to add stirring equipment to prevent possible sedimentation that may result from prolonged non-use.
Wide range of fabrics for use
Cotton: maintains a soft feel while maintaining strong patterns and vibrant colors.
Polyester: highly compatible for sportswear and outdoor gear.
Nylon: achieves excellent adhesion even on smooth surfaces.
Treatment of leather: provides unique customization options for fashion accessories and footwear.
Polyester fabrics: wash and wear resistant, suitable for mass-produced apparel projects.
50/50 blends: balance comfort and durability to meet diverse clothing needs.
Light and dark fabrics: whether it is a T-shirt, sweatshirt or complex graphic design, it can present consistent high-quality results on fabrics of various colors.
DTF ink storage environment
DTF ink needs to be placed in a cool place. It must not be placed in direct sunlight or exposed to the sun. It cannot be placed in a place where the temperature is too high or too low, otherwise it will cause the unopened ink to deteriorate. In addition, the shelf life of DTF ink is 12 months when stored in a standard environment.
Conclusion
With its wide applicability and excellent performance, DTF ink is not only limited to textiles, but also expands to luggage, shoes, and even a wide range of non-fabric surfaces such as glass, wood and metal, truly realising the infinite possibilities of creative printing. Choosing DTF ink means embracing a new era of colourful, widely-used and energy-efficient printing.
