Direct-to-film (DTF) printing can offer exciting prospects for small-scale print businesses. And one of the first things new users must do is choose the best printer for their needs. However, looking at all the options can get overwhelming fast.
In this article, we hope to cut through the noise and cover which DTF printers are likely best for your specific printer needs.
Table of Contents
What to factor in when choosing a DTF printer
1. Print quality
2. Ease of use
3. Speed and efficiency
4. Running costs
4 reliable DTF printers for beginners
1. PUNEHOD A3 DTF printer
2. A3+ Starter DTF printer
3. EnjoyColor A3 DTF printer
4. DTFLINKO L402
Wrapping up
What to factor in when choosing a DTF printer
If you’re new to direct-to-film printing, these will be the factors that matter most when choosing a printer:
1. Print quality
If your prints are blurry, faded, or peeling after a few washes, clients will not return. Look for a printer that delivers sharp, vibrant colors with smooth gradients, especially if you’re creating detailed artwork or full-color designs.
2. Ease of use
Some DTF printers require constant maintenance, software headaches, and ink circulation issues. The last thing new printing businesses want is to go through a three-month learning curve. If you’re new to this, you want a printer that works without hassle.
3. Speed and efficiency
If you’re printing one or two shirts here and there, speed might not matter. But if you’re taking orders, a slow printer will kill your workflow. Look for a balance between speed and quality to get those high-quality prints out faster.
4. Running costs
Remember that a cheap printer doesn’t mean cheap in the long run. Things like ink costs, repairs, and constant maintenance can easily bleed your bank account dry. So, always factor in the long-term expenses before choosing your DTF printer.
4 reliable DTF printers for beginners
1. PUNEHOD A3 DTF printer
New businesses require efficiency and flexibility, which this DTF printer offers. The PUNEHOD A3 also has something unique: an easy setup that skips the pre-treatment process. Hence, all you’ll do is start this printer and go straight to printing, saving valuable time.
Pros
- Since this model skips pre-treatment, you can run a more streamlined T-shirt printing business
- It also offers good white ink circulation, so you’ll spend less time battling maintenance and downtime
- Works with different materials, so you can easily expand your offerings when needed
Cons
- Using this printer may take a little getting used to, especially on the first run – but the brand makes up for it with great customer support
- You may experience some software issues
- The printer is heavy, so moving it may be a hassle
Final verdict: Overall, PUNEHOD’s A3 printer is a workhorse that can print on various materials, and makes for a good choice if you don’t want to deal with pre-treatment processes
2. AOK A3+ Starter DTF printer
If you’re looking for something dependable and easy to use, the AOK A3+ DTF printer may be what you’re looking for. This compact model is simple enough to set up and run quickly – almost like plug-and-play.
Pros
- Has great color output, consistently delivering crisp and vibrant print
- AOK A3+ printers have an extended media width, allowing them to handle larger-than-standard designs
Cons
- This DTF printer doesn’t ship with RIP software
- Only includes a limited warranty, which doesn’t cover the printhead
Final verdict:
3. EnjoyColor A3+ DTF printer
EnjoyColor’s A3+ DTF printer is a good option for small businesses getting into textile printing. It offers efficiency and a complete setup, making it easy to get off the ground running.
Pros
- Has an internal white ink circulation system to help reduce the need for maintenance
- Easily handles rolls and sheets of DTF film for better flexibility
- Features an L805 print head with better print speeds without sacrificing quality
Cons
- Only comes with a one-year warranty that covers non-consumable parts
Final verdict: The EnjoyColor A3+ DTF printer offers a great balance between beginner-friendliness and functionality, making it a good buy for small businesses new to DTF printing
4. DTFLINKO L402
The DTFLINKO L402 is an impressive entry-level DTF printer whose design focuses on efficiency and simplicity, which will suit beginners.
Pros
- Dual head ensures you get high-quality and quick prints
- Simple touchscreen controls and LED lighting
- Can handle various designs without losing color precision and vibrance
- Stable performance at an affordable price – a great deal for newcomers
Cons
- Bulky design, so may require more space
Final verdict: The L402 offers the best of all worlds: speed, user-friendliness, and precision. For this reason, it’s a good option for anyone new to DTF printing.
Wrapping up
Choosing the right direct-to-film printer for your needs can be time-consuming, but once you understand the basics, the task should become much easier. The best approach is to focus on the key features that should ensure reliability, efficiency, and high-quality results. Alternatively, you may want to start with a budget-friendly model, master the basics, and upgrade once you understand what exactly you’ll be printing in the future.
