15 Questions To Ask BEFORE Buying a DTF Printer
By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz from the growing excitement surrounding DTF transfer printing. Making an investment in a Direct-To-Film printer requires careful consideration. There are a lot of choices and DTF technology is advancing quickly. Spare yourself the disappointment and regrets of a hasty decision. Before making any DTF printer investment, take a moment to assess these 15 crucial questions.
- Can I see completed samples before I purchase? What about samples with my artwork?
- Are the machines in stock? How long of a timeline from the day I order the printer until the day it arrives?
- How much help will I need and what is required to unload the printer and move into my location?
- How many square feet can I print in an hour, or approximately how many full size transfers can I print in an hour? (full size = approx. 10 x 12 inches)
- What is the cost per square feet including: film, ink and powder?
- Is the printer a purpose built, integrated system designed for commercial production?
- How much training and set up assistance is provided?
- How do I get service on my printer after the sale? When I need support – who will I call?
- What does the warranty cover – and not cover? What are the limits or exceptions?
- What about parts? Are there any consumable parts I should know about and how often will they need to be replaced? If a part breaks and a new part is needed, where are the parts stocked and how long will they take to ship?
- Is there an onboard filtration system or will I need to vent the printer to the outside?
- Does the printer have a film roll tensioning system designed for proper alignment and tensioning of the film to eliminate head strikes?
- Does the printer have a white re-circulation and ink filtration built-in to ensure a consistent, smooth flow of white ink?
- Is there a pause feature or other built-in technology into the dryer to prevent the transfer film from melting and prevent the scorching of the belt?
- What RIP software comes with the printer and does it include color management features?