DTF Equipment

Professional DTF Equipment for Startup and High-Production Print Shops

The right DTF system is more than a printer. A dependable production workflow requires the printer, curing equipment, heat press, air management, software, supplies and workspace to function together.

Kolormatrix offers professional DTF printers, powder shaker and dryer systems, curing ovens, air purification equipment, cutters and complete production packages for businesses ranging from growing apparel decorators to high-volume transfer operations.

Our goal is not simply to sell you the largest machine available. We help you compare equipment based on your realistic production volume, available space, electrical service, staffing, artwork needs and plans for future growth.

Build a Complete DTF Production System

A complete garment DTF workflow may include:

• DTF printer
• RIP software and compatible computer
• Powder shaker and curing dryer or separate curing oven
• Heat press for transfer application and finishing
• Air purification or properly designed ventilation
• Humidity and temperature control
• Film, ink, adhesive powder and cleaning supplies
• Worktables, media storage and quality-control space
• Routine maintenance procedures and replacement parts
• Operator education and production training

Missing or undersizing one part of the workflow can limit the entire system. A fast printer will not increase production if the dryer cannot keep pace, the room environment is unstable or the operator does not have enough space to inspect and handle finished film.

Choose Equipment by Workflow—not Just Printer Width

Compact 13-Inch DTF Systems

Compact systems can be a practical entry point for businesses adding DTF to an existing decoration operation. They require less floor space and may be appropriate for custom orders, smaller gang sheets, short runs and shops building their initial DTF customer base.

Kolormatrix offers compact printer-only options as well as packages with curing ovens or automatic powder shaker and dryer systems. Before choosing one, consider whether you want a more hands-on curing process or a roll-to-roll workflow with automated powder application and curing.

24-Inch Production Systems

A 24-inch system provides more printable area, better gang-sheet flexibility and greater production potential. These systems are commonly selected by established apparel decorators, screen-printing shops adding transfer production and businesses producing DTF transfers for other decorators.

Available configurations may include printer-only packages or complete systems with appropriately sized shaker/dryers, air purification and other production components.

High-Production and Wide-Format Systems

High-production systems are designed for businesses that need greater capacity, wider printable areas or a more automated workflow. The collection includes commercial printers, 36-inch shaker and dryer equipment, finishing cutters and complete production packages.

Some production printers may also support expanded-color ink configurations for a wider printable color range. Ink channel configuration, RIP compatibility and available color profiles should be confirmed before purchasing.

Higher capacity also brings greater requirements. Make sure your facility can support the equipment’s footprint, electrical needs, ventilation, media handling and daily maintenance before choosing a larger system.

DTF Printers

The printer is the center of the workflow, but printer width alone does not determine production capacity. When comparing DTF printers, evaluate:

• Printable width and usable media width
• Printhead type and number of printheads
• Ink-channel configuration
• White-ink circulation and maintenance systems
• RIP software compatibility
• Typical production speed at the required quality setting
• Media handling and take-up requirements
• Daily and weekly maintenance expectations
• Parts availability and technical-support process
• Warranty, installation and training terms

Production estimates shown on individual product pages are useful for comparison, but they are not guaranteed output. Actual capacity depends on design size, artwork coverage, print mode, pass count, RIP settings, operator efficiency, maintenance and the rest of the production workflow.

Powder Shaker and Dryer Systems

An automatic shaker and dryer applies adhesive powder, removes excess powder and cures the printed film as it travels through the system. Correctly matching the shaker/dryer to the printer helps create a smoother roll-to-roll production process.

When comparing shaker and dryer equipment, consider:

• Maximum and minimum film width
• Compatibility with the printer’s production speed
• Powder application and recirculation design
• Curing-zone length and temperature control
• Media tracking and take-up
• Electrical requirements
• Exhaust, filtration and room-air requirements
• Cleaning access and routine maintenance

The fastest component does not establish the speed of the complete line. Your usable production speed is determined by the slowest stage of printing, powdering, curing, handling or finishing.

DTF Curing Ovens

A separate curing oven may be suitable for compact printers, cut-sheet production, lower volumes or shops that are not ready for an automatic shaker/dryer system.

This workflow requires more operator involvement because powder is generally applied and removed manually before the transfer is placed into the oven. It can reduce the initial equipment footprint, but labor, consistency and future production growth should be considered before choosing between an oven and an automatic shaker/dryer.

Air Purification and Production Environment

DTF printing and adhesive curing should take place in a properly planned production environment. Air purification equipment may help capture certain airborne contaminants and reduce odors, but it does not automatically replace ventilation required by the equipment manufacturer or applicable building and workplace regulations.

Your room should also provide stable temperature and humidity. Environmental changes can affect film handling, static, ink behavior, printhead reliability, powder performance and overall consistency.

Before purchasing equipment, review:

• Room dimensions and equipment clearances
• Heating and air-conditioning capacity
• Humidity-management requirements
• Available electrical circuits and voltage
• Air purification and exhaust options
• Safe ink, powder and film storage
• Access for freight delivery and installation
• Space for maintenance and future equipment service

Cutting, Folding and Production Finishing

Printing is only part of a high-volume DTF operation. Shops producing long gang sheets or individual transfers may also need an efficient method for cutting, sorting, labeling, folding and packaging completed orders.

Automated cutting and folding equipment can reduce repetitive finishing labor when the order volume supports the investment. Before adding finishing equipment, evaluate your current labor cost, average job format, daily footage and packaging workflow.

Garment DTF and UV DTF Are Different Processes

This collection may include both garment DTF and UV DTF equipment. Although the names are similar, they are different decoration processes.

• Garment DTF produces heat-applied transfers for compatible textiles and typically uses textile pigment ink, white ink, adhesive powder and heat curing.
• UV DTF produces adhesive decals for many compatible hard surfaces and generally uses UV-curable ink, adhesive film and lamination.

UV DTF transfers are not applied to garments with a heat press. Make sure you are comparing equipment intended for the products your business plans to decorate.

Printer-Only Purchase or Complete Package?

A Printer-Only Purchase May Make Sense When:

• You already own a compatible shaker/dryer or curing system
• You are replacing an existing printer
• Your electrical and ventilation infrastructure is already established
• You understand equipment compatibility and workflow requirements

A Complete Package May Make Sense When:

• You are building your first DTF production system
• You want components sized to work together
• You need help planning the production room
• You want a clearer picture of the total equipment investment
• You are moving from a manual process into roll-to-roll production

Packages vary by product. Review the individual product description and written quote carefully to confirm what is included, such as RIP software, computer, curing equipment, air purification, freight, installation, supplies, training or warranty coverage.

Plan for Maintenance Before You Purchase

DTF equipment requires regular operator involvement. White ink contains heavy pigment that must remain properly circulated and maintained. Capping stations, wiper blades, dampers, ink lines, filters and printheads are working components—not permanent, maintenance-free parts.

Before investing in a system, make sure someone in your shop will be responsible for:

• Daily startup and shutdown procedures
• Nozzle checks and print-quality monitoring
• White-ink circulation procedures
• Cleaning the capping station and wiper
• Monitoring ink, film and powder
• Maintaining the shaker and curing system
• Controlling the print-room environment
• Keeping service parts and maintenance supplies available

The right maintenance habits can be just as important as the machine you choose.

See DTF Equipment at Our Atlanta Showroom

Kolormatrix operates a DTF showroom and training center in the Atlanta, Georgia area. A showroom visit gives you an opportunity to discuss production goals, compare workflow options and learn what is involved beyond pressing the print button.

Showroom equipment changes as systems are sold, updated or added. If you want to see a particular printer or production component, call before traveling to confirm what is currently available for demonstration.

Call (404) 691-0015 to discuss your equipment needs or schedule a showroom visit.

Why Print Shops Choose Kolormatrix

• Real production experience: We operate DTF equipment and understand the complete process from artwork through application.
• Workflow-focused recommendations: We consider production goals, facility requirements and staffing—not only printer width.
• Atlanta showroom and training center: Customers can discuss equipment and production with people who work in the industry.
• Hands-on education: Training is available for customers who want to understand equipment, workflow, maintenance and application.
• Supplies and continued support: Kolormatrix offers DTF film, powder, ink, maintenance products and educational resources after the equipment purchase.
• Solutions for different production levels: Equipment options range from compact systems to commercial production packages.

Select qualifying printer purchases may include a seat in the Kolormatrix DTF Like a Pro class. Eligibility, scheduling and class terms can vary, so confirm the current offer before purchasing.

Continue Building Your DTF Workflow

• Shop DTF film, ink, powder and maintenance supplies
• Explore hands-on classes at Kolormatrix
• Download DTF training manuals and production checklists
• Order custom DTF transfers while building your production capacity

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DTF Equipment FAQ

What equipment do I need to produce garment DTF transfers?

Most complete workflows require a DTF printer, RIP software, curing equipment, heat press, air-management solution, environmental control and compatible production supplies. The exact configuration depends on your printer, volume and workflow.

Should I start with a curing oven or an automatic shaker/dryer?

A separate oven generally requires more hands-on powdering and curing but may fit smaller production needs. An automatic shaker/dryer supports a more continuous roll-to-roll workflow and may be better suited to growing production. Labor, available space, budget and expected volume should guide the decision.

How do I choose the correct printer width?

Consider your most common design sizes, gang-sheet strategy, order volume and available workspace. A wider printer can improve nesting and capacity, but it also requires appropriately sized curing, ventilation, electrical and media-handling systems.

How many transfers can a DTF printer produce per day?

Actual output varies by design size, artwork coverage, print mode, pass count, printer configuration, maintenance, operator efficiency and curing workflow. Product-page estimates should be used as planning comparisons rather than guaranteed daily production.

Do DTF printers require daily maintenance?

Yes. Consistent maintenance is especially important because DTF systems use white ink. Operators should expect routine nozzle checks, capping-station and wiper cleaning, environmental monitoring and other procedures specified by the manufacturer.

Can I install DTF equipment in any room?

No. The room must provide adequate space, appropriate electrical service, stable temperature and humidity, safe material storage and the air purification or ventilation required for the equipment and process. Review the complete facility requirements before ordering.

Is UV DTF equipment used to make garment transfers?

No. UV DTF is generally used to produce adhesive decals for compatible hard surfaces. Garment DTF uses a different ink, film, adhesive and application process.

Are freight, installation and training included?

Included services vary by product and package. Review the product page and written quote to confirm freight, liftgate service, installation, training, software, computer, starter supplies and other package components before purchasing.

Can I see a particular machine in the Atlanta showroom?

Possibly, but showroom equipment changes. Call (404) 691-0015 before traveling so we can confirm whether the specific system or a comparable workflow is available to see.

Can Kolormatrix help determine which system fits my shop?

Yes. Be prepared to discuss your expected daily or weekly volume, typical design sizes, current decoration services, available floor space, electrical service, staffing, budget and growth plans. This information helps us recommend an appropriately sized workflow.

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Build the Right DTF System for Your Business

Explore the equipment below or contact Kolormatrix before purchasing. We can help you compare printer sizes, curing options, production packages and facility requirements so you can invest in a system that supports the way your shop actually works.

Call (404) 691-0015 to speak with the Kolormatrix team.