1. The process is different
Thermal transfer printing is divided into two parts: transfer film printing and transfer printing processing. Transfer film printing adopts dot printing (resolution up to 300 dpi). The exquisite pattern is transferred to the surface of the product, and the ink layer is integrated with the surface of the product after forming.
DTF printing is made by four-color overprinting, and the color effect can achieve the effect of photos (figures, landscapes, etc.), which is a kind of thermal transfer printing, including spot color heat transfer and offset heat transfer.
2. Different characteristics
Heat transfer printing: The picture is exquisite, and it can be completed by an ordinary hot stamping machine or heat transfer machine. Application of thermal transfer ink, no need for off-color, the pattern is formed at one time, no need for color registration. With C-AW thermal transfer paper, only need to print out, is easy to operate, has exquisite printing work, low production cost.
DTF printing: The pattern is clear and vivid, which can achieve the effect of a photo, and the color is washable and stretchable.
3. Different applications
Thermal transfer printing: applied to leather, textile cloth, plexiglass, metal, plastic, crystal, wood products, coated paper, etc.
DTF printing application range: luggage, handbags, advertising shirts, cultural shirts, children’s clothing, women’s clothing, headbands, aprons, etc.
In summary, the main differences between DTF printing and thermal transfer printing are the process used, the characteristics of the print, and the applications they are commonly used for. DTF printing uses four-color overprinting to achieve high-quality photo-like prints that are washable and stretchable. Thermal transfer printing, on the other hand, uses transfer film and transfer printing processing to create an exquisite pattern that is integrated with the surface of the product. They have different application ranges, with thermal transfer printing being applied to a wide range of materials such as leather, metal, and plastic, while DTF printing is more commonly used for clothing items such as shirts and handbags.
