Print equipment supplier 1ClickPrint has stressed the need to use reputable, good-quality products after commissioning a study into the safety of its own direct-to-film (DTF) printing.
An assessment of workplace exposure levels by testing specialist Euro Environmental at 1ClickPrint’s premises in Sheffield found no problems with the chemicals released by the inks, films and powders that it supplies.
However, 1ClickPrint managing director Jamie Turner highlighted that garment decorators needed to check they were buying DTF products that allowed them to comply with the EH40 regulations on the control of substances hazardous to health.
For DTF printing, this includes levels of inhalable and respirable dusts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and isocyanates, which can all be released into the air from the use of inks, powder and film.
Jamie said: “For instance, if someone goes online and buys a ton of powdered polyurethane from China, they need to make sure that it is good quality, that it’s not going to cause long-term problems.”
He added that one key consideration was the isocyanates that are produced from degradation of the polyurethane-based hot powder glue when it goes into ovens. “We run our ovens at 125C but, if the oven is too hot, the polyurethane will start to break down.”
The other issues in the DTF process are the VOCs released as vapours from the inks and ethylene glycol from the adhesives but these are of minimal risk and safely extracted by the latest machines.
According to the report from Euro Environmental, any potential risks from dust or vapours from good-quality products can be covered by having adequate extraction fans.
Jamie added: “Even if it’s already below the workplace exposure limits, everyone has a duty of care to their staff to make the levels as low as reasonably practicable.”
The assessment was carried out in an enclosed production area, running four four-head DTF machines with the consumables supplied by 1ClickPrint. As well as testing the air quality, they also checked the operator’s urine.
The company has made a video about the study which can viewed on YouTube by clicking here.
1ClickPrint supplies DTF print systems from the entry-level 42cm-wide DTF and 35cm-wide UV-DTF up to four-head 60cm-wide DTF and 60cm-wide UV-DTF machines.
