DTF Printers & Equipment

Choosing a DTF Printer for Your Business
A DTF printer produces designs on transfer film for application to compatible garments using adhesive powder, curing, heat, and pressure. Direct-to-film printing can support custom shirts, workwear, team apparel, promotional clothing, and transfers produced for other decorators.

The right printer depends on more than its advertised speed. Compare printable width, print settings, maintenance requirements, software, workspace, and the capacity of the complete production workflow.


Desktop, Commercial, and Industrial DTF Printers
Compact desktop printers can suit smaller artwork and lower-volume production. Wider commercial and industrial systems provide room for larger designs and multi-design gangsheet layouts.

For example, the Prestige R1 and R2 Pro are 13-inch models, while the Prestige XL series and X6 provide wider-format options. Compare the specifications of the individual model rather than assuming every printer in a category has the same capabilities.

A printer's nominal size may differ from its maximum printable width. Check the technical specifications before planning artwork or choosing supporting equipment.


Printer-Only Options and DTF Packages
A printer-only configuration may suit a business that already owns compatible supplies and supporting equipment. A package can add selected components such as supplies, a powder shaker and dryer, a curing oven, extraction equipment, software, or training.

Package names are not complete packing lists. Confirm the exact equipment models, consumable quantities, software licenses, accessories, and training included in your selection.

If you are starting from scratch, compare the package against the entire workflow rather than assuming a package labeled “complete” includes everything your business needs.


Equipment Needed for DTF Production
A typical garment-transfer workflow includes a DTF printer, compatible ink and film, adhesive powder, powder application, curing, and a suitable heat press.

Supporting equipment must match the printer and intended workload. A faster printer does not automatically increase finished-transfer output if powder application, curing, or pressing creates a bottleneck.

Review space, electrical requirements, environmental conditions, and ventilation or extraction requirements for every component before installation.


Comparing Printing Speed and Daily Output
Compare speeds at the stated pass count and resolution. A printer's maximum speed may not represent the settings you intend to use for customer orders.

Daily-output figures may be based on a particular gangsheet size and an eight-hour working day. They describe printed sheets, not necessarily finished transfers or decorated garments.

Actual production depends on artwork layout, maintenance, material handling, powder application, curing, and transfer pressing.


Ink Configuration and Color Requirements
Some DTF printers use CMYK plus White, while expanded-color models add other color inks. Review the specific ink configuration rather than relying only on a color-count label.

Additional inks can support broader color reproduction, but they do not guarantee an exact match to every brand color. Artwork, RIP settings, profiling, consumables, and application conditions influence the final result.


Maintenance and Operating Costs
DTF printers require regular care, particularly for white-ink and printhead systems. Automatic cleaning and ink circulation assist maintenance but do not make a printer maintenance-free.

Include ink, film, powder, cleaning materials, software, electricity, operator time, and potential service costs in your purchasing decision. Review the manufacturer's maintenance instructions and warranty exclusions before ordering.


Choosing DTF Equipment with Lawson Workhorse Group
LWG offers DTF printers, equipment packages, supplies, training resources, and financing information. Discuss your intended artwork, production volume, available space, and existing equipment before selecting a system.

Installation, training, support, financing, and warranty terms vary by equipment and purchase arrangement. Confirm the details applicable to your order with LWG.

Q: Can I buy just the DTF printer, or do I have to purchase a full bundle?

A: You can choose either option on this page. Select "Printer Only" if you already have curing ovens, powder shakers, and RIP software, or select "Complete Bundle" to get an all-in-one setup with a powder shaker, air purifier, software, supplies, and full hands-on training.

Q: What is included in a complete DTF startup package?

A: A turnkey Lawson DTF bundle includes a commercial DTF printer (13", 24", or 36" width), specialized RIP software (neoStampa or Digital Factory), a curing oven or automated inline powder shaker-dryer, an air filtration unit, CMYK+White inks, hot-melt powder, film rolls, and hands-on training.

Q: What fabrics and materials can I print on with DTF transfers?

A: Unlike Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, DTF transfers apply cleanly to 100% cotton, 100% polyester, cotton-poly blends, tri-blends, nylon, canvas, denim, and performance sports apparel regardless of garment color.

Q: Do I need an automated powder shaker or is a batch curing oven enough?

A: Entry-level or low-volume shops (such as 13" Prestige R1 setups) work well with standalone batch ovens like the Phoenix Air. High-volume continuous roll-to-roll production benefits from an automated powder shaker-dryer to eliminate manual labor.

Q: Is equipment training and technical support included with my purchase?

A: Yes. Every printer and bundle includes hands-on virtual or in-person training at our St. Louis, MO, or Atlanta, GA facilities, plus lifetime US-based technical support from our main headquarters and regional hubs in Phoenix, Orlando, and Des Moines.

Q: Does Lawson offer financing for DTF equipment packages?

A: Yes. We partner with top equipment financing institutions to offer flexible monthly payment plans and lease-to-own options for both new startups and expanding commercial print shops.