DTF Printer – Sublitech

Description

Introduction

The Sublitech (Sublistar) DTF Printer is a high-performance, professional Direct-To-Film printing solution engineered for textile, apparel, and customized product applications. Combining advanced printhead technology, precise powder application, and robust post-processing capabilities, it enables rich, durable full-color transfers on a wide range of fabrics. Its modular yet integrated design makes it suitable for small businesses, medium production runs, and industrial setups.

Key Features & Specifications

Print Technology & Quality

• Equipped with high-precision industrial printheads (e.g. EPSON F1080 / XP600 / I1600, etc.) to produce crisp, high-resolution images on PET transfer film.

• Full CMYK + white ink support ensures vibrant color reproduction even on dark fabrics, while the white layer gives opacity and contrast.

• Multi-pass printing modes to balance speed vs. quality (e.g. 4-pass, 6-pass, 8-pass) for different production needs.

• White ink circulation and automated cleaning systems minimize clogging, ensure consistent output, and reduce maintenance downtime.

Film & Media Handling

• Supports both roll-fed and sheet-fed PET (polyethylene terephthalate) transfer film, with width options from desktop sizes (A3 / 24″) to wide-format (up to 600 mm or more).

• Pinch rollers, adjustable tension, and suction platforms maintain media flatness and stable media transport.

• Integrated or external cutter to trim film automatically.

Powder & Adhesive Integration

• Automatic adhesive (hot-melt) powder application system attaches adhesive particles to the wet ink layer, which then fuses during curing.

• Built-in shaker or powder recycling / shaking system removes excess powder and ensures even coverage.

• Some advanced models include powderless / no-powder workflows (e.g. “no powder DTF”) to simplify operation and reduce cleanup.

Curing & Drying

• An integrated oven or drying chamber to thermally cure or melt the adhesive powder and stabilize the print before transfer.

• Temperature control (typically 80–100 °C or higher, depending on design) and airflow management ensures consistent drying without overheating the film.

• Some models offer dual-oven, multi-zone curing, or conveyor dryers for higher throughput.

Transfer to Substrates

• The printed and cured film is heat-pressed onto garments or substrates using a heat press or automatic transfer press.

• Press temperature, dwell time, and pressure parameters can be adjusted (e.g. 160–180 °C for ~10–20 seconds) depending on fabric and design.

• Hot-peel or cold-peel options, depending on film type, allow the PET base to be peeled away cleanly, leaving the printed design adhered to the fabric.

Materials Compatibility

• Works on various fabrics: cotton, polyester, blends (e.g. 50/50), nylon, canvas, denim, and synthetic materials.

• Suitable for dark and light garments due to the white underlay, overcoming limitations of techniques like sublimation (which is limited to high-polyester and light-colored fabrics). subli-star.com+2Sublimet+2

• Also can be used for accessory prints: bags, caps, patches, and promotional textile goods.

Production & Throughput

• Designed for 24/7 operation in commercial environments, depending on the model.

• High throughput: wide-format models can produce many square meters per hour (24″ or 600 mm class) for batch production.

• Scalability across model ranges—from desktop (A3/A4) for startups to industrial units (1200 mm+) for mass production.

User Features & Convenience

• User-friendly interface and software (RIP controllers) for layout, color management, and queue management.

• Free training, online technical support, and included consumables (e.g. starter inks, film, powder) often provided.