www.images-magazine.com OCTOBER 2026 images 47 IS DECORATOR PROFILE Transfer production has become a major part of what Identity Printing does, confirms operations manager Harry Matthews. The Manchester-based company has two brands: DTF Prints Online and TPU Patches. The first is a direct-to-film (DTF) trade transfer service, while the second produces TPU transfers (3D high-build transfers). Over the past couple of years the company has invested heavily in increasing its production capacity, with Resolute as the machinery supplier for both the DTF and TPU services. “We now run multiple roll-to-roll DTF systems and have continued to expand into more specialist transfer products as the market has developed,” explains Harry. “Alongside standard DTF, we produce Soft Stretch, Blockout and UV DTF transfers, as well as the high-build TPU patches, which include raised, clear and metallic finishes.” Mainstream method The team expected DTF to continue growing over the last 12 months, but Harry notes that for him, the biggest change has been how quickly it has moved from being seen as a relatively new technology to becoming a mainstream method of garment decoration. “A year ago there was still a lot of discussion around whether DTF would replace other decoration methods,” he says. “I think we are past that conversation now. It has not replaced screen print, embroidery or DTG (directto-garment), but it has established a very clear place alongside them. “What has probably happened faster than expected is the level of competition in standard DTF. There are now a lot more suppliers in the market, so simply being able to print DTF is not enough anymore. Customers are increasingly looking at quality, consistency, colour, turnaround time, specialist products and service.” Demand is continuing to grow for Identity’s services despite the market becoming much more competitive. “There is also more demand for different types of DTF rather than customers simply asking for one standard transfer. Products such as Soft Stretch, Blockout, higher gamut colour and specialist finishes are becoming more relevant as decorators look for transfers suited to specific garments and applications.” Direct approaches This growth in demand has been matched by innovations in the consumables market, with Harry noting a continued improvement in colour capability and specialist transfer options. Simplyoffering DTF is no longer enough on its own, he adds. Instead, suppliers have to differentiate themselves through quality, specialist products, reliability and service. Streamlined and scalable One of the most game-changing advances for Identity has been the move towards greater automation in DTF production. Artwork processing, nesting, cutting, This month, as part of our DTF feature, we talk to two DTF print shops – Identity Printing and Bolt Uniforms – about their operations and how they are using transfers in very different yet equally successful ways y Identity is seeing increasing demand for different types of DTF The company produces high-build TPU transfers The impressive set-up at Identity Printing
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