Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has surged in popularity, offering remarkable opportunities for businesses. However, navigating the multitude of choices and rapidly evolving technology demands a cautious approach. To ensure that you make a smart investment in a DTF printer, it's important to ask your vendor these pivotal questions.
Can I See Completed Samples, Particularly with My Artwork?
Seeing finished samples provides crucial insights into print quality, color accuracy, and the printer's capability to reproduce your specific designs accurately. Lawson is able to provide printed dtf transfers for you to press and/or transfers that have already been pressed onto a garment.
Are the machines in stock?
Understanding the machine's availability and the estimated timeline from order to delivery is vital for planning your production schedule and operations. With Lawson’s multiple warehouses and shipping locations in St. Louis, MO, Atlanta, GA and Los Angeles, CA there is a good likelihood that your equipment is in stock to ship. If you are located near one of our warehouses, ask about pick up options.
How much help will I need and what is required to unload the printer and move into my location?
Assess the support needed to unload, set up, and install the printer at your location. This ensures a smooth transition into your workspace. With Lawson, all printers are delivered on trucks with a lift-gate (if needed). Depending on your model printer, set-up is either done in person at your location or can be done remotely. Training is always provided at the time of set-up and is ongoing. Lawson can also train new employees and operators on how to use the machine and best practices.
How many square feet can I print in an hour, or approximately how many full size transfers can I print in an hour?
While determining the hourly printing capacity in square feet or the number of full-size transfers aids in gauging production efficiency and meeting demand can be tricky because the answers depend on many factors, including image size, resolution, number of passes, etc.In general, Lawson offers production ready DTF machines that print 100 sq/ft an hour - about 100 12” x 12” full color images per hour.
What is the cost per square feet including: film, ink and powder?
Calculating the cost per square foot, encompassing film, ink, and powder expenses, is pivotal for financial planning and determining profitability. By offering an automatic cost calculator in the free rip software, Lawson DTF equipment and software provides you the ability to get an exact cost on all of your consumable costs for each print so you can price your services accordingly. This gives you the best ability to make a profit on every job.
Is the printer a purpose built, integrated system designed for commercial production?
Ensuring the printer is purpose-built for commercial production guarantees durability and efficiency for sustained business operations. Lawson’s entire line of DTF printers are specifically built for DTF printing with rolls and sheets.
How much training and set up assistance is provided?
Understanding the level of training and setup guidance provided ensures proficiency in operating the printer effectively. Lawson provides initial set-up and training as well as unlimited ongoing support via phone, video and chat. We have a real-life person who answers the phone so you get the help you need, when you need it.
How do I get service on my printer after the sale? When I need support – who will I call?
Clarifying avenues for technical support and service after purchase is crucial for resolving any operational issues promptly. Lawson offers phone support, video support and chat support so you can get help all the time. We are based in the USA so support is always available with people who are in your time zone.
What does the warranty cover – and not cover? What are the limits or exceptions?
Delve into the specifics of the warranty coverage, exceptions, and limitations to mitigate risks associated with potential breakdowns. The fantastic warranty on all of our DTF printers covers parts and the print heads!
What about parts? Are there any consumable parts I should know about and how often will they need to be replaced? If a part breaks and a new part is needed, where are the parts stocked and how long will they take to ship?
Knowing the availability and replacement frequency of consumable parts is essential for maintenance planning and avoiding production disruptions. On Lawson’s DTF machines, there are minimal consumable parts that get “used up” during production. Any parts that are needed are stocked in the USA so you do not have to be down while waiting for a part to ship from China.
Is there an onboard filtration system or will I need to vent the printer to the outside?
Understanding the need for onboard filtration or external ventilation impacts the printer's placement and your workspace setup. Lawson’s printers and automatic powder applicators/dryers all either have built-in filtration systems or an external unit that connects so you do not have to deal with venting anything outside.
Does the printer have a film roll tensioning system designed for proper alignment and tensioning of the film to eliminate head strikes?
Ensuring the printer has mechanisms for proper film alignment and tensioning prevents errors and enhances print quality. Lawson’s entire line up of DTF printers has a tensioning system to ensure film is fed through the machine correctly and does bunch up, eliminating one of the biggest causes of head strikes.
Does the printer have a white re-circulation and ink filtration built-in to ensure a consistent, smooth flow of white ink?
A built-in white ink recirculation and filtration system ensures a consistent ink flow for high-quality prints. All of Lawson’s production and desktop DTF machines have white circulation and filtration and an industry leading White Ink Management (WIM) system for premium, top quality printing.
Is there a pause feature or other built-in technology into the dryer to prevent the transfer film from melting and prevent the scorching of the belt?
Features like a pause function in the dryer prevent film melting and belt scorching, safeguarding print quality. Lawson’s entire line of Automatic Powder Applicators & Dryers feature built-in technology that prevents DTF film from melting or scorching. This advanced printing detection is available on the imported Prestige and USA made American DTF lines of Shaker-Baker automatic DTF powder applicator machines. No matter what powder applicator and automatic curing machine you select from Lawson, automated sensors detect film movement and printing, this turns on the powder applicator and quartz bulbs. When there is a pause in printing, the Auto Powder Machines go into an energy savings standby mode.
What RIP software comes with the printer and does it include color management features?
Understanding the capabilities of the included RIP software, especially color management features, is critical for achieving desired color accuracy. A DTF Printer or DTF Start Up Equipment Package from Lawson always includes free RIP software. The Prestige line of printers include DigiRIP (made by CadLink), while the Roland DTF printers include VersaWorks. As part of every DTF equipment purchase, Lawson always includes free RIP training and setup, along with continued support on color matching, color profiling and more.
In conclusion, for greater saving, consider purchasing a DTF printer and supplies bundle from Lawson Screen & Digital Products Inc. Engineered for efficiency and crafted to elevate your printing game, our DTF bundles at Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc. are meticulously curated to meet the diverse needs of modern printing businesses. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established print shop, our range of DTF printer bundles coupled with innovative shakers and essential accessories ensures a complete and hassle-free setup. Experience unmatched quality, reliability, and convenience as you explore our collection of DTF printing solutions.
For further insights and advanced solutions in DTF printing, explore Lawson Screen & Digital's range of products and services.
