So, you want to print cool designs directly onto clothes and other stuff? DTF (direct-to-film) printing might be your answer! This guide will help you pick the perfect DTF printer for your business, even if you’re new to the whole thing!
Think About Your Business First
Before you jump in and buy a printer, please take a minute to figure out what you need it for. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How much stuff will you be printing? A lot every day, or just a little here and there?
- Where will you put the printer? Do you have ample space, or do you need something small?
- How much money can you spend? Printers can cost a lot, so set a budget.
- Are you a printing pro or just starting?
- What will you be printing on? Mostly shirts, or other things too?
High-Volume Printing Machines:
If you need to print many shirts or other stuff daily, you’ll want a robust printer to handle it. Here are two good choices:
1- Prestige L2 Wide Format DTF Printer:
This machine can print many shirts (like 40-60!) every hour. It has fancy settings to ensure every print looks great and even has a sensor to protect itself from bumps. It’s also pretty big, so ensure you have space for it.
2- Uninet 6000 DTF – 24″ Dual Head Roll Printer:
This one is an absolute beast! It can print way faster than similar machines for printing directly on shirts (DTG). It can also handle big rolls of material, up to 24 inches wide! Impressive right? It is perfect for printing on banners or big blankets. This printer is ideal for businesses that already do DTG printing and want to be faster and save money.
Printers for Small & Medium Businesses:
If you’re a small business or just getting started with DTF printing, plenty of good choices are in the middle price range. They’re not super fast, but they’re not super expensive and easy to use. Here are two options to consider:
1- Prestige R2 Direct To Film Printer:
This printer sits right on your desk and is an excellent choice for small and medium businesses. It can print shirts quickly (about 27 square feet per hour)! It has easy-to-use features like swappable ink cartridges.
2- Roland BY-20 DTF 20″ Wide Roll Printer:
Roland’s option suits businesses that want to do more than just DTF printing. In addition to DTF, it can cut out designs and handle vinyl cutting. This lets you make iron-on transfers or vinyl decals with your DTF prints. It’s also tiny and easy to use, making it a good fit for small businesses.
Printers for Beginners:
Just starting out with DTF printing and feeling a little nervous? Don’t worry! Some printers are easy to use and won’t cost too much. Here are two good options:
1- Uninet 100 Direct To Film (DTF) A3+ Sheet Printer:
This printer is a great way to get your feet wet with DTF printing. It’s easy to use and has a system to keep the ink from getting stuck. It also comes with training and software to help you learn how to use it. This printer is perfect for businesses that only need to print a little stuff at a time.
2- Procolored A4 DTF Printer L805 Panda Gen-1:
This lightweight printer is a great budget-friendly option! For businesses just starting out with DTF printing, check this one out! It prints fast and uses less ink, but it might not have all the bells and whistles of other printers.
The All-in-One Option:
If you want to offer a broader range of printing services, a combination DTF/DTG printer might be the way to go:
Epson F2270 DTG & DTF Combo Printer:
This incredible machine lets you do DTF printing (making transfers for hats, shoes, etc.) and DTG printing (printing directly on shirts). It has a fancy printhead that can print really detailed designs really fast. It also uses special ink that works well on fabrics and DTF films. This printer is easy to use and has a touchscreen interface, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to be able to do a lot of printing tasks.
More Than Just the Printer
There’s more to DTF printing than just the printer itself. Here are some other things you’ll need to consider:
- Heat Press:
You’ll need a heat press to stick the DTF transfers you print onto your fabric.
- DTF Ink & Film:
Ensure you use high-quality inks and films explicitly made for DTF printing. This will help your designs look great and last a long time.
- Curing Oven:
After you heat press the transfer, you’ll need a curing oven to dry the ink completely.
- Ventilation:
DTF printing can involve some light fumes, so caution is necessary. Make sure your workspace has good ventilation.
- Safety Equipment:
When working with DTF inks and powders, it’s always a good idea to wear gloves and a mask.
The pros and cons:
| Feature | Prestige L2 | Uninet 6000 | Prestige R2 | Roland BY-20 | Uninet 100 | Procolored A4 | Epson F2270 |
| Type | High-Volume | High-Volume | Small Business | Small Business | Beginner | Beginner | All-in-One |
| Print Speed | 40-60 shirts/hour | Extremely Fast | 27 sq ft/hour | Moderate | Wide-format | Fast | High (DTG) & Moderate (DTF) |
| Maximum Print Area | Wide format | Wide rolls (up to 24″) | Desktop | Wide rolls (up to 20″) | Sheet printing (A3+) | Sheet printing (A4) | DTG & DTF printing |
| Functionality | DTF only | DTF only | DTF only | DTF, Perf-cutting, Vinyl Cutting | DTF only | DTF only | DTG & DTF |
| Pros | Very fast, Automatic settings, Head strike sensor | Fastest speed, Handles large rolls | Compact, Easy to use | Multifunctional, Compact | User-friendly, Affordable | Budget-friendly, Portable | DTG & DTF options, High quality |
| Cons | Large footprint, Expensive | Large footprint, Expensive | Not ideal for high volume | Higher initial cost | Slower speed, Limited printing area | Limited features, Durability | Highest initial cost |
Advanced Considerations for DTF Printing Success
You picked out an excellent DTF printer to make awesome designs for clothes and other stuff! But wait, there’s more! Here are some extra tips to make your printing even better:
- Learning the Lingo: Your printer has a unique program that tells it how to print your pictures. Using this program (like RIP software) is like learning a secret language for your printer! It helps make your designs look perfect.
- Fancy Inks & Films: Not all inks and films are created equal! Use special inks for DTF printing so your designs stick well and look bright. Pick the proper movie too, like a thicker one for jeans or a thinner one for T-shirts.
- The Heat is On! Once you print your design, you need a heat press to stick it onto your clothes. Think of it like a super strong iron! Ensure the press is the right size for your designs and gets hot enough.
- The Finishing Touch: Sometimes, after you heat press your design, you can add something extra! Special films or powders can make your design shiny, matte, or even glow in the dark!
- Keeping it Clean: Just like your bike, your printer needs a little care to keep working well. Clean it regularly following the instructions so the ink doesn’t get stuck.
- Practice Makes Perfect! Learning DTF printing is like learning a new trick. Don’t be afraid to try different things and see what works best. There are even online communities where you can ask questions and learn from other DTF printers!
Following these tips will make you a DTF printing pro in no time! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and use your creativity to make amazing designs!
Picking the Perfect DTF Printer
The world of DTF printing offers a wide variety of printers to suit all sorts of businesses and budgets. By thinking carefully about your production volume, workspace limitations, budget, and experience level, you can choose the perfect machine to bring your creative vision to life. Remember, this guide is just a starting point – don’t be afraid to research specific models and read user reviews before making your final decision. With the right printer and a little practice, you’ll be creating stunning DTF designs in no time!
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