Machine or Printing:
When to invest in a DTF printer ?
The DTF (Direct To Film) technique has become, in the space of a few years, the reference technique for the personalization of textiles, even going so far as to compete with other techniques already well established on the market.
Today, DTF is everywhere, and competition is fierce. For large-scale businesses, buying a DTF printer seems like a no-brainer. But how do you know if you're meeting all the requirements? When is it more advantageous to switch from a printing service to owning the machine?
Don't panic, we're here to guide you through your decision-making process and help you make the right choice. So, make yourself comfortable.
Quick reminder: what is DTF?
A revolutionary technique in textile personalization, DTF, or Direct To Film, has established itself in the market with little difficulty. As its name suggests, the design is printed directly onto a film and then transferred onto the textile using a heat press.
In addition to offering exceptional quality, DTF allows for printing on all types of materials and colors (light or dark, cotton or polyester, silk or synthetic fibers). DTF transfers enable you to reproduce crisp images with fine details, vibrant and colorful visuals, and markings that resist fading and peeling.
Suitable for medium to large production runs, this technique is the fastest and cheapest on the market. Whether it's printing (20m²/h with a 60cm printer, 4 print heads and 4 passes) or pressing (12 seconds at 150°C), it's clear that DTF far surpasses other personalization techniques.
Why use a printing service?
The arrival of printing services has made DTF (Direct-to-Fly) printing simpler and more accessible , eliminating the need for professionals to invest in sometimes expensive and maintenance-intensive machines. If you opt for ready-to-press DTF prints, all you need is a heat press to personalize your textiles. In addition to saving money, you also free up space in your workshop.
Those who have invested in this technology know that it requires a certain level of commitment. DTF printers are quite different from traditional office printers. They require regular upkeep and maintenance. By using a printing service, these constraints disappear, and all you have to do is wait for your orders to be delivered to your door.
Another reason to choose Ready-to-Press is file verification. This free or paid service can help you avoid printing errors and therefore save you time and money. When we receive your files, our Production department checks whether they are suitable for printing. If your files do not comply with certain rules (transparent background, vector font, CMYK color mode, etc.), they will not be printed and you will have to rework them.
If you do not take advantage of this verification service and your files do not meet the requirements for DTF printing, you may end up with prints that do not meet your expectations.
Why invest in a DTF printer?
In the medium to long term, and for high-volume users, DTF printing can quickly become a recurring expense and represent a significant budget. Therefore, it's clear that once a certain number of orders and prints are processed per month, investing in a DTF printer can become profitable.
Having your own machine also gives you considerable autonomy. You're no longer dependent on a supplier for your artwork and you can be much more flexible in taking orders. By eliminating intermediaries (printer + delivery service), you can better manage your deadlines and also conduct more personalized tests for your clients.
You'll be able to adapt more easily to each request and reprint without worrying about delivery delays. You'll also have complete control over the quality of your visuals: you manage the size, colors, and quantities without any constraints.
As mentioned above, a DTF printer can easily pay for itself on larger production runs. This is especially true if you offer your own ready-to-press sheets. Many of our clients who have invested in a DTF solution ultimately decide to sell prints as well. In addition to providing you with an extra revenue stream, your printer can operate even when you have fewer orders. As you may already know, DTF printers need to print daily. Therefore, it's an excellent option for your business.
Verdict? Impressions or Printer?
Whether you choose traditional printing or a DTF printer, you're guaranteed high-quality visuals. Both solutions offer greater cost-effectiveness than other personalization techniques and each has its own advantages.
With small print runs and a little planning, printing allows you to be responsive and avoid a large early investment, especially if you're launching your brand. This solution is perfect for beginners as it only requires the purchase of a heat press.
However, switching to a DTF printer is essential for large print runs if you want to be profitable. In addition to giving you greater control over your orders and the quality of your visuals, you're no longer dependent on your printer and shipping companies.
If you regularly use our printing service and are still hesitant to invest in a DTF printer, please do not hesitate to contact us directly by phone at 01 34 33 01 55.
See you soon,
The Créadhésif Team
