As temperatures drop and humidity decreases across the Northern Hemisphere, the performance of DTF printing systems can change significantly. Temperature and humidity directly affect ink viscosity, curing performance, static buildup, and powder adhesion — all of which influence your print quality and production stability.

To help you maintain smooth and stable printing throughout the autumn and winter seasons, Hanrun Paper has prepared this comprehensive operation and maintenance guide. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced print operator, these practical tips will help you keep your DTF printer, ink, and film in optimal condition.

Understanding Seasonal Impacts on DTF Printing

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing involves multiple stages — printing, powder application, curing, and heat transfer — each highly sensitive to environmental conditions.

During autumn and winter, ambient temperatures often fall below the ideal printing range, increasing the viscosity of white ink and reducing the flowability of color inks, which can cause ink buildup on the film.

Humidity fluctuations can lead to static buildup on DTF films and instability in adhesive powder adhesion. Excessive static during printing increases mechanical wear on digital printers and can shorten printhead lifespan.

Frequent heating (such as with heaters or air conditioners) dries out the air, which may cause the printed layer to crack or lose elasticity after transfer. Therefore, maintaining a proper printing environment is essential for stable production.

Recommended Printing Environment

To achieve optimal DTF printing performance during the colder seasons, we recommend the following environmental parameters:

Tips:

• Keep the printer away from windows or ventilation openings to prevent temperature fluctuations.
• When using heaters or air conditioners, avoid blowing hot or dry air directly onto the printer.
• Before winter printing, turn on the front and rear platen heating and ink cartridge heating functions until the temperature stabilizes. Hanrun Paper DTF printers automatically heat ink sacs below 25°C and stop heating when the temperature reaches 25°C, ensuring ink remains at an ideal operating temperature.

Ink and Powder Maintenance

White Ink Circulation and Storage

White ink contains high-density pigments that tend to settle at low temperatures.

Shake the ink bottle thoroughly before use. You can use the printer's built-in white ink agitation system or an external shaker device.

Activate the white ink circulation system daily to prevent clogging.

Maintain ink between 10–30°C. If the ink becomes too viscous, warm it slowly to room temperature before printing.

Do not use external heating devices such as electric blankets or ovens. Keep ink bottles in a stable environment overnight.

Powder Performance

In dry environments, static electricity can cause DTF powder to cling to the film unevenly.

Store powder in sealed, moisture-proof containers.

Check whether the adhesive layer forms evenly on the print surface; if blotches appear, perform an anti-static treatment on the DTF film.

Ink System Maintenance

Perform a nozzle check before daily production.

If the printer is idle for more than two days, print a small test pattern to keep ink circulating.

Regularly clean the waste film area, ink cartridges, ink tubes, and wipers to prevent the buildup of dried ink.

Film and Consumable Storage

Store DTF film, powder, and ink in a stable environment of 10–30°C and 35–65% RH. Avoid excessive pressure or impact.

Only open consumable packaging right before use to prevent moisture absorption.

Always check product shelf life and follow the “first in, first out” rule.

If condensation appears after moving materials from a cold area, wipe them dry and let them sit at room temperature for 2–3 hours before printing.

Printer Operation and Routine Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

Check the printhead status, waste ink tank, ink cartridges, ink tubes, white ink circulation system, and pump operation.

Turn on the auto-heating and auto-cleaning functions before the first print of the day.

Keep nozzle cleaning fluid adequately filled to maintain printhead moisture. Use lint-free swabs moistened with cleaning solution to gently wipe around the printhead.

Weekly Maintenance

Inspect and clean the capping station.

Check the DTF film feeding tension system to prevent deviation caused by static or dryness.

Clean the DTF powder shaker and curing tunnel to remove adhesive residue.

Long-Term Maintenance

If the printer will be stored for an extended period, flush the ink system with cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Store the printer in a dry, dust-free environment.

Before powering on, inspect power cords and sockets for aging. Turn on the printer only after confirming safety.

Additional Tips for Stable Production

• Preheating: Turn on the printer and powder shaker dryer 30 minutes before production to stabilize ink temperature.
• Static Reduction: Install an anti-static eliminator near the film feeding area.
• Use Genuine Consumables: Follow your supplier's recommended usage and DTF maintenance procedures.
• Regular Testing: Periodically print color test patterns to monitor color shifts caused by seasonal temperature changes.

Conclusion

Maintaining stable print quality in cold seasons depends on environmental control, routine maintenance, and proper storage of consumables.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Hanrun Paper DTF printing system continues to deliver vibrant colors, consistent adhesion, and durable transfer results even in harsh autumn and winter conditions.

Hanrun Paper is committed not only to providing professional printing materials but also to offering expert technical support — helping your DTF printing business maintain reliable, efficient, and high-quality production all year round.