What is Adhesive Powder

What is Adhesive Powder

Adhesive powder is a crucial component in the Direct to Film (DTF) printing process. It plays a key role in ensuring the transfer of the printed design from the film to the fabric. Here’s an overview of what adhesive powder is and how it works in DTF printing:

Composition

Adhesive powder is typically made from polyurethane (PU) or polyamide (PA) materials. These powders are fine and heat-activated, designed to melt under heat and bond strongly to both the ink on the film and the fibers of the fabric.

Role in DTF Printing

  1. Application: After the design is printed onto the PET film using DTF-specific ink, the adhesive powder is evenly applied over the wet ink. This can be done manually or with an automatic shaker or machine that distributes the powder across the printed surface.
  2. Curing: The film, now coated with adhesive powder, goes through a curing process, usually in a heat tunnel or under a heat press, where the powder melts and binds to the ink.
  3. Transfer: The film is then pressed onto the fabric using a heat press. The heat from the press activates the adhesive, which bonds the ink to the fabric. After cooling, the film is peeled away, leaving the ink permanently adhered to the fabric.

Properties

  • Melting Point: The adhesive powder is formulated to have a melting point that activates during the heat press phase, ensuring a strong bond without damaging the fabric.
  • Flexibility: Once transferred, the adhesive forms a bond that is both flexible and durable, allowing the fabric to maintain its natural texture and stretchability.

Benefits

  • Versatility: It works well with a variety of fabric types, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
  • Durability: Adhesive powder helps create prints that can withstand multiple washes without peeling or cracking.
  • Quality: The use of adhesive powder in DTF printing allows for high-quality, vibrant, and detailed prints that are not achievable with other types of heat transfer methods.

Adhesive powders are an integral part of the DTF printing process, enabling the production of high-quality, durable prints on a wide range of textiles.

Back to blog