The best affordable DTF printers for a small business often fall into three main categories, depending on your budget and production needs. Here are the top recommended models, categorized by their primary selling point.
Explaining the DTF Printer Options
Here is a simple breakdown of each recommended printer, detailing the methods and procedures that make them a good choice for you.
Prestige A4 DTF Printer (Lowest Cost / Entry-Level)
Proven Method: This printer is often a dedicated, small-format machine that uses an adapted printer base to keep costs down. It’s perfect for new businesses, hobbyists, or those with limited space.
Procedure:
Step 1: Print to Film: You load a roll of DTF film (around 7.87 inches wide) into the printer. The design is printed directly onto the film using specialty DTF inks (CMYK and White).
Step 2: Powder Application: Since it's a budget model, this step often requires a manual application of the hot-melt adhesive Dtf powder, meaning you shake the powder over the wet ink and remove the excess.
Step 3: Curing: You then use a dedicated oven or a heat press (without pressing) to cure the powder onto the ink, preparing the transfer.
Key Data: It can print multiple designs on one long sheet (called a gang sheet) using its roll feeder, giving you good efficiency for its small size. Its low initial price makes the investment risk small.
A3 L1800 or Similar Models (Great Value / A3 Size)
Many affordable A3-sized DTF printers, like the L1800, are converted from reliable Epson models (like the L1800 photo printer). This conversion method provides a larger print area than A4 for a reasonable mid-range price and is known to be one of the best DTF printers for small businesses.
Procedure:
Step 1: Print to Film: You print your design onto DTF film up to the A3+ size (around 13 inches wide), which allows for full-sized T-shirt graphics.
Step 2: White Ink Management: These printers typically include a white ink circulation system. This is a critical feature that constantly moves the white ink to prevent the pigment from settling and clogging the print head, which is a major issue in DTF. Learn more how to clean print head through our guide.
Step 3: Complete the Transfer: Similar to the A4 model, you will manually powder the film and then cure it with heat.
Key Data: A size of 13 inches wide is a great standard for most apparel, offering you versatility. While the initial setup may have a slight learning curve, the white ink circulation significantly reduces your daily maintenance hassle compared to older converted printers. The running cost per print is often low, using only about $1.5 \text{ml}$ of ink for an A3 print.
Epson SureColor F1070 (Best for Beginners / Reliability)
This is a dedicated hybrid DTF/DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printer from a major manufacturer. Because it's a purpose-built DTF machine, it offers superior reliability, technical support, and an easier experience for beginners, even though it has a higher initial cost and it's a good option compared to other affordable DTF printers.
Procedure:
Step 1: Simplified Workflow: You use Epson's official DTF software and supplies, which simplifies the entire process and minimizes the troubleshooting often associated with converted machines.
Step 2: Automated Maintenance: It includes an automated maintenance system that wipes the print head and performs internal cleaning. This saves you significant time and reduces the risk of expensive clogs.
Step 3: Dual Functionality (If Needed): While mainly for custom DTF transfers, you also have the option for DTG printing directly onto certain garments.
Key Data: You get peace of mind with a strong warranty and 24/7 technical support from a recognized brand. This is a solid, reliable workhorse for a small business ready to invest in long-term growth and stability.
DTFLine Vantage 14-inch (Best for Production / Dual Head)
This is a semi-commercial DTF system designed for businesses with low-to-medium volume needs. The most significant benefit is that it uses dual print heads (often Epson F1080s or similar) to increase print speed and efficiency over single-head models.
Procedure
Step 1: Faster Output: With two print heads, one head can be dedicated entirely to printing the white ink layer, and the other for the color CMYK printing. This simultaneous printing drastically reduces the time it takes to produce a single transfer.
Step 2: Roll-to-Roll Workflow: The 14-inch size is standard for production. This printer includes an embedded roll feeder and cutter, allowing you to create long gang sheets (many transfers on one roll) for a more streamlined, continuous workflow.
Step 3: Semi-Automated Curing: While the printer itself handles the printing, you would typically use an external automatic shaker/curing unit (often sold separately or in a bundle) with this size of printer to automate the powdering and curing process for high volume.
Key Data: The maximum print width of 14 inches (or 35.56 cm) is slightly larger than the A3 size and excellent for custom apparel. The dual-head system can push print speeds up to approximately $18 \text{ sq. ft./hr}$, which is a huge step up for a growing small business.
Roland BN-20D (Best All-in-One Print & Cut)
The BN-20D is a dedicated DTF printer built by a major brand (Roland), known for its reliability and integrated print-and-cut technology. It uses easy-to-manage ink cartridges and provides a highly dependable system for those wanting professional results and minimal maintenance hassle and is considered one of the best DTF printers for small business.
Procedure:
Step 1: Cartridge Ink System: Unlike the bulk systems on converted printers, this uses specialized ink cartridges. While the cost per milliliter of ink is higher, the cartridges simplify the ink handling, reduce the chance of spills, and minimize the risk of print head clogs often seen in bottle-fed systems.
Step 2: Print and Contour Cut: The unique feature of this machine is its integrated cutter. You can print the DTF design and then, using the same machine, contour-cut the film around the graphic shape. This is especially useful for making custom-shaped transfers, stickers, or short-run vinyl graphics.
Step 3: Hassle-Free Maintenance: The official branding and purpose-built design mean the maintenance is often automated and guided, saving you the frustrating learning curve associated with converted printers.