There are many different types of printers on the market today. If you are looking for a new printer for your business, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we will discuss the difference between DTF printers and sublimation printers. We will also give you a brief overview of each type of printer so that you can decide which one is best for your needs.
What is the Difference between DTF Printer and a Sublimation printer?
About DTF Printers:
DTF Printer is a direct-to-film printer. This type of printer uses an inkjet printing process to print directly onto the film. The main features of this type of printer are high print quality and speed. DTF printers are ideal for businesses that need to print high-quality images or graphics. DTF printers are also perfect for printing photos because they can print directly onto the film without any additional support.
About Sublimation Printers:
Sublimation printers use a transfer process to print onto the substrate. This type of printer uses a heat transfer process to sublimate the ink onto the substrate. Sublimation printers are perfect for businesses that need to print high-quality images or graphics. Sublimation printers are also great for printing photos because they can transfer the ink onto the substrate without any additional support.
–Sublimation Printers are incredible in that the colors will never fade. They are also great for t-shirts, mugs, and other items where you want the design to be permanent.
Similarities:
-Both direct to film and sublimation printers use an inkjet printing process.
-Both types of printers are perfect for businesses that need to print high-quality images or graphics.
-Both types of printers are great for printing photos.
Differences:
Different processes:
–Direct to film printing is divided two into two different parts. There is transfer film printing, which includes the creation of the design and the printing process itself. The second part is the transfer processing, which involves the heating and cooling of the film.
-Sublimation printing uses a transfer process to print onto the substrate. This type of printer uses a heat transfer process to sublimate the ink onto the substrate.
Different substrates:
-Direct to film printers can print on any type of substrate, including paper, cardboard, and even fabric.
-Sublimation printers can only print on certain substrates, such as polyester or polymer-coated substrates.
Different features:
-Sublimation transfer: The pictures are transferred to the substrate by heating the transfer paper. This makes the colors more vibrant and permanent.
-Dye sublimation inks: These inks are designed to be used with specific types of substrates. They can produce high-quality prints on fabric, paper, and even glass.
-Film transfer: This type of transfer is perfect for businesses that need to print high-quality images or graphics.
-Permanent prints: Sublimation printers can produce permanent prints that will never fade.
-High print quality: Both types of printers can produce high-quality prints. However, sublimation printers can produce prints with more vibrant colors.
-The washing fastness is different: The colors of the sublimation transfer are less likely to fade when washed. The difference between the two is that the dye sublimation inks are designed to be used with specific types of substrates.
-The feel after hot stamping is different: The feel of the sublimation transfer is more like plastic. The feel of the film transfer is more like paper. Sublimation paper is also thinner than film transfer paper.
-The cutting is different: The sublimation transfer can be cut with a die cutter. The film transfer paper needs to be cut by hand.
-The registration is different: The sublimation transfer does not need to be registered. The film transfer paper needs to be registered.
When should one consider a DTF Printer or a Sublimation printer?
Several factors need to be considered when deciding which type of printer to use. They include;
-Substrate that will be used:
If the substrate is not compatible with sublimation inks, then a DTF printer should be used. If the substrate is compatible with sublimation inks, then a sublimation printer should be used.
-The design:
If the design is simple and does not require a lot of colors, then a direct to film printer should be used. If the design is complex and requires a lot of colors, then a sublimation printer should be used.
-The budget:
DTF printers are generally less expensive than sublimation printers. If the budget is a concern, then a DTF printer is what you should probably go for. When it comes to quality, both types of printers are great. It just depends on what you need it for and how much you want to spend.
-Quality:
If the priority is to produce high-quality prints, then a sublimation printer should be used. If the priority is to produce prints quickly and cheaply, then a DTF printing machine should be used.
-Transfer method:
If the transfer method is important, then a sublimation printer should be used. If the transfer method is not important, then a direct to film printing machine can be used.
Pros of DTF printers:
-Can print on any substrate
-Less expensive than sublimation printers
-Great for simple designs
-Fast and easy to use
Cons of DTF printers:
-The colors are not as vibrant as sublimation prints
-The prints are not as durable as sublimation prints
Pros of sublimation printers:
-Can produce high-quality prints
-The colors are more vibrant than direct to dilm prints
-The prints are more durable than DTF prints
Cons of sublimation printers:
-Can only print on certain substrates
-More expensive than DTF printers
-The design must be converted to a format that can be printed with sublimation inks
In conclusion, it just depends on what you need the printer for. If you need it for something specific like printing t-shirts, then a sublimation printer is probably what you need. If you just need a printer that can print on any substrate, then a DTF printer is probably what you need. It just depends on your specific needs. Either of them will do you good depending on the specific use you intend to put it on.
