What Kind of Ink Is Used in ACHI A3 Roll DTF Printer?

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing has revolutionized the garment decoration industry, offering unmatched flexibility, vibrancy, and durability.

At the heart of this technology is the printer itself, like the efficient and popular ACHI A3 Roll DTF Printer, and, even more crucially, the specialized ink that makes it all possible. You can’t have one without the other.

So, what kind of ink brings this powerful machine to life?

Let's take a deep dive into the game-changing formula that is engineered specifically for DTF printing and is essential for getting the best results from your ACHI A3 printer.

The Specialty: DTF Pigment Ink

The ACHI A3 Roll DTF Printer uses DTF Pigment Ink. This is not the same as ink used for DTG (Direct-to-Garment), sublimation, or eco-solvent printing. It is a unique water-based ink system formulated with two key components:

1. White DTF Ink: The foundation of the process. This opaque, bright white ink is printed first to create a base layer that allows colors to pop on any fabric, especially dark garments.

2. Color DTF Ink (CMYK): The standard Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) inks are printed on top of the white layer to create the full-color design.

Key Components of DTF Ink

The effectiveness of DTF ink lies in its sophisticated chemical composition, designed to bond with the powder adhesive and the garment. Key ingredients include:

• Pigments: Ultra-fine, high-quality pigment particles that provide the color. These are suspended in the liquid carrier and are known for their excellent color fastness and resistance to fading.

• Resin (Binder): This is the magic ingredient that facilitates adhesion. The resin within the ink is activated during the heat-pressing stage, creating a powerful, flexible bond with the textile fibers that survives countless washes.

• Additives: Various additives are included to optimize ink performance, ensuring proper viscosity, stable jetting from the printhead, quick drying on the film, and flexibility of the final print.

Why This Specific Ink is Crucial for Your ACHI A3 Roll DTF Printer

Using genuine, high-quality DTF pigment ink in your ACHI A3 printer isn't just a recommendation—it's a requirement for success. Here’s why:

• Optimal Performance: The ACHI A3's printhead is precisely calibrated for the viscosity and particle size of dedicated DTF inks. Using incorrect ink can lead to clogs, nozzle drop-out, and permanent damage to the printhead.

• Superior Vibrancy & Opacity: Professional DTF inks are formulated for maximum color gamut and opacity. The white ink is exceptionally bright, ensuring your designs look vibrant on black, colored, and even light fabrics.

• Excellent Washability: The resin system in proper DTF ink creates a bond that is both strong and flexible. This means the print won’t crack or peel and will withstand industrial washing, making it perfect for sportswear, fashion, and everyday apparel.

• Efficiency & Reliability: Quality inks are designed to flow smoothly through the printer's system, minimizing maintenance downtime and ensuring consistent, reliable prints from the first to the last job of the day.

The Winning Combination: Ink + Adhesive Powder

It's impossible to talk about DTF ink without mentioning its partner: hot melt adhesive powder. The process is a 1-2 punch:

1. The printer lays down the white and color ink onto a special PET film.

2. While the ink is still wet, adhesive powder is evenly applied and sticks only to the printed areas.

3. The excess powder is removed, and the print is cured with heat, melting the powder and binding the ink pigments into a solid, transferable film.

The resin in the ink is chemically designed to work in perfect harmony with this powder, creating the durable transfer.