Direct To Film (DTF) Printing in Screen Printing:
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Artwork Preparation: The process begins with creating a digital image of the design to be printed. This design is then printed onto a special film using a high-resolution printer.
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Film Printing: The film used is usually transparent or semi-transparent, and the design is printed with high-density black ink to create a stencil-like image.
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Screen Coating: A screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. The printed film is then placed on the coated screen and exposed to light. The light hardens the emulsion in the areas not covered by the black ink on the film, creating a stencil on the screen.
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Screen Developing: After exposure, the screen is washed to remove the unhardened emulsion, leaving behind the stencil on the screen.
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Printing: The prepared screen is mounted on the printing press. Ink is applied to the screen, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the stencil onto the printing surface (such as a T-shirt or paper).
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Curing: The printed material is then cured or dried, often using heat, to set the ink and make it permanent.
This process is commonly used in the production of custom T-shirts, posters, and other items with intricate designs.