Today, DTF printing has become one of the most versatile technologies in the clothing printing industry, with incredible color reproduction and applicability on a wide range of fabrics.
Then, choosing a DTF printer will provide a good start for your printing and heat transfer business or opening a personalized custom clothing factory. In this article, we will discuss a topic: How to choose the right DTF printer for your printing business?
What is a DTF Printer?
The operation process of the DTF Printer is very simple, and it is easy for novices to get started. All you need to do is print the design on the white ink heat transfer film using a DTF printer, mix it with hot melt powder, shake the powder, and dry it to get a “heat transfer sticker”.
You can transfer the “stickers” to clothing immediately, or you can store them first and transfer them later.
This is a great way to reduce inventory costs, so the DTF printing process has been on an upward trend in demand since its inception.
In addition, it can perfectly reproduce patterns and colors on various colored substrates, and is suitable for printing on various fabrics, such as cotton and linen, polyester, canvas, denim, velvet, and knitted fabrics… with traditional printing processes In comparison, white ink heat transfer printing has obvious production advantages: easy operation, short preparation cycle, fast production speed, and reliable output quality.
Buy a DTF Printer, Here Are 5 Aspects You Need To Consider
Market and business needs
Printer model and performance
Necessary supplies and software
Prices and services provided by suppliers
Other supporting equipment
Whether you need mass production in the peak season or small batch customization in the off-season, the white ink heat transfer printer is your reliable assistant.
Consider Market And Business Needs
Analyze the market situation in the region and understand the needs of users. For example, if you want to start a custom clothing business, you need to take into account the fabrics of clothing and the volume of business you may have to handle. Different materials will affect the quality and durability of your prints.
Analyze market shares to predict the size of your production so you can narrow your choices by understanding printer width, efficiency, and features.
Printer Models And Performance
Compare printer specifications, configurations, speeds, resolutions, and more. The right digital printer requires comparing the features and performance of different printer models to meet your printing needs.
The first is the width, which is the printing size of the machine.
Self-employed small businesses that are relatively limited in terms of space and cost can choose a DTF printer with a printing width of 300mm. A small machine is also capable of serving personalized services, such as customized T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, canvas bags, etc.;
When processing bulk orders, small and medium-sized enterprises with a certain production scale can consider a 600mm printing width DTF printer for quick response and timely delivery.
The second is performance. Understanding the configuration of some important components is key when considering printer performance.
The print head is one of the important parts of the DTF printer. The type and number of print heads determine the machine’s printing resolution and speed. Currently, printers on the market generally use EPSON print heads because of their good performance and stability, which can meet the production needs of white ink heat transfer printing with high resolution, durability, and fast printing.
The mainboard is another important component. The printer’s mainboard is responsible for coordinating the operation of the hardware and software and receiving instructions from the computer to control the printer’s functions. The current recommendation is the Hoson motherboard, which has relatively stronger functions in data transmission, image processing, compatibility, etc.
The third is to consider the scalability and upgradeability of the printer to adapt to future business development and changing needs. Some printers may have upgrade options to add functionality or improve performance.
Necessary Software And Consumables
Also consider whether the RIP software, white ink heat transfer PET printing film, DTF ink, and hot melt powder can match the machine.
RIP software is responsible for converting digital image files into a format that the printer can recognize. It also manages the color information in digital images, controls the printing process, and manages the ink supply system. At present, white ink heat transfer printers have certain requirements for software configuration. Regarding the specific installation and operating procedures of the software, you can ask the sales staff for the relevant operation manual when purchasing a DTF printer.
To achieve high-quality printing or efficient production, it is also crucial to choose high-quality white ink heat transfer consumables.
On the one hand, using high-quality consumables is a kind of protection for the printer, which is more conducive to the success of printing and ensures stable printing quality; on the other hand, it can also avoid the waste of materials and control production costs.
Compare Prices And Services Offered By Suppliers
Choose reliable products and brands.
There is currently no fixed price range for DTF printers on the market, and different brands have different pricing strategies. But you need to be reminded that when comparing prices, you should also consider the quality of the product and after-sales service.
If the price of a particular device is significantly lower than other products of the same model on the market, the components or materials used in that product may be of lower quality. It may cost you more in repairs in the long run. Therefore, you should try to choose well-known brands and fully communicate with suppliers to understand whether they can provide complete technical support and after-sales services.
Other Supporting Equipment
There is no doubt that DTF printing requires more than just a DTF printer from pattern design to product completion, so you also need to consider whether other devices are compatible with your white ink heat transfer printer and whether they are compatible in terms of production capabilities.
For example, if you choose a 600mm DTF printer, because you need to process batch orders, it is more suitable to choose a mesh belt powder shaker with higher efficiency and more thorough drying.
In conclusion, it is crucial to consider as many factors as possible before starting a new business. If you need further help, we are happy to provide you with professional services, please feel free to message us!
