Buyer's Guide: The True Price of DTF Printer

DTF printing is undoubtedly an excellent fabric printing technology that gives exceptional print quality. It’s a preferred option in the market and a valuable business investment.

For people who want to get started with DTF printing, the most confusing thing is the DTF printer price, equipment cost, expenses, etc. The reason is the massive price range of DTF systems.

We have compiled this comprehensive guide to unveil the true cost of DTF printing. We will discuss the DTF printer cost of different categories, running expenses, hidden costs, and the total cost of ownership (TCO). It will help readers select the right type of DTF system that fits their business model and volume, and give them an idea of the investment they need.

The Core Question: What Are the DTF Printer Price Ranges?

The primary investment in DTF printing is the DTF printer. It’s the costliest equipment required for the process.

The initial cost of DTF printers differs according to the features they offer, the size of the machine, specifications, and other factors.

No matter whether you choose an entry-level printer or an industrial machine, you must spend on a reliable machine. Don’t aim for the cheapest; select a good machine that will offer exceptional performance.

Entry Level/Hobbyist

An entry-level or hobbyist DTF printing machine is an ideal option for beginners. The reason is that it allows them to practice the skill and get the machine without going bankrupt.

It costs around $2,000 to $5,000 for an entry-level desktop machine that can print A4 or A3 sheets. You can choose this kind of printer if you want to produce low volumes. If you want to test the business & industry or fulfill your hobby, you can go with it without any worries.

Keep in mind that this kind of printer involves a manual process. It’s a simple printer without advanced features like auto-powder coating, auto printhead cleaning, etc.

Mid-Range Professional

Small to medium businesses and startups can opt for mid-range professional DTF printers. These are suitable for medium volume for daily orders.

The cost of such printers is around $10,000 to $25,000. It is because of advanced features. They usually use a 13-inch roll for print, so the width is limited and the height is flexible.

These are suitable for small businesses because of their incredible speed and professional print heads. They can produce better quality compared to entry-level printers.

They could have integrated shakers to apply DTF powder on the film and curing units to process it further. Not on that, these printers are equipped with high-end features like self-maintenance, G7 standard colors, etc.

If you want to start a business, it is an ideal option to meet the business requirements and help you produce quality that makes customers happy.

Industrial/Large-format System

For industrial purposes and large-format systems, you can’t go with mid-range printers. We are talking about a massive production, and it can only be obtained with an industrial-grade printer.

If you closely look at the mid-range category, you will see that they have a limited width. For instance, the standard film rolls are usually 13 or 22 inches. Thus, if you want to go beyond that, you need a big printing machine. The common range starts from 24 inches and goes up to 47 inches.

These printers are designed to work 24/7, and they have multiple print heads to complete the job at an exceptional speed. Their throughput is incredible and is the best for large-scale custom apparel manufacturers.

The cost of such printers starts from $30,000.

Understanding the Price Drivers: Why DTF Costs Vary So Much

Even if you look at DTF printers in the same category, such as mid-range printers, you’ll notice a wider price range. It could cost $10,000 for the basic one and $25,000 for a high-end piece.

The price could change drastically because of the technical components, features, etc. However, there are some major drivers of the price.

Printhead

It starts with the printhead, and it plays a very important role in driving the price. The printhead technology defines the print quality, and if you go with high-tech printheads, the cost of the printer increases drastically.

Some popular companies offer their proprietary print head technologies that are used in DTF printers. These printheads have incredible features like MEMS and piezo elements for incredible details.

For instance, the xTool Apparel Printer uses the state-of-the-art Epson I1600 printhead that offers designs in HD resolution. It ensures an exceptional level of detail with a high-density array (NPI 300) of nozzles with ultra-fine ink drops. It is clear and detailed enough that you can even see the tiny hairs in the final print.

The better the printhead technology is, the higher the DTF printer price will be. And the price also drastically increases with the number of printheads. High-end printers like the xTool Apparel Printer use two Epson I1600 printheads for better speed and quality.

System Integration

A simple DTF printer only prints the design on the film. Then, you have to manually cut the film, coat it with a powder, and cure it in a heater to make the design ready for heat pressing.

If you go a bit further in tech, the printer could include an automatic cutting system to cut the film according to the design. Advanced printers even have an integrated powder coating system along with a baking system. Thus, you get a ready-made film that has the design, is perfectly cut, and is ready to transfer the ink onto a piece of fabric.

With system integration, the doors open to automation. The printer becomes able to do all these things with just one click of a button.

All these features and advanced integration increase the DTF printer price.

Max Print Width

If you select a DTF printer that produces designs with a maximum width of 13 inches, it will be affordable compared to a printer that prints a 22-inch design. And industrial machines are too expensive as they are capable of making wider designs up to 47 inches.

With a wider design means, you can work on a wide range of items and have the option to increase your product line.

When the max width of the printer increases, it also boosts the price tag. Because with the max width, the size of the machine also increases.

Software Inclusion

For a DTF printer, you need professional RIP (Raster Image Processor) software. You can buy third-party software to convert your designs and make them compatible with DTF.

But having software from the printer company itself is an advantage. It is a more reliable option and offers better results. If the proprietary software is included with the machine, it will increase the cost of the overall product. But it is worth it.

Beyond the Machine: Calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Buying a DTF printer isn’t everything. It’s definitely the major cost, but there are other costs involved in running the business. The consumables play an important role, and if you want to get started, you should have an idea of the costs.

Ink Cost

You need to buy high-quality DTF ink. Do not skimp on cheap inks if you want to enhance the life of the printer and get excellent results.

Each design has distinct colors. Generally, the ink cost could be $0.10 – $0.50 per square foot. Keep in mind, no matter how the design is, DTF printers use white ink as the base. Hence, it’s the most used ink.

Film and Powder

Mid-range and higher machines require a roll of film. Depending on the size of the roll, the cost differs. It’s usually $0.30 – $1.00 per square foot.

Then, there is the cost of powder. You need to use excellent-quality DTF powder for better adhesion. It is required in a very small quantity, and the cost is low, around $0.05 – $0.15 per square foot.

Maintenance

DTF printers also require regular maintenance. You need to clean the printhead, lines, and other things for smooth working. For this, you need cleaning solutions, swabs, wipers, etc.

Inspect dampers once a week. Check for air bubbles and dried ink. If its condition isn’t workable, you need to replace it.

Budgeting for regular cleaning solutions, swabs, wipers, and the occasional print head flush/replacement.

You also need to replace line filers and worn tubing.

Downtime and Spoilage

The DTF printer’s printhead can get clogged, and it is quite common. In this case, you need to clean it thoroughly. It wastes the workers' time. The downtime of the machine is a loss for the business.

Plus, there are chances of spoilage. Some ink is also wasted for flushing the printhead and lines, auto-cleaning, etc.

DTF vs. Direct-to-Garment (DTG): A Price Comparison

Upfront Cost

DTF printers are less expensive compared to DTG. A commercial DTF printer starts from $5,000 and could go up to $10,000 or more. It’s suitable for small businesses. On the other hand, a DTG printer of commercial scale starts from $10,000 and can go up to $30,000.

The other equipment required in these printing methods does not have a very high upfront cost compared to the printers.

Consumables Cost

Again, DTF is cost-effective when it comes to consumables. The material cost per print ranges from $0.55 to $2.15 per square foot. It needs ink, a small amount of DTF powder, and DTF film. The process also requires less ink.

On the other hand, DTG printing consumables are expensive. It could cost $1.50 – $3.50 per square foot. Along with the ink, it requires a pretreatment solution, which is applied to the garment before printing. It increases the cost of printing.

Labor Cost

The labor cost of both printing technologies is different.

DTF wins when it comes to labor cost. Firstly, it allows the creation of gang sheets, where transfers are printed continuously on a sheet. If the machine integrates a powder applicator and baking machine, it will also do the job, saving labor.

One person can handle printing in DTF. The second can use the heat press to transfer the design onto fabrics. It becomes an extremely simple job.

In DTG printing, the garment is prepared first using a pretreatment solution. Then, the garment is cured. Finally, it’s placed on the DTG printer. In this process, the operator is bound to produce one item at a time, which makes it a time-consuming process. It results in a higher labor cost.

Further reading: DTF vs DTG

Essential Accessories & Hidden Costs to Budget For

Heat Press

A heat press is essential equipment for DTF printing. It transfers the design to the fabric. When you buy a heat press, make sure it’s reliable. Spend more and get a commercial-grade heat press. It offers consistent temperature, even pressure distribution, and robust performance. It is meant to last for a long time. The print quality on the fabric will be exceptional.

Hobby heat presses aren’t worth it. They are suitable for small crafts, and if you want to print once in a blue moon.

Humidity and Temperature Control

You also need to control the humidity and temperature of the DTF printing area.

If it is too cold or dry, the ink in the printhead and tubing could coagulate. It results in frequent maintenance expenses and downtimes. The temperature should be between 70°F and 80°F for uninterrupted performance.

Low humidity creates static electricity that impacts the application of the adhesive powder. The powder could stick to the unprinted areas of the film as well and leave residue on the fabric.

The relative humidity should be 40% and 60%.

Shipping, Installation, and Training

While calculating the required investment for DTF printing, beginners often forget these hidden costs. The heavy equipment involves high freight.

Then, we need specialized installation services to get everything ready to work. After that, the machine operators also need proper training to operate the machines. All these things are additional costs.

Power and Air

The running expenses also include the cost of power and air. Often, these are high-amperage equipment, especially the heat press. You need an exclusive setup of an electrical distribution box. Also, get an idea of the electrical consumption from the amperage of the machines.

An air compressor is also required for the automated shaker. Its electricity consumption is an additional cost.

The Verdict: Getting the Best Value, Not Just the Lowest Price

You might have a clear idea of the DTF printer price, equipment cost, and other expenses. You can go with any printer category and equipment according to the usage requirements.

But anything you choose, consider the value. Don’t go for the lowest price, as reliability and uninterrupted performance are important. Look for a reliable warranty and support from the supplier that ensures a quick solution to problems when they occur.

Some people also opt for user printers, but there is a massive risk of deteriorated parts and performance issues. It’s better to onboard an expert for inspection to find the right price of the equipment, along with repairs.

While choosing a DTF printer, think about the foreseeable future. You might need to scale up with the growth of the business, so invest in something that could cater to the future needs.