Yes, DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing absolutely uses heat. Heat is a fundamental component of the DTG process, specifically for the crucial step of curing the inks applied to the garment.
The Role of Heat in DTG Printing
After the ink is jetted onto the fabric, it's not yet permanently bonded or stable. This is where heat comes in. As highlighted in the reference: "All inks that are used in the dtg printing process must undergo curing with heat, in order to be stabilized on the surface of the garment and to achieve wash endurance."
The heat application causes the ink to polymerize and bond securely with the fibers of the garment. Without proper curing, the ink would easily wash off, crack, or fade rapidly, rendering the print unusable.
Why Curing with Heat is Essential
Curing serves several vital purposes:
- Ink Stabilization: Heat solidifies the wet ink, stabilizing it on the fabric surface.
- Wash Endurance: It creates a durable bond that allows the garment to be washed without significant loss of print quality.
- Improved Feel: Properly cured prints often have a softer feel compared to uncured or improperly cured prints.
- Enhanced Color Vibrancy: The curing process helps lock in the colors, maintaining their vibrancy.
Curing Equipment
The reference states that "A commonly used curing equipment for fixating dtg inks and pretreatment liquids, is the heat press."
While other methods like conveyor dryers (often with infrared or forced air heat) are also used, the heat press is very common, especially for smaller operations or individual items. A heat press applies controlled heat and pressure for a specific time to ensure thorough curing.
The Curing Process at a Glance
Here’s a simple breakdown of the heat curing step:
| Step | Requirement | Purpose (Based on Reference) | Common Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curing | Heat | Stabilize ink on the surface, achieve wash endurance | Heat Press, Conveyor Dryer |
In summary, heat is not just an optional step; it's a mandatory part of the DTG workflow required to make the printed design durable and washable.
