There are two methods for DTF UV ink printing. Old method: AB film printing. The process is as follows: Remove the A film, which has adhesive on its surface. It is typically A4 or A3 size and cannot be rolled. Peel off the surface layer of the A film to expose the adhesive side. Then position the adhesive side on the flatbed printer, securing all four corners to the printer bed.
Print white, followed by the CMYK color image.
Cover with B film and laminate.
Cut along the image edges using a cutting device (or manually with scissors).
Peel the image from the A sheet, apply it to the product surface, then remove the B film.
New Method: An improved approach where adhesive is printed directly from the printhead.
Remove one layer of film coated with an ink-receptive layer, without adhesive.
First print the adhesive, then white, then the CMYK image, then the glossy layer. Therefore, a printer with at least 4 print heads is required. Roll up the printed film. Send it to the customer, who can peel off an image from the film and apply it to the product surface whenever needed.