Want to start a small T-shirt company?
You are not alone! Many beginners are looking for direct to film (DTF) printers for their startup projects. As the top DTF printer manufacturer in China, we select the best DTF printers for beginners.
DTF printers can produce colorful and durable printed clothing and accessories in a variety of fabrics. It is an efficient, versatile, and low-cost solution. Compared with screen printing, DTF printing can reduce startup costs by 60%. Multiple advantages make it the best choice for small and medium-sized businesses. However, due to the wide variety, choosing the right DTF printer is a difficult problem for beginners.
In this article, we will tell you how to choose the best DTF printer for your business and recommend you 3 best entry-level DTF printers.
The Basics of DTF Printers for Beginners
What do beginners need to consider when buying a DTF printer? You need to consider your budget, the type of fabric you are printing on, the scale of your production, etc. Here are the things you should keep in mind before making a decision.
- Printer Size: The printer’s size matters a lot for your production needs. Common options are 12 inches and 24 inches. They fit different business scales and goals.
- Number of Print Heads: A printer’s number of print heads can really impact its speed and quality. Dual-head and four-head setups are popular, offering a good mix of 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 2025
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. Check the details.
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 great choice for anyone who wants to try DTF printing without spending too much money.
2. DTFLINKO A602: The 24-Inch Solution for Experienced Businesses
Streamlined Efficiency: 24H2 DTF Printer
Discover an economical and intelligent approach to DTF printing with a system designed for high performance and user convenience. See more details.
- 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)
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
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. See more details.
- 4 Epson i3200 Printheads
- Print width: A1 | 60cm | 24 inch
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.
How to use DTF Printer?
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
FAQs on DTF Printer for Beginners
1. Which DTF printer is best for beginners?
If you are just starting out with DTF printing, the Linko L402 is the best choice. It is an A3-sized printer that is easy to operate and affordable while still maintaining quality (up to 1440 DPI). Ideal for small batches of T-shirts (5-10 pieces per hour). If you are looking for more professional results, the Linko A602 (24-inch, dual I3200 print heads) and B8048 (24-inch, four I3200 print heads) are also reliable and better suited for large batches.
2. What do you need to start DTF printing?
You need to buy a beginner DTF printer, but since these printers don’t print directly onto fabric, you will need:
- Heat press
- A computer with design software installed
- DTF film
- DTF ink
- DTF film
- Powder shaker
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. How long is your delivery time?
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.
7. What technical support do you provide?
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. You can also check out our technical support page to solve your problems.
For a comprehensive training experience, we highly recommend visiting our factory.
8. 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.
9. What types of print heads do your printers have?
We equip our printers with Epson XP600, i1600, and i3200 printheads. We recommend the i3200 printhead for the ultimate in DTF print quality.
10. What options and features does your RIP software have?
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.
11. Can I use other RIP software instead?
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.
12. What consumables do you supply?
We provide a complete printing solution with ink, glue powder, and film.
13. Is your printer certified?
Yes, our printers come with CE and/or UL certifications, ensuring they meet high safety and operational standards.
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.
