DTF Printing vs Screen Printing
DTF printing offers more versatility, faster turnaround, and better quality prints than screen printing, especially for small runs and complex designs.
1. MOQ:
DTF printing has not Minimum Order Quantity limit. It can handle small quantity orders, even as low as one piece, whereas screen printing is not cost-effective for small runs due to the complex set-up process involved.
2. Print Quality-Color:
DTF printing is better for printing multiple colors, gradients, and rich images, while screen printing is better suited for a few solid colors.
3. Print Quality-Details:
DTF printing can achieve a higher level of detail than screen printing because it is a digital printing process. With screen printing, the level of detail is limited by the mesh size of the screen used to apply the ink. DTF printing can produce very fine details and small text, which may not be achievable with screen printing.
4. Size:
DTF printing is not limited by frame size, while screen printing is limited by the size of the screen frame.
5. Touch and feel:
DTF printing uses water-based pigment ink which results in a very soft touch and feel of the garment compared to screen printing which uses thicker inks like plastisol or water-based paint.
6. Durability:
DTF printing is more durable than screen printing due to the adhesive powder used, which creates a strong bond between the ink and the transfer film, resulting in no cracking or peeling, and more flexibility.
7. Turnaround Time:
Because there are only fewer steps involved in the process, DTF printing is a quicker process compared to screen printing as it eliminates the need for film, exposure, screen making and drying process. And there for screen printing each color requires a separate screen and printing pass, which can add time to the process.
8. Cost:
DTF printing can be more cost-effective than screen printing for small orders because there are no screen set-up costs. For customized and personalized design DTF printing is a good choice. However, for larger orders, and simple colours, screen printing may be more cost-effective due to economies of scale.
