Let's delve into your sublimated polyester nightmare
Applying heat seal transfers to sublimated shirts has traditionally posed challenges due to the risk of the base colour bleeding through. Previously, expensive polyester blocker transfers were the solution, sourced from specialised transfer companies these carry high minimum print runs and unit costs. These transfers are created using a mix of digital CMYK with a screen printed white under base and polyester blocker, followed by the application of a powder adhesive.
Developed in-house over a two year period Resolute lead the way in DTF transfers for sublimated sports shirts
However, Resolute is now introducing a new DTF process for printing and applying heat seal transfers on sublimated shirts. This innovative process, developed internally by Resolute over a two-year period, is set to revolutionise the industry. While Resolute has been at the forefront of DTF transfers, particularly for polyester applications, there were some fabrics that posed challenges. After two years of development, the new process is ready to launch. At first glance, they resemble traditional DTF transfers, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a significantly brighter appearance with a denser white base.
By utilising a specially developed hot peel filmin conjunction with an innovative printing method, customised software, and a modified R-Jet PRO DTF V8 four-head printer, Resolute has successfully developed a DTF transfer that surpasses all existing options in performance. These new transfers generally yield a brighter white similar to traditional cut vinyl, while also offering the advantage of superior quality, and support for variable data. The challenge with hybrid transfers lies in their reliance on a screen, which renders variable data integration unfeasible. In today's context, this limitation is deemed unacceptable, especially as sportswear companies increasingly demand variable data for their premium product lines. The inclusion of variable data not only enhances profit margins in retail and commercial settings but also meets the evolving industry standards.
According to Resolute's Global R&D Director, Colin Marsh, we have conducted tests on a wide range of sublimated fabrics for this product. In order to thoroughly assess the market, we are encouraging visitors to the Printwear & Promotion Show or Resolute's showroom to bring sublimated sports shirts or a section of fabric. We will apply a transfer to it and keep a portion of the pressed fabric for monitoring purposes. This approach will not only demonstrate the durability of the product but also enable us to evaluate fabrics that would otherwise be challenging to obtain and incorporate into our findings. With our internal testing and usage at UK beta sites, we are confident in the performance of this new product. While offering it for public testing may seem bold, we believe that the potential rewards will justify this decision.
If you work in the sportswear decoration industry, visit Resolute's stand B20 at The Printwear & Promotion Show in February 2025 or contact our sales team on 01246 202686 and challenge us to prove our new product's capabilities.
Seeing is believing, so why not visit Resolute at your convenience and checkout this new DTF product that is set to change the industry. Our new showroom houses the very latest DTF systems, automated cylindrical InkCups printers, DTF and CNC automated flatbed cutters and a full range of semi automatic and pneumatic heat presses. Our DTF bootcamp offers advanced training and can be booked in advance, learn valuable time saving tips for streamlining your DTF process and saving costs on consumables. Coupled with the backup of access to our Club Resolute resources, our comprehensive customer service is second to none.
Key points on how they work and differ from other DTF transfers
The printer is modified so it jets the ink differently, this allows the ink to be much thicker without running off the film.
This currently only works on the Resolute Premium Ultra DTF hot peel film.
Other films have been tried but the coatings are not strong enough to hold the ink correctly and they fail.
The transfers are ready to use when they exit the finisher, it is recommended they are pressed within days as they are made. This is not compulsory, but it is good practice due to the density of ink.
How much does the system cost? All R-Jet PRO DTF V8i's post February 2025 are Ultra ready, you can specify Ultra DTF capability when you order, or you can simply uprgade the software and consumables to start making stripe blocking transfers when you are ready.
The DTF Ultra system is the same footprint as a standard V8, so it takes up no more room.
The DTF Ultra system can also print standard transfers at normal speeds of up to 24m per hour.
The printing speed of the DTF Ultra-transfers is a little slower due to the additional curing required.
It uses DuPont Artistri P1600 high speed digital inks.
The ink does not contain ethylene glycol and has OEKO-TEX & HAPS certification.
Can I put the ink into my regular DTF printer and make transfers like the Resolute DTF Ultra? The ink will work in any water based DTF printer using Epson print heads, it will perform well but the key to the DTF Ultra transfers is not just the ink. The printer is also modified and the software, so whilst your transfers may be better, they will not have the same sublimation blocking capabilities.
Do the DTF Ultra-transfers press onto any sublimated polyester? So far, yes, we have achieved great results on all the problem fabrics we have been presented with. The results have been outstanding so until we find a fabric we cannot press onto it is 100% successful.
Can I see a demo? yes, we are happy for you to visit Resolute and see the printer in action. You will need to book an appointment prior to visiting.
Will you print my artwork and press the transfer onto my fabric in front of me? Yes, we are happy to do this, but you will need to send your artwork in advance. While testing we have strict Adobe pre-flight checks to perform to make sure your artwork is prepared correctly.
What about durability in the wash? Our wash tests were as expected and indicative of the DTF process. We tested at 40c which was higher than the garment recommendations with results the same as standard DTF transfers.
Does anyone else sell this system? Currently the Resolute DTF Ultra system will only be available directly from Resolute. It may become available from authorised distributors in the future.
Are the DTF Ultra transfers difficult to make? Whilst there is more involved for the operator when printing the DTF Ultra transfers, the system works in a similar way to regular DTF printers.
Training as always will be provided on how to successfully produce the DTF Ultra transfers at the point of installation.
If we have missed anything, please feel free to give our sales team a call on 01246 202686 or email sales@resoluteink.co.uk
More detail will appear soon on our website at www.resolute.ink
If you are new to DTF, or just fancy a DTF related chat, give us a call on 01246 202686 or drop the team an email at sales@resoluteink.co.uk
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