Overview

    Hot melt adhesive DTF powder is a specialized material designed for the Direct to Film printing process, a relatively new        and innovative textile decoration technique. This powder plays a crucial role in ensuring the durability, adhesion, and              overall quality of the printed designs on various fabric types.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: It typically appears as a fine, homogeneous powder. The particles are uniformly sized, which is essential for consistent performance during the application process. The color of the powder is usually white or off - white, providing a neutral base that does not interfere with the vibrancy of the printed colors.
• Particle Size and Shape: The particle size is carefully controlled to achieve optimal flowability and adhesion. Smaller particles can penetrate more effectively into the fabric fibers, enhancing the bond strength, while larger particles may contribute to better handling and less dust generation during application. The particles are generally spherical or near - spherical in shape, which promotes smooth flow and even distribution.

Thermal Properties

• Melting Range: Hot melt adhesive DTF powder has a specific melting range, typically between 80°C and 130°C. This range allows for easy activation during the heat - pressing stage of the DTF process. When heated within this range, the powder melts and flows, creating a strong adhesive bond between the printed film and the fabric.

Adhesive Performance

• Bond Strength: One of the key features of hot melt adhesive DTF powder is its high bond strength. It forms a strong and durable bond between the printed DTF film and the fabric substrate. This bond can withstand repeated washing, stretching, and general wear and tear, ensuring that the printed design remains intact for a long time.
• Flexibility: The adhesive powder provides a certain degree of flexibility to the bonded area. This is important because fabrics are often flexible and need to move freely. The flexible bond allows the fabric to bend and stretch without causing the printed design to crack or peel off.
• Compatibility with Fabrics: It is formulated to be compatible with a wide range of fabric types, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even some synthetic materials. This versatility makes it suitable for various textile applications, from apparel to home textiles.

Application Process

• Powder Application: In the DTF process, the hot melt adhesive DTF powder is evenly distributed over the printed film. This can be done using specialized powder shakers or sifting equipment. The amount of powder applied needs to be carefully controlled to ensure proper adhesion without excessive build - up.
• Melting and Bonding: After the powder is applied, the printed film with the powder layer is transferred to a heat - press. The heat - press applies heat and pressure, causing the powder to melt and bond the film to the fabric. The temperature and pressure settings of the heat - press are crucial for achieving a high - quality bond.

Applications

• Apparel Industry: In the apparel sector, hot melt adhesive DTF powder is used for decorating T - shirts, hoodies, sportswear, and other garments. It allows for high - resolution, full - color printing with excellent durability, making it a popular choice for custom apparel manufacturing.
• Home Textiles: The powder can also be applied in the production of home textiles, such as curtains, pillowcases, and bedspreads. It enables the creation of unique and personalized designs on these products, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

In summary, hot melt adhesive DTF powder is a critical component in the Direct to Film printing process. Its unique physical, thermal, and adhesive properties, along with its environmental and safety benefits, make it a valuable material for textile decoration applications.