55 Issue 257 - February / March 2025 email: editor@signlink.co.uk to by garment decorators looking for a versatile and durable option for bold garment designs. Those recommending the method point to the staying-power of DTF. The prints are designed to be resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading, allowing for designs that can last for many years. Printers also point to the speed of DTF, as the process does not require pretreatment of the garment. When choosing the right DTF printer for the job, there are a wide range of factors that must be considered. For Colin Marsh, founder and managing director of Resolute DTF, choosing a durable printer with a strong reputation in the industry is of key importance. “It’s important to choose a printer built with robust materials that has a solid performance track record”, Marsh says. “You should also make sure to ask how many active installations the product has in the UK. This ensures longevity and reduces the likelihood of frequent breakdowns or costly repairs.” Resolute is a manufacturer of printers, inks, and related products for the DTF and garment market. Its printing solutions include the R-Jet PRO DTF V8i, which boasts speeds of up to 28m per hour in monochrome and 20m per hour for fullcolour prints. Marsh also highlights the choice of ink as key to nailing the perfect DTF print. “Make sure a good quality ink is supplied with traceability and the relevant certifications”, he says. “OEKO-TEX & HAPS certificates are essential, which demonstrate that the inks are free of hazardous air pollutants.” As well as ensuring safety, Resolute focus on ease-of-use and quality when choosing inks and print heads. Marsh. explains: “Resolute is one of the few companies to offer an anti-clogging warranty on print heads. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that if you are buying a DTF printer and the print heads are not covered for clogging, that is not good.” Marsh suggests using DuPont Artistri P1600 ink for its anti-clogging capabilities: “We find it jets better, meaning that the life of the print head will not be reduced by low quality components that degrade the components. Using a high-speed quality ink is worth every penny, as the print heads do not wear out and it can therefore extend the life of a print head.” Resolute recently opened the only dedicated research and development facility for DTF in the UK, aiming to push the boundaries of what is possible within the field. Speaking of the innovations to come from Resolute, Marsh says: “In 2025 we will be launching two new DTF processes offering brighter white prints, aiming to match or even beat traditional vinyls. Our Ultra DTF transfer system also launches this year, offering sportswear decorators transfers that block out stripes and combat dye sublimation.” "It’s a 'YES' from Me" For John-Paul Burton, managing director of YES Group (formerly known as Your Embroidery Services), adding garment options to your arsenal is all about increasing your versatility and customisation options for your customers. Burton explains: “Many sign-makers are looking for diversification and versatility in order to stabilise their business or expand their market. For them, adding custom apparel to their business makes sense because most companies ordering signs also order custom t-shirts or polos at some point, especially for events. So, it’s a simple matter to increase your average sale and do that profitably.” The Mansfield-based distributor of embroidery, DTF, and DTG solutions is celebrating its 30th year in business this year. It recently announced the addition of the Prestige R1 DTF printer to its product lineup. This new model is designed to offer a lower-cost solution for businesses seeking to expand their custom apparel production capabilities. According to Burton, three core factors have driven a recent spike in DTF printer adoption by the signage industry in recent months. ▼ Resolute’s new R&D facility has opened ahead of the company celebrating its 15th year in business ► Result offer a wide range of garment options to printers, with a key focus on utilising recycled fabrics GARMENT AND APPAREL PRINT
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