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Which printers are most suppliers / DIY users gravitating towards for DTF printing use, and why?
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Most companies are focusing on the use of common / available Epson inkjet printers, when it comes to modifications for DTF use. Other print engines are also in the works including Ricoh. As of the date of this post, the most popular Epson inkjet printers being modified for DTF printing are the:

- Epson L1800 (available in Asia)
- Epson P400 / P600 / P800 (available in the USA, however they are discontinued so supply is very limited)

The reason why the above models are being utilized is basically because:

1) Their printheads are compatible with currently manufactured DTF inks
2) There are available RIP software options (you need RIP to manage white ink printing)
3) They are reasonably priced
4) There are available refillable cartridges or CIS chip technologies already developed
4) They are available (except that the P400 / P600 printers are drying up fast).

The L1800 / P400 / P600 / P800 allow you to print using CMYK + White inks, using available refillable cartridges, and utilizing 6-8 color / ink channels.

The Epson P400 / P600 are being replaced by the P700 / P900, but no RIP software exists yet for those, nor refillable cartridges or chip technologies.


Naturally, higher end machine could facilitate automated functions and would be the optimum selection, since i) they allow little room for usage misinterpretations and manual handling, while ii) they save our precious time and energy.


 L1800

This is a system that is being used a lot because of its low cost and the fact that it is readily available overseas. It brandishes a 6 channel printhead.  Nevertheless, it is a relatively slower system, as it requires 2 passes (one pass for white ink and one more for color ink) for a maximum of 11.7’’x 16.5’’ print area, unless you have an advanced RIP such as ACRORIP 10.

 P400

P400 is a much faster printer. It is 3+ times faster as compared to L1800, for it utilizes an 8-channel DX5 printhead. Easy and direct access to the head is ensured, as cartridges/CISS are positioned on top of the printhead. This way, less ink is wasted when flushing of the printhead is required, before periods that the printer is expected to remain idle. The printing area is the same as with L1800/1430, namely 12.5’’x 18’’.

 P600

P600 and P400 are equals as much as printing speed is concerned. It deploys an 8-channel DX7 printhead. It is recommended for daily/heavy use, for it takes advantage of a built-in, pressurized ink distribution setup. XL cartridges are available. Please bear in mind that if the printer is not used on a daily basis, you may notice lines caused by white ink separation. White ink tends to dry up very fast and a considerate amount of ink will be wasted when you it will need to be cleaned. The printing area is here as well 11.7’’x 16.5’’.

 P800

The main difference between P800 and P600 is that with the P800 you have an extended 12.5’’x 18’’ print area. The built-in ink distribution/spraying system is similar to the one P600 employs.

1 Answer

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Any Epson 6-9 color printer with Chipless, or ARC ( auto reset chips) available and RIP support from Acrorip/EKprint/Kothari will work. It will just vary in speed, based on the specs.

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