The DTF process allows pre-printed designs to be transferred to garments, without the need for pre-heating, using heat transfer technology. Designs can be pre-produced on PET film and stored as ready to go transfer film for quick application.

Ricoh said the process enables businesses to print on a wider range of fabrics than they can with DTG, and that it is also suitable for corporate branding items, such as umbrellas and backpacks.

Its high fastness at heavy duty washing cycles and high durability makes it suitable for polyester-based applications, such as workwear and sportswear, while its “very soft and flexible results” also meet the Oeko-Tex standard.

The new function is supported by the ColorGate Textile Productionserver V21.1 software, which Ricoh said accurately processes graphically rich artwork from creative applications. Ricoh acquired ColorGate in 2018. 

Ricoh Europe head of textile solutions, Graphic Communications Group, Axel Stuhlreiter said: “The innovative technology enhances the versatility and flexibility of Ricoh’s leading DTG printers.

“In just a few simple steps they can be transformed to enable DTF printing on a wide range of materials and deliver a greater variety of applications. The fast and simple process achieves highly creative results quickly and affordably.”

No additional hardware is required to use the new DTF feature, which is available across EMEA from this month, and no mechanical adjustments need to be made to the printer.

Existing Ri 1000 and Ri 2000 users only need to update their bundled ColorGate software, and this will then enable their machines “to interchange seamlessly” between DTG and DTF printing.

The retrofit capability is free of charge for existing Ri 1000 and Ri 2000 owners who are ColorGate Value Pack subscribers, and to new subscribers who have registered their software within the last 90 days. All users will, however, need to purchase the adhesive powder (glue) and film sheets required for the DTF process.