- Location: Germany
- Industry: Small-Scale Apparel Customization and Personalized Printing
- Equipment Selected: LINKO L402 (12-inch DTF Printer with i1600 Printheads), Powder Shaker & Smoke Purifier System
Client Background: Limited Studio Space and the Need for a Suitable DTF Solution
A custom-apparel studio in Oberhausen, Germany—specializing in embroidery, garment printing, and personalized customization—wanted to add DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing to its service offerings. However, the studio faced a practical constraint: there was no space to accommodate a 60cm industrial-grade printer.
A 30cm (12-inch) desktop DTF printer was better suited to the available space. Beyond the equipment’s physical dimensions, the owner also prioritized printhead lifespan, print quality, the total cost of the complete system, and maintenance requirements after periods of inactivity, such as holidays.
Comparing Printhead Options: Epson i1600 vs. XP600
The client’s initial budget was €2,500–€4,000. Another supplier recommended a DTF printer with an XP600 printhead, priced at about €3,000.
The two equipment sets differ in price, and their printhead configurations also differ. The client wanted to clarify the differences between the Epson i1600 and the XP600 in terms of print speed, precision, and service life.
The LINKO team helped the client compare the performance of the two printheads and also factored in the cost of replacing printheads down the line. After all, any money saved on the initial purchase may not amount to much if frequent maintenance and printhead replacements are required later on.
During the discussions, the client remarked: “Qualität ist wichtig.”
Rather than the initial purchase price, he placed greater importance on the equipment’s print quality and long-term stability. After careful comparison, the client ultimately chose the LINKO L402 30cm DTF printer, configured with dual Epson i1600 printheads.
Beyond the Printer: Considering the Complete System Configuration
Once the printer has been selected, the customer also needs to consider a powder shaker and a smoke purifier system. These two items will also increase the procurement cost of the complete DTF equipment set.
To keep within budget, he had considered not purchasing the smoke purifier or opting for an older model of powder shaker.
Based on his production requirements, LINKO compared the configurations and prices of different accessories and explained to him the role of the smoke purifier system in the working environment.
After further discussion, the customer ultimately decided to keep the smoke purifier.
Further Build Trust Through Communication with a Long-Standing German Client
This is the client’s first time purchasing a DTF printer from overseas. He still had some reservations regarding the equipment and after-sales service. He wanted to learn about other customers’ real-world experiences using LINKO equipment.
After obtaining the consent of a long-standing German customer, LINKO arranged a telephone conversation between the two parties. This allowed the customer to understand how the equipment was used and the nature of previous collaborations, and he received positive feedback.
Through this conversation with a local German customer, the client gained a more tangible understanding of LINKO’s equipment and after-sales service.
Addressing White Ink Settings and Maintenance During Holiday Downtime
Once the equipment configuration was finalized, the customer also asked about white ink settings and maintenance during holiday shutdowns.
The amount of white ink used in DTF printing can be adjusted via the RIP software. LINKO explained the relevant settings, enabling him to adjust white ink output to different printing requirements.
Furthermore, the studio may suspend production during the holidays. If the printer is not used for several weeks in a row, how should the printheads be handled?
LINKO provides different maintenance recommendations based on the duration of the downtime and the level of supervision:
- With regular checks: Switch on the printer every 2–3 days to run an automatic cleaning cycle and print a test strip to check the condition of the printheads.
- Long-term unattended operation: If the printer will be idle for more than 15 days, prepare for nozzle humidification and storage in advance, following the specific instructions provided by LINKO’s technical staff.
These maintenance methods have also enabled the customer to make clearer arrangements for equipment management during the holiday period.
Order Confirmation & Delivery
Once the equipment configuration and pricing were confirmed, both parties finalized the payment and logistics arrangements.
- Order confirmed and payment successfully received by LINKO.
- The equipment was fully inspected, packed, and dispatched to the client’s designated freight forwarder warehouse for export.
