Should I Get My Own DTF Printer? A Straight-Talk Guide from the Trenches
One question we hear all the time at DMandprints is: “Should I get my own DTF printer?” It’s a big one, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But after years of running our own fleet and helping shops like yours grow, I’ve got a framework to help you decide. It’s not about pushing you one way or the other—it’s about giving you the real scoop so you can figure out what’s best for your business.
The 500,000 Square Inch Question
Here’s the deal: it boils down to two numbers I want you to tattoo in your brain—500,000 and 1,000,000. Square inches, that is. I’ll explain what they mean and why they matter, but first, let’s set the stage.
The Square Inch Standard
Most DTF providers—including us—charge by the square inch. It’s a fair yardstick whether you’re buying individual prints or gang-sheeting a batch. So when I talk about volume, I’m talking square inches you’re pressing onto apparel each month. That’s your benchmark. Got it? Good. Let’s dive into the numbers.
500,000 Square Inches: The Starting Line
If you’re hitting 500,000 square inches a month—or more—it’s time to seriously consider a high-quality, small-format DTF printer. Think 24 to 36 inches wide. That’s the sweet spot where owning your own machine starts to make sense, both financially and practically.
But if you’re under that mark? I’d say stick to outsourcing. Buy your prints from a trusted provider—someone like us at DMandprints, though we’re not the only game in town. Just steer clear of the discount printers chasing your wallet with rock-bottom prices. You get what you pay for, and more importantly, your customers get what you pay for. Cheap prints can mean faded colors or a plasticky feel, and that’s a shortcut to unhappy clients. Invest in their happiness—it’s worth it.
Why Wait for 500K?
DTF printers aren’t desktop toys—they’re commercial beasts. Reputable manufacturers won’t even sell you one unless they’re sure you’re ready. They’ll qualify you first, and for good reason. These machines demand know-how. Mess up, and you’re not just breaking stuff—you’re racking up repair bills, downtime, and maybe a few choice words for online reviews. Manufacturers know this, and they’d rather dodge the headache than deal with warranty claims from a shop that wasn’t prepared.
Here’s another twist: printers are often loss leaders. Companies might break even (or lose a little) selling you the hardware because the real money’s in the consumables—inks, substrates, powders, and parts. That’s why they’re picky about who they sell to. They want you to succeed, not flounder.
And then there’s your shop itself. I’m not talking climate change here—I mean your physical environment. Dust, temperature, humidity, ventilation—if you can’t control those, stop right now. Without the right setup, consistent results are a pipe dream. Hard fact: no amount of grit will overcome a dusty, swampy workspace.
What’s Packed Into 500K?
So why 500,000 square inches? Let’s break it down.
- Unit Economics: At this volume, the numbers start penciling out. You’re saving enough on outsourced prints to justify the printer’s cost—think $15,000 minimum for a solid setup, not some budget clunker. But it’s not just about hard costs. It’s your time too—training, troubleshooting, mastering the craft. At 500K, that investment starts to pay off.
- The Learning Curve: DTF printing isn’t plug-and-play. You—or someone on your team—needs to become part technician, part artisan. We’re talking software, hardware, color calibration, swapping print heads, building ICC profiles. It’s a journey. If you’re already at 500K, you’ve likely picked up some of this along the way, so you’re not starting from scratch.
- The Ecosystem: Don’t buy a printer—buy into a system. A good distributor offers more than hardware: quality consumables, warranty support, and a network of printing partners for when your machine’s down or a big job swamps you. Some folks argue it’s viable below 500K, and maybe they’re right if you’re just counting pennies. But I’m factoring in your sanity, too. At this threshold, you’re ready to hit trade shows, demo machines, and step into the game.
One Printer or Two?
At 500K, start with a 24- to 36-inch printer. If you can swing it, get two. Why? Deadlines don’t wait for print failures, and breakdowns happen. But if cash is tight, one’s fine—if you’ve got a reliable partner in the same ecosystem. Take us, for example. We’re 100% Cobraflex—calibrated to their inks, substrates, and specs. If you’re on the same system, our prints slot into your workflow seamlessly, like a backup quarterback. Other manufacturers have similar setups—just make sure your printer comes with that safety net.
1,000,000 Square Inches: Go Big
Ride that single (or double) small-format setup until you’re pushing 1 million square inches a month. Maybe less, but it’s a nice, round milestone. When you’re there, it’s time for large-format—63 inches or wider. We’ve got a mix in our fleet, but those big boys are our workhorses. They handle volume like champs and keep us nimble for whatever comes next.
The Hidden Cost: Your Journey
Here’s the kicker—it’s not just about money. Buying a DTF printer means signing up to become a craftsman. You’ll learn the ropes, curse the clogs, and celebrate the wins. At 500K, you’re ready to handle that. Below it, outsourcing keeps you sane and your customers happy.
The Bottom Line
- Under 500K square inches/month: Outsource to a quality provider.
- Around 500K and up: Grab a 24- to 36-inch printer, skip the cheap stuff, and join a solid ecosystem.
- Nearing 1M: Step up to large-format commercial gear.
This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a roadmap from someone who’s been there. If you’re on the fence, ask yourself: Do I have the volume, the skills, and the setup? If not, we’d love to earn your business and help you grow until you’re ready to take the plunge. Got questions? Hit us up—we’re here for it.
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Essential Tips for Quality DTF Printing
Our guides are perfect for both beginners and seasoned print professionals. Discover valuable tips for creating artwork, mastering heat press techniques, and more. These resources ensure you achieve the best quality final product.
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Q & A
Common Questions
Here are some quick questions and answers we frequently get about DTF prints and DMandPrints. We've placed them right here on the home page for your convenience!
Do you really think you have the best prints in the world?!
Do you really think you have the best prints in the world?!
Mmm... we think they’re pretty great—and we work relentlessly to keep making them better. It’s a bold claim (maybe even a little cocky), so we’ll let the results speak for themselves.
Do you sell printed garments?
Do you sell printed garments?
No, we only sell the prints.
You can purchase your own garment and a heat press to apply the heat transfer prints to your own garments. Our customers are typically small, medium and large screen printers that want to offer heat transfers as an alternative to their standard screen printing process.
Is Gang Sheeting Necessary for Your Artwork?
Is Gang Sheeting Necessary for Your Artwork?
There is no need to gang sheet your artwork.
We charge only for the actual print area. Our image processing system automatically removes any unnecessary transparent space around your image to accurately calculate the print area for our per-square-inch pricing.
Gang sheeting not only costs you time but can also cost you money. We can only trim transparent space around the edges of your artwork. If you create a gang sheet yourself, you might introduce unprinted space that increases the total square inches, leading to higher costs.
Summary
The easiest and most cost-effective way to get your prints is to simply upload your artwork. We'll handle the gang sheeting for you, saving you both time and money.
Are DTF prints better than traditional screen printing?
Are DTF prints better than traditional screen printing?
It's not a matter of being better or worse; DTF (Direct to Film) printing is simply an alternative to traditional screen printing. Both methods have their own unique advantages.
DTF heat transfers feel similar to screen-printed shirts and can often be more durable. Additionally, DTF printing allows for unlimited colors in a single print, providing flexibility for intricate and colorful designs. On the other hand, screen printing is well-loved for its ability to produce vibrant, long-lasting prints, especially in bulk.
Choosing between the two methods depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What types of fabrics can DTF prints be applied to?
What types of fabrics can DTF prints be applied to?
DTF prints can be applied to a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, leather, and even some non-textile materials.
Are DTF prints durable?
Are DTF prints durable?
Yes, DTF prints are known for their durability and can withstand multiple washes without fading or peeling.
Do DTF prints feel heavy or stiff?
Do DTF prints feel heavy or stiff?
No, DTF prints have a soft feel and do not add significant weight or stiffness to the fabric.
Can DTF prints be used for detailed and colorful designs?
Can DTF prints be used for detailed and colorful designs?
Yes, DTF prints are excellent for detailed and colorful designs, providing vibrant and high-resolution results.
Is DTF printing cost-effective for small batches?
Is DTF printing cost-effective for small batches?
Yes, DTF printing is cost-effective for both small and large batches, making it ideal for custom and limited-run designs.
Can I create DTF prints at home?
Can I create DTF prints at home?
While it's possible with the right equipment, most people prefer to use professional services for higher quality and ease of use.