“Looking for something to start a small T-shirt business?” We’ve heard you. We’ve received a lot of messages from DTF beginners. Many of you want to get into T-shirt printing.
DTF printers can produce colorful, durable printed clothing and accessories, making them the best choice for small and medium-sized businesses. DTF lets them avoid the high time and installation costs of other technologies, like screen printing.
DTF printing prints the pattern onto a special film. Adhesives and heat are then transferred to the fabric. This method is good for short-run and on-demand printing. It also helps small businesses that need to print many patterns and minimize waste.
As the top DTF printer manufacturer in China, we will help you choose the DTF printer suitable for startups and start your entrepreneurial journey easily. Our beginner DTF printers are for beginners. We come with complete direct-to-film training to ensure you get started smoothly.
The Basics of DTF Printing for Beginners
Starting in DTF (direct-to-film) printing brings its must-know essentials for beginners. Understanding these basics will not only make your startup journey smoother. It will also ensure you make informed choices tailored to your business needs. Here’s what you need to grasp:
- Printer Size: The size of the printer is crucial for your production scale. The common sizes are 12 inches and 24 inches. They serve different business sizes and needs.
- Number of Print Heads: A printer’s number of print heads can greatly affect its speed and quality. Dual-head and four-head configurations are common, balancing efficiency and cost.
- Support for Consumables and Accessories: DTF printing requires specific consumables and accessories, including DTF ink, DTF film, DTF powder, powder shaker, heat press, and air purifier, among others. Knowing what each part does will help you maintain a steady printing process.
- Printing Training: For beginners, a basic understanding of the printing process is vital. Some manufacturers offer training sessions or guides. They teach how to best use their equipment. These resources can be invaluable.
- After-sales Service: Familiarize yourself with the supplier’s after-sales service. This includes guidance for routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and resolving any issues.
With this knowledge, you can start narrowing your choices. Look for a DTF printer that fits your budget and meets your needs. An informed decision now can save you time and money. It will ensure a smoother path as you start your printing business.
Top 3 DTF Printers for Beginners In 2024
We will dive into the options that grabbed the market’s attention in 2024. Three DTF printers stand out. They are great for their performance, reliability, and ease of use: the B8048, A602, and L402. Each model has unique features. They are tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses at different stages of growth.
1. DTFLINKO L402: The Ideal Choice for Beginners
L402: Epson-i1600 Dual Head Desktop Roll A3 DTF Printer
For those who are just starting out in the world of DTF printing, the L402 is definitely an entry-level DTF printer that you can’t go wrong with. It’s designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, making it perfect for beginners.
Why is L402 your first choice?
- Fast Printing: Features the I1600 dual head for quick, high-quality prints.
- Ease of Use: Comes with a touch screen for simple controls and LED lighting to ensure precision.
- Versatility: Handles up to 33CM PET hot stamping, ideal for various designs with ultra-high precision and vibrant colours.
- Affordable & Reliable: Offers stable performance at a budget-friendly price, perfect for newcomers to the industry.
In short, the L402 combines speed, precision, and user-friendliness, making it a top pick for anyone looking to dive into DTF printing without breaking the bank.
2. DTFLINKO A602: The 24-Inch Solution for Experienced Businesses
- Print Head: Epson i3200 Dual Printheads
- Print Width: A1 | 60cm | 24 inches
- Print Speed: 3-7㎡/h
- Ink Type: 4 Color CMYK+W Options/8 Color CMYK+LC LM LK LLK +W Options (Best definition)
Streamlined Efficiency: 24H2 DTF Printer
Discover an economical and intelligent approach to DTF printing with a system designed for high performance and user convenience.
Printer Highlights:
- Broad Print Capacity: Enjoy the flexibility of A1, 60cm, or 24-inch print widths, perfect for a variety of projects.
- Advanced Technology: Equipped with dual Epson i3200 printheads for superior print quality and speed.
- Space-Saving Design: Comes with a computer bracket that not only saves space but also enhances usability.
- Maintenance Made Easy: An automatic moisturizing device keeps the nozzles in top condition, extending their lifespan and ensuring cost efficiency.
- Smart Alerts: Never worry about overflow or running low on ink thanks to the waste ink and ink shortage alarms.
- Efficient Powder Management: The integrated powder shaker with an automatic powder recycling system cuts down on both labour costs and material waste.
3. DTFLINKO B8048: The Professional Grade 8048 Printer
- 4 Epson i3200 Printheads
- Print width: A1 | 60cm | 24 inch
Maximizing Output: 24″ 4 Head Industrial DTF Printer
Elevate Your Production with Key Efficiency Features:
The 8048 model is engineered for businesses aiming to significantly boost their production capabilities. Its design and features are tailored to meet the demands of high-volume printing with precision and ease.
Core Advantages:
- Quad Printheads: Equipped with 4 Epson i3200 printheads, ensuring top-notch quality and speed.
- Wide Print Area: Offers a generous A1, 60cm, or 24-inch print width for diverse project sizes.
- Vibrant Colors: An 8-colour scheme enhances your output with vivid, eye-catching colours.
- Durability and Mobility: A stable metal plate coupled with universal wheels grants both stability in printing and ease of movement.
- Smooth Operation: Features a nine-section roller and Hiwin guide rail for uninterrupted printing.
- Precision Control: The powerful BYHX mainboard delivers consistently accurate prints.
FAQs on DTF Printer for Beginners
Q1: Can you provide a complete implementation solution so we can start immediately?
Absolutely! We tailor complete solutions to fit our clients’ diverse needs. We offer 100% technical support to those new to the industry. This ensures you can kickstart your business activities swiftly upon receiving our machines. We’ve helped over 600 overseas companies. They used our DTF solution to start their business.
Q2: Which devices with Epson printheads do you recommend for good results and durability?
All LINKO DTF printers have original Epson printheads. The printheads are known for their quality and durability. Different models feature varying printing speeds and precision, affecting their cost. Rest assured, we offer a range of options to suit various requirements and budgets.
Q3: What After-Sales Support Do You Offer?
Our after-sales support includes:
- Remote setup and debugging by a technician post-purchase. For agents meeting specific order volumes, we offer on-site services where feasible.
- Remote assistance for any printing issues.
- Access to a dedicated sales and technical team for ongoing support.
- For agents, we offer instalment passwords for 3/6/12 months and one permanent password.
- Comprehensive operating manuals and tutorial videos are provided for ease of use.
Q4. Delivery Time and Shipping Options
Delivery Time: Expect a 3-7 day production time. Shipping takes 7-10 days more. So, you should plan for 10-17 days for delivery.
Q5. Essential Accessories for Optimal Functionality
We equip our users with a comprehensive manual and instructional videos. Our technicians are proficient in English. They offer personalized online support. It is to help with installation, calibration, and maintenance. Our maintenance guide provides easy-to-follow steps for routine care.
In addition, LINKO machines have an automatic white ink circulation system. It reduces clogging. Rest assured, we calibrate our printers before shipping. This usually eliminates the need for nozzle adjustments.
Q6. Technical Support: Europe & USA
While we have distributors in Europe and the USA, our technical support is primarily online. Our English-speaking technicians are ready to assist through video/audio calls or messaging.
Our post-COVID-19 online technical service system includes video tutorials, flexible hours, pre-sent operation guides, software tutorials, live installation guidance, and complimentary technical training.
For a comprehensive training experience, we highly recommend visiting our factory.
Q7. Printer Packaging: Does It Include a Dryer/Shaker?
Our printer and powder shaker are shipped separately, ensuring safe transport. Assembly is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward.
Q8. Types of Printheads in Our Printers
We equip our printers with Epson XP600, i1600, and i3200 printheads. We recommend the i3200 printhead for the ultimate in DTF print quality.
Q9. RIP Software Options and Features
Our printers support RIP software like Print Factory, Photo Print, and Maintop. Print Factory stands out for its print precision and ink saving—up to 20% less ink use.
It offers advanced features. These include controlling the white under base for dark designs, nesting designs on film, and automated cutting support. However, some cutters may need specific software.
Q10. Using Alternative RIP Software
While alternative RIP software can be used, our recommended software ensures the best color accuracy. Each printer and software combination includes an ICC profile for seamless ink-machine compatibility.
Q11. Availability and Pricing of Consumables
We provide a complete printing solution with ink, glue powder, and film.
Q12. Printer Certification
Yes, our printers come with CE and/or UL certifications, ensuring they meet high safety and operational standards.
How Does a DTF Printer Work?
Printing on a T-shirt with a DTF printer only involves 7 straightforward steps:
Prepare images → Set printing parameters → Load PET film → Start printing → Drying and curing → Heat transfer printing → Remove PET film → Complete
Linko’s Support Services for Beginners
Starting your journey in DTF printing can be daunting, but Linko is here to make it smoother and more accessible. Here’s how we support beginners stepping into the world of DTF printing:
- Free Purchase Guidance: We offer tailored purchasing advice based on your specific needs, helping you save both time and money in selecting the right equipment.
- 24/7 One-on-One Customer Service: Our expert team is ready to provide fast, personalized support to address any printing challenges you face, ensuring a hassle-free DTF printing experience.
- Long-Term Supplies and Accessories Support: As a manufacturer based in China with a complete DTF system, we guarantee long-term, stable support for all necessary consumables and accessories.
- Complimentary Business Consultation Services: With over 4,000 successful cases worldwide and years of experience, LINKO offers free consultation services to help your business thrive.
Linko is dedicated to empowering beginners with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed in DTF printing. Whether it’s choosing the right printer or scaling your operations, we’re with you every step of the way.
