Most low-cost systems either have no RIP, or an inferior homegrown RIP or even a pirated RIP (so zero support and often doesn’t even work).
The white inks tend to block easily, thus higher-end systems have a pump that constantly cycles the white ink. Anti-head strike technology is essential as head strikes reduce print head longevity. Both of these technologies are expensive – You’re not going to find them on a cheap printer. JG Electronics supplies you with manuals, training videos, a maintenance kit for your printer and extensive tech support. We’ve been in the business of selling systems for over 3 4 years, so we’ve got the hang of it. JG Electronics stocks a wide range of spares including pumps, motors, logic boards, piping, and print heads so that if there’s an issue it can be resolved quickly. Despite our technical expertise and background we also got caught by early DTF machines where the sample units were perfect but the machines we ordered were not (and we only realised the issue after the machines were out in the field for some months). This is the reason we have been very cautious since and only release new models after extensive local testing to local conditions.
Things we learnt the hard way about DTF
• Almost any Epson printer can be converted to DTF but sadly they don’t work very long . Often they don’t even work straight out of the box. They are MUCH cheaper than printers built specifically for DTF but they are a waste of money. Looking online you can buy a DTF printer for under 20K from China. Rather take that money to the casino, you have a better chance of winning. Parts are a massive problem as the motherboards for example are modified by the DTF supplier for their specific machine and are not interchangeable with boards from a different supplier or even with boards from Epson.
• Print heads really make a huge difference. Not all print heads are the same.
Paying a small fortune for a high-end print head really is needed for print speed, colour quality and print head durability. Your home inkjet printer prints stunning colours but not with DTF inks which are too thick for it. We bought an A3 DTF printer which took 35 minutes to print 1 A3 print in almost decent quality.
• DTF Inks are not all the same and they expire very quickly.
DTF inks need to be flown in because the shelf life from manufacture is 6-12 months. This makes them more expensive. The cheap inks are coming by sea and sitting in the local supplier’s stores until the customer buys them. We have purchased some inks locally and found them to be expired. Expired inks kill print heads.
• Not all film works in all printers and quality issues from different batches are common.
Most of the DTF film manufacturers in the far east are trying to beat each other on price instead of focusing on quality so from batch to batch the film changes. Colours change, or it doesn’t transfer properly etc.
Don’t be led astray with low prices and false promises – You will come to regret it.
Our DTF systems vs many others
Our machines are not just modified Epsons but rather printers manufactured from scratch for DTF specifically but the electronics, ducting and software are custom-made for DTF.
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