What Is the Difference Between DTF and PET Film?
1. Understanding DTF and pet film
DTF and pet film are both widely used in the printing and coating industries, but their functions and compositions are very different. DTF, which stands for Direct-to-Film printing, refers to a printing process rather than a type of material. It involves printing colored inks directly onto a specialized PET film and then transferring the design to fabrics through heat pressing.
PET film, on the other hand, is a type of polyester film made from polyethylene terephthalate resin. It is known for its clarity, dimensional stability, and mechanical strength, making it suitable for applications such as printing, lamination, insulation, and protective coatings.
At BIYT, we manufacture high-performance PET films that serve as the core base material for DTF printing and other industrial processes. Our advanced production lines ensure consistent thickness, smooth surfaces, and superior temperature resistance — all essential for high-quality image transfer and coating uniformity.
In short, DTF is a printing technique, while PET film is the material foundation. Without PET film, DTF printing would not be possible, as PET provides the thermal and dimensional stability required during heat transfer.
2. Material Composition and Manufacturing Process
The key difference between DTF and PET film lies in their structure and how they are made. PET film is produced through a biaxial stretching process, where molten polyester is extruded into a sheet, then stretched in both directions to improve tensile strength and clarity. The result is a film with high durability, smoothness, and chemical resistance.
At BIYT, our PET films are engineered using nano polyester crystalline technology, ensuring precise control over transparency, gloss, and shrinkage rate.
DTF film, by contrast, starts with a PET substrate but is coated with an adhesive or receptive layer to hold the pigment inks during printing. This coating allows DTF printers to achieve high-resolution color reproduction and sharp edges. The coated pet film must maintain ink adhesion without warping under heat, which means that film quality directly affects print quality.
| Aspect | PET Film | DTF Film |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pure polyester resin | PET base + coating layer |
| Function | Substrate or protective film | Ink transfer medium |
| Manufacturing | Biaxial stretching and heat setting | PET coating and surface treatment |
| Temperature Resistance | Up to 200°C | Up to 160°C |
| Surface | Smooth and glossy | Matte or coated texture |
In essence, PET film is the raw material, and DTF film is a processed application built upon PET technology. BIYT’s precision-controlled PET base film ensures that every coating layer maintains excellent dimensional accuracy, enabling stable transfer results in mass production.
3. Performance Comparison in Application
When evaluating the performance of DTF and PET film, it is important to consider their mechanical strength, heat stability, and functional role. PET film is designed to endure tension and temperature, while DTF film focuses on color reproduction and release properties during transfer.
Mechanical Strength
PET film has a tensile strength of around 180–220 MPa, making it ideal for industrial processes that demand rigidity and tear resistance. In DTF applications, the coated PET film must remain stable during printing and pressing cycles without curling or deformation. This is only possible when the PET substrate maintains uniform molecular orientation.
Thermal Stability
Pure PET film retains its shape up to 200°C, while DTF films, due to their coated surface, perform best below 160°C. This distinction is crucial when selecting the film for heat transfer or lamination processes. BIYT’s PET products feature optimized crystallinity, allowing them to maintain structural integrity even under repeated heating cycles.
Surface Properties
PET film exhibits natural gloss and transparency, suitable for packaging, laminating, and printing overlays. DTF film requires a specialized coating that provides controlled ink absorption and release. The coating determines the feel and finish of the final printed fabric — whether it appears matte, glossy, or semi-transparent.
Chemical Resistance
Uncoated PET film resists oils, alcohols, and solvents, making it suitable for industrial and electrical insulation uses. Coated DTF film, however, is more sensitive to chemicals, so storage and handling must be carefully managed.
Through these performance comparisons, PET film is shown to be the core functional base, while DTF represents a specialized adaptation. BIYT’s precision PET films deliver the foundation that DTF film manufacturers depend on for uniformity and consistency.
4. Industry Applications and Market Relevance
Although DTF and PET films share the same polymer base, they are applied in very different industries. PET film has a broader industrial scope, while DTF is focused on the textile and garment printing sector.
PET Film Applications
PET film is used in electronics insulation, flexible packaging, adhesive tapes, protective coatings, solar panels, and decorative laminates. Its dimensional stability and resistance to deformation make it the preferred material for the automotive, energy, and construction industries.
BIYT’s PET films — especially our Woodgrain PET Film series — are engineered for high-precision decorative surfaces that require both durability and aesthetic appeal. These films combine visual texture with excellent UV and scratch resistance, suitable for furniture, doors, and interior panels.
DTF Film Applications
DTF films are designed for digital textile printing, allowing complex images to be printed onto cotton, polyester, nylon, or blended fabrics. The popularity of DTF technology comes from its ability to produce vivid, washable prints without pretreatment. However, every DTF film relies on a high-grade PET substrate to ensure image clarity and easy release during heat transfer.
Integration Between PET and DTF
In the printing industry, PET film manufacturers like BIYT play a key role in supplying base materials for DTF film producers. Our films ensure consistent coating adhesion and smoothness, enabling downstream partners to create premium DTF sheets for apparel decoration. This vertical integration enhances both efficiency and quality across the supply chain.
The distinction in applications highlights the complementary relationship between PET and DTF films — one as the structural base, the other as the functional adaptation for textile art.
5. Choosing the Right Film for Your Production Needs
When selecting between DTF and PET film, manufacturers should consider end-use requirements, temperature conditions, coating compatibility, and cost efficiency.
If your goal is heat transfer printing, a high-quality DTF film is essential — but it must be supported by a stable PET base. If your application involves lamination, printing, or surface protection, a pure PET film like BIYT’s crystalline-grade materials will offer higher mechanical and chemical performance.
Key Factors to Consider
Temperature Range: Choose PET film for high-heat industrial processes; select DTF film for textile transfer below 160°C.
Surface Type: Glossy PET film for lamination, coated DTF film for ink adhesion.
Durability Needs: PET film lasts longer under mechanical stress, while DTF film is optimized for one-time image transfer.
Optical Clarity: BIYT’s PET film provides superior light transmission, essential for precision graphics and display coatings.
At BIYT, we continuously innovate PET film technology, introducing advanced nano polyester crystalline formulations that ensure high transparency, stable thickness, and reliable heat resistance. These characteristics make our films the preferred choice for DTF manufacturers and coating companies seeking consistent quality.
Conclusion
The difference between DTF and PET film can be summarized as process versus material. DTF is a printing technique that utilizes coated PET film to transfer designs onto textiles, while PET film is the underlying polyester substrate enabling that technology. Without premium PET film, DTF printing cannot achieve its precision, durability, or color consistency.
BIYT focuses on producing high-quality PET films that serve as the backbone for diverse industrial applications — from decorative laminates and packaging to DTF coating bases.
With over 30 years of production experience and advanced technology introduced from South Korea, BIYT continues to lead the development of innovative polyester crystalline films that support modern digital printing and coating industries.
For more information about our PET film series, visit our product page.