Best DTF Printers for Your Small Business

DTF printing can be a real game-changer. Imagine being able to print on any type of fabric, be it light or dark, without all the headaches that come with traditional printing methods. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

I’m not just talking from theory here – I’ve personally had my hands on multiple DTF and sublimation printers over the last couple of years and know the ins and outs like the back of my hand.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the benefits of DTF printing and which DTF printer could be the best fit for your business.

How DTF Printing Can Help Your Business Grow

Imagine this: it’s the holiday season, and you have orders coming in left and right. You need to print high-quality designs on all sorts of fabrics, and you need it fast.

Here’s where Direct to Film printing comes into play:

1. It can create vibrant designs on practically any garment, unlike sublimation.
2. It doesn’t require pre-treating a fabric or cutting and weeding like DTG and HTV. 
3. It’s cost-effective over the long run compared to other commercial printing methods that require heavy investments.

However, don’t choose a DTF printer if you’re not in the printing business. 

The initial price and maintenance will eat you alive. Instead, consider printers that can be converted to DTF or sublimation printers. 

If you’re in business, a DTF printer will help you offer a wider range of products, fulfill custom orders quickly, and even open doors to new market segments you hadn’t considered before.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that you’ll need a Windows-based laptop or PC because most of the software isn’t compatible with MacOS. You can buy a basic one for as low as $300.

Top 5 DTF Printers for Small Businesses

Now that we’ve covered the importance, pros, and cons of DTF printing, it’s time to choose the right DTF printer for your needs.

Here are 5 best DTF printers that offer the best combination of quality, speed, and reliability.

If you’re short on time and can’t read through the entire article (which I highly recommend), check out these 3 DTF printers I’ve tried:

PLK A3 L1800

As an owner of the PLK A3 L1800, I’ve got to say this machine is a monster. The quality of your prints will speak for themselves – vibrant, sharp, and good for all sorts of projects.

What’s more, PLK is owned by Colorsun, so you’re dealing directly with the manufacturer. That’s why their customer support is unparalleled compared to competitors.

I’ve personally chatted with Jack from their team a few times, and his advice was incredibly helpful. Keep in mind they’re based overseas, so you’ll need to use WhatsApp and be patient with the time difference.

Regular maintenance is crucial for DTF printers. It’s pretty straightforward, but you need to do it daily.

I’m not gonna lie – I used their instructions the first couple of times.

So, that’s what you should do:

1. Use the software to clean the printhead before and after you print each day.
2. Always start by printing a test strip to make sure everything looks fine.
3. And DON’T clean the printhead by hand (you’d be surprised how often people do this) – you could end up damaging the printer.

There’s a newer version of this DTF printer that looks even better. However, it does come with a slightly higher price tag. I haven’t tried it out yet, so I can’t vouch for it.

Overall, the PLK A3 L1800 has been a reliable, versatile asset for my small business, and I’m happy I got it.

Punehod A4 L805

Now, let’s talk about another printer I’ve had the chance to work with – the Punehod A4 L805. Unlike the more massive PLK, this one is a compact, affordable printer that’s perfect for beginners who are just starting their printing business.

The colors come out vibrant and stick really well to different fabric types. 

The printer is a part of a complete package with an oven, 100 DTF transfer film sheets, and even a printhead moisturizing device.

As with other DTF printers – the setup is tricky. You’ll most likely need help from their Skype/WhatsApp team to get started. I’ve got amazing images from this machine once it’s set up correctly. Their tech team usually answers within 12 hours.

While the printer is certainly impressive, it has a few limitations. If you’re looking to print larger designs, the print area will be too small to meet your needs. Punehod has a bigger version available, which is the next option on my list.

Overall, it’s a great user-friendly machine for beginners with outstanding technical support. 

Punehod A3+ L1800

Punehod A3+ L1800 is the big brother in the Punehod family. It’s a perfect fit if you need to print many large projects.

Although I don’t personally own this printer, I read countless reviews online and spoke to a close friend who has it. So, I’m confident that I can save you some time.

• It’s easy to set up. Sure, the written instructions could be better, but the videos from the support team make it easy to understand. Many people who bought this printer say they managed to set it up and start printing on the first day.
• High-quality prints. This printer consistently produces vibrant transfers, and the RIP software is as user-friendly as possible.
• Customer Support. Punehod is on par with the best in the business, like PLK. Their expert team is proactive, not only resolving issues but also following up to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

Overall, the Punehod A3+ L1800 is a reliable and easy-to-use printer for larger projects, providing high quality, ease of use, and exceptional customer service.

Syxingl A3 DTG & DTF

The Syxingl A3 supports both DTF and DTG printing, so it’s like having two machines in one. Need vibrant colors on cotton tees? Go DTG. Want to print on, let’s say, a nylon windbreaker? Switch to DTF.

It’s quite large and comes in a pallet. Since Syxingl combines two printing methods in a single machine, it has a higher price tag. Consider this printer only if you own an business that needs both DTF and DTG printing.

Well, except for these things, it’s pretty much like other top printers in this article – colorful prints, complicated setup, but an excellent support team.

Michael, who is a true engineer, will walk you through the setup via TeamViewer and provide you with a WhatsApp number for any questions you may have even a few months later. That peace of mind is priceless.

Ving 24in DTF Printer

This Ving machine is a decent industrial DTF printer for your business. It’s equipped with Dual I3200-A1 Heads, so you’re basically running two print heads in parallel.

It’s got a range of printing speeds based on how many passes you’re doing. For example, at 8Pass, you’re looking at 10㎡/h. And the accuracy? Up to 720 x 2400 dpi. That’s incredibly detailed.

The printer is enormously hefty and costly. There’s absolutely no sense in considering it if you don’t have an established business in a separate building.

If you’ve been in the digital printing industry for a while and want a technical marvel – the Ving 24in DTF Printer should be on your radar.

How to Choose a DTF Printer

Your Business Needs

Start by asking yourself how many orders you expect and what the market demand is like. Do you have seasonal peaks or special requirements, like printing on dark T-shirts or water-resistant prints? Will you get last-minute, urgent orders? 

Answering these questions will help you to understand which DTF printer meets your unique needs.

After-Sales Support and Training

Good customer service can be a lifesaver. Look for brands that offer solid after-sales support and training on how to use the printer. 

Fortunately, the commercial printing industry offers exceptional technical support. All the printers in this list have support teams you can always rely on.

Budget

You want a DTF printer that will help your startup grow and flourish, so it’s important to carefully calculate your earnings, costs, and long-term strategy. 

Also, I recommend thinking about how the printer will benefit your business and how much more money it will help you earn.

How to Maximize ROI with Your DTF Printer

You’ll get the best return on investment when you utilize all of your printer’s capabilities. That’s how you can do this:

1. Regular Maintenance: Keeping your printer in perfect shape can extend its lifespan and ensure consistent print quality.
2. Optimize Workflows: Set up a workflow that minimizes ink and material waste. Every drop of ink and inch of fabric counts!
3. Utilize All Features: Get to know your printer inside out. Many DTF printers have additional features that can help improve efficiency and print quality.
4. Bulk Orders: Whenever possible, print in bulk. This reduces the per-unit cost.
5. Up-sell and Cross-sell: Use your printer’s capabilities as a selling point to convince customers to opt for higher-quality (and higher-priced) products.