NOVI DTF 30
NOVI DTF 60
Here are the machines we represent in Madagascar, Mauritius and Ile de La Reunion. If you are not sure what DTF stands for, please read below.
Compare Screen Printing vs Digital Printing
At UpScreen LTD, we understand that choosing between screen printing and digital printing can be a daunting task. With the advent of digital printing, customers are often confused about which method is best suited for their needs. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both screen printing and digital printing, highlighting the pros and cons of each method, and provide guidance on which printing method may be best for you.
Screen Printing
Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a traditional printing method that involves using a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a surface. It is a popular method for printing designs onto textiles, such as t-shirts and sweatshirts. The process begins by creating a stencil, also known as a screen, for each color that will be printed. The stencil is then placed on top of the material to be printed, and ink is pressed through the stencil using a squeegee, resulting in a vibrant and long-lasting print.
Pros of Screen Printing
- Durability: Screen printed designs are highly durable and can withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking.
- Vibrancy: Screen printing produces vivid and bright colors that are sure to catch the eye.
- Cost-effective: Screen printing is a cost-effective option for bulk orders, as the price per unit decreases with higher quantities.
Cons of Screen Printing
- Limited Colors: Screen printing is limited to a maximum of 10-12 colors per design, making it unsuitable for complex designs or photographs.
- High Setup Costs: Creating the stencil or screen for each color requires a significant upfront cost, making screen printing a less viable option for small orders.
Digital Printing
Digital printing, also known as direct-to-garment printing (DTG), is a newer method that uses specialized inkjet printers to apply designs directly onto textiles. It is a popular option for printing small quantities of t-shirts, as it allows for complex designs and photographs to be printed easily.
Pros of Digital Printing
- Versatility: Digital printing allows for intricate designs and photographs to be printed with ease, making it an excellent option for smaller orders or one-off prints.
- Cost-effective: Digital printing does not require the setup fees associated with screen printing, making it a more cost-effective option for small orders.
- Quick Turnaround Time: Digital printing allows for a fast turnaround time, with designs being printed and ready to ship within a few days.
Cons of Digital Printing
- Durability: Digital prints are less durable than screen prints, as the ink sits on top of the fabric rather than being absorbed into it.
- Color Fidelity: Digital prints may not match the colors of the original design as accurately as screen prints, due to the limitations of the ink and printer.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between screen printing and digital printing ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. Screen printing is an excellent option for larger orders with fewer colors, while digital printing is more suitable for smaller orders or designs with a high level of detail. At UpScreen, we offer both screen printing and digital printing options to ensure that we can meet all of our customers’ needs. Contact us today to learn more about our printing services and get started on your next project.
What does DTF stand for?
DTF is usually defined as direct to film, which is actually not correct, as it should read digital to film. But meanwhile, it’s direct to film colloquial the most understood today.
What is direct to film (DTF) printing
DTF (Digital to Film) is a relatively new way for garment decorators, to personalise T-Shirts, Bags, Caps, etc etc, in a simple way. Where no more knowledge is needed in Screen printing and it has advantages to DTG (Direct to Garment) too. When the film with their design is transferred to the garment, the designs are soft to the touch, very stretchy, colourful, durable and long-lasting.
Why is DTF so interesting?
DTF gives the possibility to produce any number of pieces. From one to hundreds per design. No limitation on colours and can be created by anyone. And low in cost!
Advantages of direct to film DTF printing
Is more cost-effective than traditional methods, but just let’s compare the different types of decorations.
DTF vS Screen Printing & DTG
| DTF | DTG | Screen Printing | |
| Low Investment | YES | NO | NO |
| Reduce the cost of error | YES | NO | NO |
| Details print | HIGH | HIGH | LOW |
| No Pre-treatment needed | YES | NO | YES |
| Prints on a variety of fabrics | YES | NO | YES |
| Needs NO Min Order | YES | YES | NO |
| No Set-up Cost | YES | YES | NO |
| More Environment friendly | YES | YES | NO |
| Easy to learn | YES | YES | NO |
| Unlimited Colours | YES | YES | NO |
| Price change by high volume | NO | NO | YES |
| Less workers needed | YES | YES | NO |
| Fast Production | *YES/NO | NO | YES |
*Depending on what Machine you invest
disadvantages of the dtf process
As with almost everything, there are drawbacks to DTF.
- Shadings, since the hot melt powder acts as a kind of glue, it is almost impossible to have delicate transitions like in screen printing or DTG.
- Printing speed, in order to run a profitable business with it, the printing speed of the machines must be taken into account. In many cases, these specifications for machines are simply wrong.
- Special effects, it’s not possible to even come close to the variety of screen printing. You can already see the first attempts to create glitter films, but it won’t come close to screen printing in the future. But here the future lies more in hybrid printing.
For whom is DTF?
DTF is for all people who would like to enter the Garment decoration without having the extensive knowledge needed for screen printing. For small/medium Screen Printers who would like to have the ability to serve small orders and reduce the cost of space and labour. But even big Screen Printers offer new possibilities to the clients.
