Literally, UV and DTF seem to be components of UV-DTF. But this is not the case, they have different application areas and characteristcs.
Mutually compatible UV and UV-DTF
UV and UVDTF printers can be said to be compatible with each other.
First of all, they are similar. Both UV and UV-DTF printers utilize the same UV curing technology to print. But when the product passes through the printer, special ink is ejected from the print head, and then the ink is instantly cured by an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. The instant curing takes very little time, so there is almost no ink leakage or spread, greatly improving the fineness and reproduction of the image.
Second, they differ. UV printers are limited by the slope of the product surface, so the printing effect may not be satisfactory. However, UV-DTF printers make up for this. First, the UV-DTF printer prints the pattern on the A film, then covers the B film (transfer film) on the A film, and then uses the laminator to laminated the A and B films, and a complete crystal label is ready. You only need to peel off the B film, stick it on the product and press the pattern part, and finally take away the B film, and the transfer process is complete.
UV and UV-DTF printers each have their own strengths, and the crystal label solution can be transferred almost anywhere without product restrictions.
In fact, UV-DTF printers are the evolution of UV printers. UV printers can also implement crystal label solutions, and UV-DTF printers can also print directly on products. It’s just that the application areas they focus on are different.
Twin brothers DTF and UV-DTF
Why are DTF and UV-DTF said to be twin brothers? Because both DTF and UV-DTF printers print on PET film, they require an intermediate machine to complete the transfer.
But twin brothers will always be different. Although they are all printed on PET film, the inks used are different. DTF uses textile pigment ink, UV-DTF uses UV curing ink.
The intermediate machines for transfer printing are different. UV-DTF requires a laminator to combine A and B films, and the transfer process is very simple. DTF requires hot melt powder and a heat press to complete the transfer from film to textile, which is a cumbersome process.
Main fields of application
DTF, UV and UV-DTF printers are like three brothers in a family, each with its own merits.
For UV printer, advertising, furniture, tools, posters, mobile phone cases, leather, glass, metal and other hard materials are all good at.
Mainly in the field of clothing. Almost all textile fabrics such as pure cotton, polyester, nylon, and canvas can be printed.
As for UV-DTF, it has a wide range of applications. Can be attached to almost any material.