7 Factors for Choosing a DTF Printer

Picking the right DTF printer can make or break your T-shirt business. A good one prints fast, saves ink, and lasts for years. A bad one wastes time and money. This guide covers the seven key factors to check before you buy. We keep it simple so anyone can follow along.

Factor 1: Print Size and Width

The first thing to decide is how wide you need to print. Most DTF printers come in two common sizes: 13 inches (A3) and 24 inches (A1 or 60 cm).

• 13-inch printers fit small spaces and handle one or two shirts at a time. They cost less and work great for starters or home setups.
• 24-inch printers let you print two or three shirts side by side. They speed up big orders and handle hoodies or tote bags easily.

Measure your workspace and think about your average order size. If you only print 5–10 shirts a day, start with 13 inches. If you plan to grow fast, go for 24 inches. Linko offers both sizes with clear specs on their site.

Factor 2: Number of Printheads and Speed

Printheads control how fast and sharp your designs come out. Entry-level models have one or two heads. Pro models have four.

• One head: Slow but cheap. Good for testing the market.
• Two heads: Double the speed. Most small shops pick this.
• Four heads: Fastest option. Best for 50+ shirts per day.

Speed is listed in square meters per hour. A two-head 24-inch printer like the Linko A650 does 8–10 m²/h. That means about 20–25 adult T-shirts in one hour. Match the speed to your daily goal. Faster heads cost more upfront but save time later.

Factor 3: Ink System and White Ink Circulation

DTF uses five ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white. White ink is thick and clogs easily. Look for these features:

• White ink circulation: Pumps white ink all the time to stop clogs.
• Auto moisturizing: Keeps the printhead wet when not in use.
• Ink level alarms: Warn you before the ink runs out.

Clogs waste film and ink. A good ink system lets you print every day without cleaning for hours. All Linko printers include white ink circulation as standard.

Factor 4: Built-in Powder Shaker and Dryer

After printing on film, you need to add powder and dry it. Some printers come with a shaker and dryer attached. Others sell them separate.

• All-in-one units save space and cut steps. You print, powder, and dry in one machine.
• Separate units give more control but take extra room.

If your shop is small, pick an all-in-one like the Linko A650. It has a built-in shaker with auto powder recycle. This cuts labor and mess. Separate units work if you already have space and want to upgrade later.

Factor 5: Software and Ease of Use

RIP software turns your design into printer instructions. Good software saves ink and fixes colors. Look for:

• Simple interface: Touch screen or clear buttons.
• Ink-saving mode: Cuts ink use by up to 20%.
• ICC profiles: Matches colors between screen and print.

Linko includes Print Factory software with every printer. It supports multiple languages and auto-nesting to fit more designs on one film. Easy software means less training time for new staff.

Factor 6: After-Sales Support and Warranty

Printers break. Ink leaks. Questions pop up. Strong support keeps you printing.

Check for:

• Warranty length: 12 months on main parts is standard.
• Remote help: Video calls to fix issues fast.
• Free training: Setup guides and online classes.
• Spare parts: Quick shipping when you need a new printhead.

Linko offers 24-hour online support and free remote setup. They helped over 7,500 clients in 100 countries. Good support turns a scary purchase into a safe one.

Factor 7: Total Cost and Running Expenses

Price is more than the sticker tag. Add up everything:

• Printer cost: $1,650 to $7,700 for DTF models.
• Ink: $15–$20 per 500 ml bottle.
• Film: $0.50 per A3 sheet.
• Powder: $10 per kg.
• Power: $20–$50 per month.

A $4,000 all-in-one printer might cost less per shirt than a $2,000 basic model plus a separate shaker. Calculate cost per print. A 12×16-inch shirt uses about $1.50 in supplies. Sell for $20 and profit $18.50. Pick a printer that keeps running costs low.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

1. Measure your space and order size.
2. Count daily shirts to pick heads and speed.
3. Confirm white ink circulation.
4. Decide on an all-in-one or a separate shaker.
5. Test the software demo.
6. Ask about warranty and remote help.
7. Add up all costs for one year.

Real Customer Examples

Dylan from the US loves Linko ink for bright colors. Serena in Egypt saved 20% ink with Print Factory software. Casey in the United States got a custom small shaker to fit his tiny shop. John printed two full rolls without a single jam. These stories show how the right printer solves real problems.

Where to Learn More

Visit https://www.dtflinko.com/ to see full model specs and request a quote. They list exact speeds, sizes, and prices. Chat with their team to match a printer to your budget and goals.

Final Tip

Start with what you need today. A solid 13-inch two-head printer handles most small orders. Upgrade to 24-inch or four heads when you hit 30 shirts a day. Focus on reliable ink flow and easy support. Follow the seven factors and you’ll pick a DTF printer that grows with your business.