DTF Systems | Direct to Film Printing Systems That Work Together, Print Better, and Press Cleaner

When it comes to garment decoration, DTF systems (Direct to Film printing systems) are changing how professional decorators produce full-color heat transfers. These systems are more than just a printer—they are an integrated workflow of software, film, ink, powder, curing, and heat application that work in harmony to produce professional-grade results on cotton, polyester, blends, canvas, fleece, and more.

At Buckets of Ink, we understand that a true direct to film printing system is only as good as its weakest link. That’s why every DTF printer we sell is part of a tested and integrated system, with software, ink, powder, PET film, and a dryer shaker unit all calibrated to work together. We don't just sell parts—we deliver complete DTF solutions tested for performance across multiple substrates and real production conditions.

What DTF Systems Do?

DTF systems create ready-to-press film transfers by printing artwork onto coated PET film using CMYK and white inks, applying hot melt adhesive powder, curing it in a controlled dryer or shaker unit, and pressing it onto fabric with a heat press. These systems allow decorators to eliminate screen setups, pretreatment, and vinyl weeding while producing detailed, full-color prints that stretch and wash well.

The beauty of a complete DTF system is in the seamless transition from design to final print. Software handles color management, the printer applies perfect ink layers, powder adheres to the wet ink, and the dryer fuses it all into a pressable transfer. Heat pressing at optimized temperature, time, and pressure completes the process, resulting in durable, vibrant garments.

What are Components of a DTF System?

A reliable DTF printing setup includes more than just the printer. It requires properly matched components—each one playing a critical role in quality, consistency, and durability. That includes RIP software for precision output, high-opacity DuPont DTF ink for brilliant color, static-free PET film for clean release, DTF adhesive powder that activates properly under heat, and a dryer shaker unit that ensures even, thorough curing.

Once the film is printed and cured, it's transferred onto garments using a heat press, tested at various pressures, temperatures, and press times. The final results are evaluated for stretch, opacity, and wash durability across substrates like cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon, and performance blends.

What are Key Advantages of DTF Printing?

Direct to film systems bring efficiency and flexibility to print shops of all sizes. DTF prints press onto a wider range of substrates than DTG, with no pretreatment and lower overhead. Print one design or one hundred with no screens or color separation. It’s the fastest way to create vibrant, detailed, multi-color prints on demand with minimal waste and fast turnaround.

What are Examples of DTF Systems?

Buckets of Ink offers a range of complete DTF systems built for different production volumes. From compact 13" printers with built-in curing systems to full 24" and 63" roll-fed setups with separate dryer shakers and dual printheads, we match your production goals with the right system. Our CobraFlex models, paired with DuPont DTF inks, premium PET film, and calibrated powder, have been tested extensively to ensure performance across all fabric types.