How long does a DTF printer machine take to do a t-shirt or other garment?

Can one printer be used for both light and dark garments?

As the name suggests, a direct-to-film printer allows you to print a design on a film and transfer it directly to the intended surface, such as fabric. The key reason why the printer DTF is gaining prominence is the freedom it gives you to choose almost any surface for printing.

The DTF printer technology can allow you to print easily on cotton, polyester, synthetic, or silk of any color without any trouble. Plus, DTF printers can work on both dark and white fabric without any need to press on expensive A & B paper.

How long does it take each machine to do a t-shirt or other garment ?

White Toner Transfers:

3 Minutes Total

You’ll also typically want to trim the transfer a little and spend a few seconds positioning it correctly on the shirt.

So, if you’re just doing 1 shirt, we can call that about 3 minutes.

Transfers can be printed and stacked immediately but it’s best if you marry them first if you’re going to store them.

*Temperature, pressure, and time recommendations change – please consult instructions IN THE BOX of paper you are using for specifics.

DTF Transfers:

There is a good DTF printer case study involving some Girl Scout t-shirts we did which breaks down the entire process and costs needed for direct to film.  You can find out more details at the link above. 

However, the short answer is:

About 2 Minutes per shirt.

The DTF printer uses PET transfer film which is translucent so you can see the design underneath the film when you later heat-press it onto the garment.  The PET film has a thickness of around 0.75mm which allows for better transfer characteristics.  The films used with the DTF A3 PRO are both roll-fed and designed for a cold peel.

Using PET transfer films, which are transparent, the DTF printer allows you to see the design underneath the film when you heat press it onto the garment.  This is a particular advantage that also saves some time. 

However, those films are roll-fed on the DTF A3 PRO, so while it might take longer to print an individual transfer, if you have a dozen or more to do, each shirt you print with DTF will end up saving you more and more time on the job.

Reprint please indicate fromDTF printer center，Article title：《How long does a DTF printer machine take to do a t-shirt or other garment?》