Upgrade Your DTF Printer: Tips from a Printing Expert
- By Kevin Day
- On Jan 30, 2023
- Comment 0
If you're looking to start your own Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing business, you'll want to make sure you have the right equipment. But with so many printers available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this newsletter, we're bringing you valuable insights from printing expert Kevin, who has seen it all and knows what to look for when buying a DTF printer.
Here are three crucial tips from Kevin that will help you avoid common mistakes and get the best possible results from your DTF printer:
- Make sure your printer has a circulation system.
One of the key components of a good DTF printer is a circulation system for the white ink. Kevin explains that many cheap DTF printers are simply old printers with a metal case added, and the circulation system is not integrated or effective. You want to make sure your white ink is pumped into the printer, not just gravity-fed, otherwise, you'll have problems with your white ink separating and becoming clear.
- Choose the right tube size.
The tube that carries the ink from the container to the print head is another important factor to consider. A tube that is too narrow will cause clogs and result in ink waste, while a tube that is too wide will not provide enough pressure to get the ink to the print head. Kevin recommends a tube that is about this wide to avoid clogs and ensure proper ink flow.
- Use the correct damper.
Finally, the type of damper you use is critical to getting good results from your DTF printer. Kevin explains that there are two types of dampers - positive pressure and negative pressure - and that the white ink should use a negative pressure damper. He also points out that many printers come with the wrong type of damper, which can result in problems with the white ink.
We hope these tips from Kevin help you make the right choice when buying a DTF printer. Don't forget to check out our video to see these tips in action and learn even more about what to look for when buying a DTF printer.