In the world of Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, one common issue that can arise is the presence of adhesive glue around the image, where there is no ink. This can affect print quality and lead to inconsistent results, as the adhesive sticks where it shouldn’t. Understanding the root causes of this issue and addressing them promptly can ensure smooth, high-quality prints. Below, we’ll explore the potential causes and solutions for this problem.
Duster Speed on the Oven
One of the leading causes of excess adhesive around your image is improper duster speed. The duster is a crucial component in the curing process that helps to shake and spread the paper or film as it moves through the oven. If the duster speed is too slow, it can leave extra adhesive around the image area, particularly where no ink is applied.
Solution:
To resolve this, the duster speed should be increased.
Proper Contact Between Film and Dusting Bar
Another crucial factor in reducing adhesive buildup around your prints is ensuring that your film makes proper contact with the dusting bar. If the film isn’t aligned correctly or doesn’t make full contact with the dusting bar, it can result in uneven adhesive application, leading to excess glue in areas where no ink is present.
Solution:
Ensure that your film is properly and evenly aligned with the dusting bar, allowing for consistent and even dusting. If the contact is off, adjust the film path or positioning to ensure full contact, which will help in minimizing adhesive problems.
Issues with Paper Storage or Humidity Levels
Another common culprit is incorrect paper storage or high humidity levels. When paper is not stored properly, or if it’s exposed to excessive moisture in the air, it can lead to poor adhesion and cause unwanted glue to form around the print areas. This is particularly problematic when the paper absorbs moisture, leading to uneven printing or ink dispersion.
Solution:
Ensure that the paper is stored in a dry environment with consistent humidity levels. Investing in a temperature and humidity meter to monitor the levels in your workspace can help maintain the ideal conditions.
Product Suggestion:
You can purchase a 4-Pack Mini Digital Temperature and Humidity Meter to accurately track both temperature and humidity in your workspace. This will help you maintain the optimal conditions for printing.
White Channel Issues in the File
One of the more technical causes of adhesive glue appearing around an image is a problem with the white channel in your file. The white channel is crucial in DTF printing as it ensures proper opacity and coverage for your print. If the white channel is incorrectly configured, it can result in excess adhesive being applied where no ink is present. You can test this by printing a file that you know has not had this issue in the past.
Solution:
To address this issue, you may need to adjust the white channel in your file using software like Photoshop. Photoshop allows you to read the CYMKW channels and fine-tune the white channel specifically. Increasing the white channel ensures that the ink is applied in the right places, minimizing the adhesive buildup.
If adjusting the white channel doesn’t resolve the issue, consider these alternative solutions:
- Use a different image or file: The issue may be related to the file itself.
Conclusion
To address the issue of excess adhesive glue around your print areas, start by checking the duster speed, paper storage conditions, and humidity levels. Ensure your white channel is properly adjusted in your file, and make necessary changes to your software or file if needed. By maintaining proper environmental conditions and making these adjustments, you can greatly reduce adhesive buildup and improve the overall quality of your DTF prints.
If you continue to experience issues, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our team is always here to help guide you through the troubleshooting process and ensure your DTF printing runs smoothly.