In low humidity (below 40%), static electricity can cause various issues in DTF printing, such as:
PET film sheets sticking together, leading to printer jams (if you are using DTF sheet film)
Ink drops sticking to the printhead, causing clogs and damage.
Dust and lint accumulating on the substrate, printer, or film, leading to flaws.
Ink being attracted to the wrong spot or failing to adhere properly, especially with white DTF ink.
As static electricity can cause particles like powder to adhere to areas with a stronger charge (often the white ink, because of its composition), which leads to uneven powder distribution. Refer to figure1&2
This simple experiment can help determine if static electricity is an issue in your work environment:
Print two copies of the same image: one with color and the other with only white ink. Then, sprinkle powder on both and cure them.
If more powder sticks around the edges of the white print than the color print, it indicates that static electricity is likely the issue. This happens because white ink tends to spatter more than colored ink in such environments, due to its chemical composition.
Troubleshooting:
Note: While it's impossible to eliminate static electricity completely, maintaining proper humidity and implementing proactive measures can significantly reduce its impact.
Here are a few ways to minimize static electricity:
Use humidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels.
Employ static removal rods to dissipate charge.
Install conductive or dissipative flooring to prevent static buildup.
Reduce the white ink output as it is more prone to static issues.
Connect conductive materials or objects to the earth using wires, clips, or cables to transfer excess charge and eliminate static buildup.