I have been thinking about venturing into DTF for a while now but have always felt if it is not right for me it would be a minimum of £2000+ down the drain. So when Ink Experts asked me to test their A4 format DTF system it would be an understatement to say that I was over the moon at being given the opportunity to “dabble” without the financial risk.
Like most people these days, I am very busy. I like things that work exactly as they should straight from the start and with the IE Fusion DTF system I was not disappointed. The kit arrived Thursday and by Friday several of my customers had garments on test. It was easy to set the machine up and following the clear instructions for Acrorip (the software needed to run DTF) I was able to print my first transfer within an hour of opening the box.
The first transfers I made were for a “friend of a friend” who breeds Cane Corso’s. I had previously printed his garments using my Versacam Print ‘n’ Cut. The job took well over two days to complete due to the complex weeding. I also had to simplify the FLB Logo as it was simply not possible to get the detail required…. Not anymore! The DTF transfers are bright, sharp and crisp. Having been in this business for more years than I would like to admit it takes a lot to blow me away, the ease of creating the transfers and the finished result really did give me the “wow” moment.
I also thought the process of adding the powder, giving it a shake 'n' bake and then pressing was all going to be a bit of a faff. Not so, once you get into a rhythm it’s all good. With DTF your imagination is unleashed on what you can be printed. If you are a garment designer selling on platforms such as Etsy you will love the set up. If you are, like me, providing workwear and corporate clothing you are going to love it just as much.
I am sure we have all seen these sort of systems before promising everything but always coming up short. I have had Fusion DTF printed garments on test with 25 different people for a little over 3 weeks now. Some have been told “30 degree wash, do not tumble dry etc.” and others have been told nothing. So far not one person has had any issues with no complaints and no returns. If I wanted to be overly cautious then I would recommend either some washing instruction stickers or create your own neck labels on a tag less t-shirt, only you can decide on that as you know your customers.
Cost of producing an A4 transfer is very cheap. I estimate around 42p (approx.). This means you could be printing full colour on coloured t-shirts for sub £3.00 giving you a very significant profit margin
In summary, although the machine is billed as an entry level machine it will suit many different size traders. For me, if I had purchased this particular set up it would pay for itself within 3-4 weeks it really is that good. In the first two weeks of “ownership” I had printed 200+ transfers.
I think it is pretty obvious I recommend DTF but more importantly I recommend the Ink Experts Fusion machine. Simple reason is because it works and you have the back up of a reputable company should you need any help. Book your interest now! Some Epson printers are in very short supply, you will be gutted if they run out ;-)
If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. I am no expert in DTF (which could be an advantage!) and will always give my honest opinion.
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