Best DTF Printer for Small Business in 2024

If you run a small business that requires printing on various substrates like cotton, polyester, and blends, you may want to consider a direct-to-film (DTF) printer. DTF printers are a newer technology that has gained popularity because of their versatility and ability to print on a variety of substrates. In this article, we will guide you through the best DTF printers for small businesses.

When shopping for a DTF printer, there are several things you should consider. First, you need to look at the print quality, which is determined by the resolution, ink type, and color gamut of the printer. You also want to consider the size of the printer and its ability to print on various substrates. Another critical factor to consider is the cost of the printer, including the initial purchase price, ink cost, and maintenance cost.

DRIPCRIME personally prefers DTF printers for their clothing instead of DTG, because of the quality and detail that DTF printers can retain.

After researching and testing various DTF printers, we have identified the top three options for small businesses. We evaluated them based on their print quality, versatility, ease of use, and affordability. In the following sections, we will discuss each printer's features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Best DTF Printers for Small Business

If you run a small business, you know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient printer. When it comes to printing high-quality graphics and images, you need a printer that can handle the job. Direct-to-film (DTF) printers are a great option for small businesses that need to print on a variety of materials, including t-shirts, hats, and bags. In this article, we've rounded up the best DTF printers for small businesses, so you can find the perfect printer for your needs.

PUNEHOD A3 DTF Transfer Printer with Roll Feeder

If you're looking for a DTF printer for your small business, the PUNEHOD A3 DTF Transfer Printer with Roll Feeder is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The upgraded Roll feeder and auto heat station reduce paper jam problems and improve printing efficiency and speed.
• The White Ink Management System helps minimize printer head clogs and extend the service life of the print head.
• DTF technology offers a cheaper startup cost, cheaper supplies, better photographic quality prints, and a better feel to the hand compared to toner transfer technology.

Cons

• Consumable parts such as print heads, dampers, and inks are excluded from the 6-month warranty.
• Some customers have reported issues with customer service and difficulty reaching support.
• The printer's maximum print speed is relatively slow at 0.5 ppm for both color and monochrome.

If you're looking for a DTF printer that offers high-quality prints and a cheaper startup cost compared to toner transfer technology, the PUNEHOD A3 DTF Transfer Printer with Roll Feeder is a great option. The upgraded Roll feeder and auto heat station help reduce paper jam problems and improve printing efficiency and speed, while the White Ink Management System helps minimize printer head clogs and extend the service life of the print head.

However, it's worth noting that consumable parts such as print heads, dampers, and inks are excluded from the 6-month warranty. Some customers have also reported issues with customer service and difficulty reaching support. Additionally, the printer's maximum print speed is relatively slow at 0.5 ppm for both color and monochrome.

Overall, if you're willing to overlook these minor drawbacks, the PUNEHOD A3 DTF Transfer Printer with Roll Feeder is a solid choice for small businesses looking to invest in DTF printing technology.

PLK DTF Printer with Roll Feeder, A3 L1800 Transfer Printer Machine with White Ink Circulation System for DIY T-Shirts, Hoodies, Fabrics (Black & Grey)

If you're looking for a high-quality DTF printer for your small business, the PLK DTF Printer is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Exceptional value for money
• Advanced white ink circulation system
• Stunning printing quality

Cons

• Large and heavy
• Limited connectivity options
• Requires some technical knowledge to set up

This printer is a great option for anyone looking to start a DTF business without breaking the bank. It produces high-quality and vivid images, thanks to its cutting-edge technology. The roll feeder and auto heat station make it easy to use, while the low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for small businesses.

The printer's white ink circulation system is also a standout feature. It's designed to prevent sediment and avoid head clogs, which helps to extend the service life of the print head. The built-in white ink agitator will auto-circulate the white ink to prevent sediment, ensuring that your prints always look their best.

In terms of print quality, the PLK DTF Printer delivers exceptional results. Its six-color printing enables high-quality color printing with smooth gradients and accurate color reproduction. This makes it a versatile option that can be applied to all kinds of fabrics, including T-shirts, bags, hats, handbags, pillows, shoes, socks, and more.

However, it's worth noting that the PLK DTF Printer is quite large and heavy, which may be an issue if you have limited space. It also has limited connectivity options, with only USB connectivity available. Additionally, setting up the printer may require some technical knowledge, so it may not be the best option for beginners.

Overall, the PLK DTF Printer is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for a high-quality DTF printer at an affordable price. Its exceptional value for money, advanced white ink circulation system, and stunning printing quality make it a great investment for any small business owner.

Additional printer recommendations for small business (NOT DTF) 

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White, Medium White ET-2800-W Printer

If you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective printer for your small business, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 could be a great option for you.

Pros

• With high-capacity ink tanks and easy-to-refill ink bottles, you can save up to 90% on replacement ink costs.
• The Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text and impressive color photos on virtually any paper type.
• The printer comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box, so you can enjoy stress-free printing without worrying about running out of ink.

Cons

• The paper tray setup can be a bit annoying to deal with.
• The initial setup process can take up to an hour.
• The printer is designed for basic home use, so it may not be suitable for larger businesses with high printing demands.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is an innovative cartridge-free printing solution that offers impressive print quality and substantial savings on replacement ink costs. With its high-capacity ink tanks and easy-to-refill ink bottles, you can print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color, equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges. This means you can worry less about running out of ink and save a lot on replacement ink costs.

The Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text, impressive color photos, and graphics on virtually any paper type. This makes it an ideal option for small businesses that require high-quality prints. Additionally, the printer comes with up to 2 years of ink in the box, which means you can enjoy stress-free printing without worrying about running out of ink.

However, the paper tray setup can be a bit annoying to deal with, and the initial setup process can take up to an hour. Additionally, the printer is designed for basic home use, so it may not be suitable for larger businesses with high printing demands.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective printer for your small business, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 could be a great option for you.

MUNBYN Label Printer P130

If you're looking for a reliable and efficient label printer for your small business, the MUNBYN Label Printer P130 may be a great option.

Pros

• This printer uses direct thermal technology, which means you won't need ink or toner to print high-quality labels. This makes it a cost-effective option for small businesses.
• With a printing rate of 150 labels per minute, this printer can help you save time and increase productivity.
• The MUNBYN Label Printer P130 is compatible with various e-commerce platforms, including UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL, making it an ideal choice for small businesses that have multiple shipping needs.

Cons

• The MUNBYN Label Printer P130 doesn't support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, which may limit its versatility for some users.
• This printer may not be compatible with Linux operating systems, which could be a drawback for businesses that use Linux-based software.
• The label adjustment function may not work perfectly for all label sizes, which could lead to some wasted labels.

This printer is easy to set up and comes with lifetime customer support. The automatic label identification and adjustment function can help you save time and avoid label waste. However, it's important to note that this printer doesn't support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, which may be a drawback for some users. Overall, if you're looking for a cost-effective and efficient label printer for your small business, the MUNBYN Label Printer P130 may be a great option.

HP Smart Tank Printer 5101

If you're looking for a low-cost, high-volume printing solution for your small business, the HP Smart Tank Printer 5101 is a great option.

Pros

• With up to two years of Original HP Ink included in the box, you won't have to worry about running out of ink anytime soon.
• The HP Smart Tank Printer 5101 can print up to 12 ppm black and 5 ppm color, so you won't have to wait long for your documents to print.
• The automatic document feeder and wireless connectivity make printing, scanning, copying, and faxing a breeze.

Cons

• The setup process can take some time, and you'll need to download the HP Smart app to get started.
• While the print quality is good, it's not the best on the market.
• The printer is a bit on the bulky side, so it may take up more desk space than you'd like.

If you're looking for a reliable, low-cost printer for your small business, the HP Smart Tank Printer 5101 is a great choice. With up to two years of ink included, you won't have to worry about running out of ink anytime soon. Plus, with its automatic document feeder and wireless connectivity, you can easily print, scan, copy, and fax all from one machine.

One of the biggest pros of the HP Smart Tank Printer 5101 is its speed. With the ability to print up to 12 ppm black and 5 ppm color, you won't have to wait long for your documents to print. Plus, the automatic document feeder makes it easy to scan or copy multi-page documents without having to manually feed each page.

Another great feature of the HP Smart Tank Printer 5101 is its wireless connectivity. You can easily connect to the printer from your computer, phone, or tablet, and print from anywhere in the room. Plus, with the HP Smart app, you can even print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet.

While the print quality of the HP Smart Tank Printer 5101 is good, it's not the best on the market. If you're looking for a printer that can produce high-quality photo prints, you may want to look elsewhere. Additionally, the setup process can take some time, and you'll need to download the HP Smart app to get started.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable, low-cost printer for your small business, the HP Smart Tank Printer 5101 is a great choice. With its automatic document feeder, wireless connectivity, and two years of ink included, you'll be able to print, scan, copy, and fax all from one machine.

Buying Guide

When choosing a DTF printer for your small business, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Print Quality

The print quality of your DTF printer is crucial to the success of your business. Look for a printer with high resolution and color accuracy. A good DTF printer should be able to produce vibrant and sharp images that are true to the original design.

Speed

In a small business, time is money. Look for a DTF printer that can produce prints quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality. A printer with a fast print speed can help you meet customer demands and increase productivity.

Durability

Your DTF printer should be able to withstand the demands of a busy small business. Look for a printer that is built to last and can handle high-volume printing. A printer with a sturdy construction and reliable components will save you money in the long run.

Ease of Use

A DTF printer that is easy to use and maintain will save you time and money. Look for a printer with a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls. A printer with easy-to-replace parts and simple maintenance procedures will also save you money on repairs and downtime.

Cost

Cost is always a consideration when choosing a DTF printer for your small business. Look for a printer that offers a good balance of features and affordability. While a high-end printer may offer superior quality and speed, it may not be the best choice for a small business on a tight budget.

By considering these key features, you can choose a DTF printer that meets the needs of your small business and helps you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top features to look for in a DTF printer for a small business?

When selecting a DTF printer for your small business, you should look for features such as high-quality printing, ease of use, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. A good DTF printer should offer vibrant and long-lasting prints, be user-friendly, require minimal maintenance, and be affordable to operate.

What are the cost considerations when selecting a DTF printer for a small business?

When selecting a DTF printer for your small business, you should consider the initial cost of the printer, ongoing ink and maintenance costs, and the cost of replacement parts. A good DTF printer should offer a balance between affordability and high-quality prints.

What makes the L1800 a good DTF printer option for small business t-shirt printing?

The L1800 is a good DTF printer option for small business t-shirt printing due to its high-quality prints, user-friendly features, and low maintenance requirements. It offers vibrant colors, fast printing speeds, and low ink consumption, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses.

How can a small business determine if investing in a DTF printer is a profitable choice?

A small business can determine if investing in a DTF printer is a profitable choice by considering factors such as the volume of t-shirt printing, the cost of outsourcing printing services, and the potential return on investment. If a small business prints a high volume of t-shirts and can save money by bringing printing in-house, investing in a DTF printer can be a profitable choice.