It’s fall now.
Which means, the holiday season is right around the corner.
And if you run a customization business, that makes RIGHT NOW a pretty good time to start getting ready for it.
You might be wondering, why now of all times?
This may sound like one of those thighs people always say but… you still have TIME on your side.
At least for the moment.
And that time gives you an opportunity to take a step back, assess what you have, figure out what you need, and identify any bottlenecks in your workflow — before the holiday rush kicks in.
So what should you be looking at?
Start with your equipment.
Do yourself a favor and take a hard, honest look at what you’re working with.
Is it still doing everything you need it to do? Or have you been thinking that maybe it’s time for an upgrade?
If so, NOW might be the time to seriously consider it.
You still have time to research your options, make a decision, get the equipment in place, and most importantly, actually get comfortable using it.
And if you’re looking to take on more work, add new products, enter new markets, or simply make your current workflow easier, there are a few upgrades worth putting on your radar.
Let’s take a look at what they are.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Customization Equipment?
Where, then, should we begin with you?…
Well, in our humble opinion, a good place to start would be with capacity.
Or, in other words, how much work you can comfortably handle with the equipment you have right now.
Now, we’re not saying you have to have an exact number figured out.
You don’t.
This isn’t a math class, after all.
But you should have a general sense of where your limits are.
Now, we get it. This isn’t something you can answer off the top of your head.
So, let’s figure it out together.
There are a few telltale signs that can give you a pretty good idea of how close you’re getting.
Let’s take a look at what those are:
Consistently operating near production capacity
Let’s start with the most obvious one: capacity.
If your equipment is running flat-out just to get through your normal workload, you’re probably getting pretty close to your limit.
Now, if that happens every once in a while, it’s probably not a big deal.
A busy week here and there isn’t necessarily a reason to start shopping for new equipment.
But… if it’s becoming the norm rather than the exception, though, it may be time to start thinking about additional equipment.
Outsourcing work that could potentially be produced in-house
If you’re regularly sending work to another shop because you don’t have the equipment or capacity to handle it yourself, pay attention to that.
Sure, outsourcing can make sense from time to time.
Maybe you have a one-off job that requires equipment you don’t own.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
But what if you’re sending out the same kind of work again and again?
At that point, it’s worth asking yourself whether the money you’re spending on outsourcing could be better put toward bringing that work in-house.
Especially if you’re seeing more and more of those jobs come through the door.
Turning away certain jobs
This one is pretty straightforward.
If you’re starting to turn away jobs that you would normally be happy to take, your current setup may be telling you something.
Maybe the job is simply too large for your equipment.
Maybe you don’t have the right equipment to produce it.
Or maybe you technically could take it on, but doing so would put too much pressure on everything else you’re already trying to get done.
Whatever the reason, having to say no to work you want is worth paying attention to.
Your equipment shouldn’t be the thing deciding which jobs you can and can’t take.
If this is happening more often than you’d like, it may be time to take a closer look at what additional equipment could actually help.
Long production lead times
Here’s another one.
If customers are having to wait longer than usual to get their orders, it may simply be because there’s more work coming in than your current setup can comfortably get through.
Again, the occasional backlog is nothing unusual.
But if long lead times are becoming a regular thing, additional equipment could help you get more work out the door without keeping customers waiting.
Increasing overtime
And then there’s overtime.
If you and your team are regularly putting in extra hours just to stay on top of the workload, that’s another pretty good indication that you’ve started to push against your current capacity.
Before you simply ask everyone to work a little harder or stay a little later, it may be worth taking a step back and asking whether your equipment could be doing more of the work.
Sometimes, adding another piece of equipment can take some of that pressure off your team and help you get more orders out the door.
After all, there’s only so much more you can get out of the same equipment by adding more hours.
Manual processes creating bottlenecks
If there are parts of your production process that are still being done manually, take a look at how much time they’re actually taking.
Maybe your team is spending hours on a task that could be handled much faster with the right equipment.
None of that necessarily means you’re doing anything wrong. Sometimes, that’s just the way things have always been done.
But if the same manual step keeps creating a bottleneck, it’s worth asking whether there’s a better way to handle it.
And this is where new equipment can start to make a pretty noticeable difference.
You may not need to replace your entire setup. Sometimes, adding one piece of equipment to take care of the right bottleneck can free up your team, speed up production, and help everything else run a little more smoothly.
Customers requesting products you don't currently offer
What are your customers asking you for?
If you’re hearing the same requests over and over again for products or customization options you don’t currently offer, it may be worth looking at whether adding the right equipment could open the door to work you aren’t currently able to offer.
Now, we’re not saying you need to rush out and buy new equipment every time a customer asks for something you don’t make.
But if you’re hearing the same request again and again, it might be worth asking yourself why.
Is there a piece of equipment you don’t currently have that’s keeping you from taking on that work?
And if so, how often are you having to say no because of it?
Existing equipment limiting order size or product options
Here’s something else to think about.
Is your equipment putting a limit on what you can do with it?
Maybe there’s a limit to how large an order you can take on.
Maybe there are certain products, sizes, materials, or finishes your current equipment just can’t handle.
Or maybe it can handle them, but getting the job done takes so much extra time and effort that it’s not really practical.
In which case, it may be time to think about whether adding another piece of equipment could give you a little more room to work with.
Plans to grow sales or enter new markets
And finally, what are you planning for the future?
If you’re expecting sales to grow, adding new products, or moving into a new market, can your current equipment actually get you there?
If your current setup is already stretched, adding more work on top of that may only make the problem bigger.
So, before you start planning that next stage of growth, it’s worth making sure your equipment is ready to grow with you.
So, when is the best time to buy customization equipment?
Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. And we’re not going to pretend there is.
But if you’re starting to see some of these signs happening in your own business, it might be time to start looking at your options.
Take a look at where you are now, where you want to go, and then ask yourself whether your current equipment can realistically get you there.
If it can, great. You’ve got what you need.
But if it can’t, maybe it’s time to start thinking about what you need to make that next step possible.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at one option that may be worth considering: a DTF printer.
Ready to Add or Upgrade Your DTF Printing Equipment?
Okay, so we’ve spent some time looking at the signs that your current setup may be starting to hold you back.
If you recognized some of those signs in your own business, you may already be wondering what you can do about them.
Good thinking.
So, what could help?
Well, DTF printing could be part of the answer.
And if you’re already familiar with DTF, feel free to skip the refresher.
But if you could use a quick reminder of what we’re talking about, here’s the short version:
DTF, or direct-to-film printing, is a modern textile decoration technique where designs are printed onto a special PET film, coated with hot-melt adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto garments.
So, what does that look like for your business?
Maybe you don’t have any DTF equipment yet. You may be buying transfers from another supplier or using a completely different process, like screen printing, embroidery, white toner, or HTV.
Or maybe you already have a DTF printer and you’re wondering whether it’s time to add another one or upgrade the equipment you have.
Either way, there are plenty of reasons you might be looking at DTF equipment right now.
And the good news is, you have options.
So, let’s take a look at some of the DTF options available and what each one can bring to the table.
That way, you can get a better idea of which setup makes the most sense for where your business is right now (and where you want to take it next).
ColDesi DTF 12H2
(Best For: Startups & Home-Based Businesses)
Not everyone needs a large production machine, would you agree?
In fact, if you’re just getting started with DTF printing, buying more printer than you need can end up costing you money without adding much value.
That’s exactly where the new and upgraded DTF 12H2 comes in.
The 12H2 is designed for startups, side hustlers, home-based businesses, shops with limited space, and anyone looking for an affordable way to get into DTF printing without making a massive upfront investment.
It gives you the ability to create professional-quality DTF transfers while keeping your equipment costs manageable.
For many customers, it’s the perfect first step into the world of DTF printing.
And as your business grows, you can always move up to a larger machine with greater production capacity.
What Makes the DTF 12H2 Unique?
For starters, it comes in two different configurations, The Basic Starter Package ($7,995), and the Standard Package ($9,995). Both feature the exact same printer and include the printer stand.
The core difference lies entirely in the additional equipment bundled with each package.
For the price, it’s hard to find a DTF printer that will do more. To give you a high-level overview of its features and technical specifications.
From a visual standpoint, it’s the smallest printer in the ColDesi lineup. All things combined, it measures in at just 39.5″ x 65″, and can easily fit through a standard shop doorway (something you can’t always say about its bigger brothers (a.k.a. our flagship models).
Now, just because it’s the smallest in the range, doesn’t mean that it compromises on function or experience. While it is a more ‘’trimmed down’’ version of those models, it still packs a punch with its print speed of around fifty 8”x10” transfers an hour, dual print head, and a generous 12’’ wide print field.
We’re talking full-color transfers that can be applied to a wide variety of garments with as little as a 10-second initial press time.
If you choose the Basic Starter Package, things get even more compact since the package does not include the shaker/dryer unit found in the Standard package. As a result, the footprint is significantly smaller, with the printer itself measuring just 28.5″ x 39.75″ and weighing only 165.4 lbs.
It’s small enough for a desk and, again, slim enough to fit through a standard doorway. So, perfect for home offices, small shops, or tight spaces.
Plus, it comes with an optional stand for those who want a dedicated workspace.
The 12H2 is also quiet, runs on a standard 110V outlet, and arrives fully assembled. Combined with the included training, it makes getting started much less intimidating for first-time users.
And did we forget to mention that another standout feature of the upgraded DTF 12H2 is its expanded color system? Yes, by adding Orange and Green inks to the standard color set, the printer can now produce a 27% wider color range and approximately 100,000 more printable colors. That translates into smoother gradients, richer colors, and more vibrant, eye-catching transfers.
And that’s really what makes the DTF 12H2 unique.
Its size, simplicity, and ease of use make it a true desktop DTF printer. One that’s designed to help new businesses get started, learn the process, and begin generating revenue before making the jump to larger equipment.
ColDesi DTF 19H2
(Best For: Growing Businesses Ready for More Capacity)
What if the 12H2 feels a little too small, but you’re not quite ready for a large production system?
That’s exactly where the DTF 19H2 comes in as a solution. In fact, it may be the machine you’ve been looking for all along.
As the newest addition to the ColDesi DTF lineup, the 19H2 was designed to fill the gap between entry-level DTF printing and larger production equipment.
It offers both more print width and more speed than the 12H2, while still maintaining a footprint that’s practical for many small and mid-sized shops.
For businesses that have moved beyond the startup phase and are looking to increase output without making the jump to a full-scale production machine just yet, the 19H2 often hits the sweet spot between size, performance, practicality, and investment.
So, what do you actually get with the DTF 19H2?
Quite a bit, actually.
For starters, you get a generous 19-inch print width, giving you more room to fit larger graphics and gang multiple designs together on a single sheet. That means less wasted film and more productivity from every print run.
It may seem like a small upgrade on paper, but when you’re trying to squeeze a few more transfers onto each sheet, those extra inches start paying for themselves.
Under the hood, you’ll find two Epson i1600 print heads working together to deliver fast, consistent output. The result is production speeds of around fifty 8″ x 10″ transfers per hour, making it well-suited for growing businesses with increasing order volumes.
The 19H2 also features an automatic tension (dancer) system that helps keep the film feeding smoothly throughout the printing process. It’s one of those features you may not think about at first, but after you’ve dealt with a few feeding issues, you quickly realize just how valuable it is.
This system plays an important role in maintaining consistent print quality and reducing the chances of feeding issues during longer print runs.
And despite the added capability, the 19H2 remains surprisingly manageable from a space standpoint. The complete system has a footprint of approximately 48″ x 108″, allowing it to fit comfortably into many small and mid-sized production environments.
It’s also worth noting that the complete system weighs roughly around 800-900 lbs. That’s not unusual for commercial printing equipment, but it’s probably not something you and a friend are carrying into the shop on a Saturday afternoon.
So it’s something you’ll want to think ahead about before delivery day.
Another nice bonus? Like the 12H2, the 19H2 runs on standard 110V power and requires a 20A circuit. In other words, you won’t need specialized electrical work just to get the printer installed and running.
In many ways, that’s what makes the 19H2 so appealing. It delivers more print width, more production capacity, and more efficiency without dramatically increasing the space or infrastructure requirements.
For additional peace of mind, the printer also comes backed by a one-year warranty, including six months of coverage on the print heads.
In many ways, it’s the printer customers graduate to when they’ve proven their business model and are ready for the next step.
ColDesi DTF 24H2
(Best For: Established Commercial Production)
If the 12H2 gets you started and the 19H2 helps you grow, the 24H2 is built for businesses that have already proven there’s demand for what they sell and simply need equipment that can help them produce more.
It’s a great fit for apparel decorators, custom product businesses, and print shops with a steady flow of orders. Compared to the smaller H2 models, it offers more print width, more speed, and higher output, making it a natural next step for growing businesses.
So, what makes it different?
For starters, you get a generous 24-inch print width, giving you even more room to gang transfers together and maximize every inch of film. It might not sound like much on paper, but if you’ve been in the DTF business for any length of time, you already know that fitting just a few more graphics onto each run can make a meaningful difference in both material costs and overall productivity.
The 24H2 is powered by two Epson i3200 print heads. Compared to the smaller 12H2, they offer higher print resolution, improved ink management, and faster production speeds. They’re also designed for the demands of higher-volume printing, making them a solid choice for businesses producing transfers day after day.
Production is another area where the 24H2 pulls ahead. It can print around 45 to 55 linear feet per hour, or roughly 100 standard 8″ × 10″ transfers in the same amount of time. That makes it well suited for shops handling larger orders, repeat customers, or simply a heavier day-to-day workload.
The printer also comes with a built-in fume extractor, so there’s no need to purchase or install a separate extraction system. It’s one less thing to think about when getting everything set up.
The complete system measures approximately 144.5″ × 67.5″, and the printer arrives fully assembled, weighing in at around 562 pounds.
No, it’s probably not something you’re rolling into the shop with a couple of friends on a Saturday afternoon. But once it’s in place, it’s built to handle the kind of workload many growing businesses eventually reach.
The DTF 24H2 isn’t meant to be your first printer, and that’s okay. It’s the kind of machine many businesses end up with after they’ve spent some time growing their customer base and are ready to produce at a much higher volume.
ColDesi DTF 30H2
(Best For: Established Commercial Production (similar to the 24H2))
If you’ve been looking at the DTF 24H2 but find yourself wanting a little more print width and production capacity, then the DTF 30H2 is well worth a closer look.
It’s built on many of the same production-focused features as the 24H2 while offering the extra width and output that growing businesses often need. If you’re regularly printing larger orders, oversized graphics, or simply looking to get more work done in less time, the 30H2 was designed with that in mind.
The first thing you’ll probably notice is the expanded 30-inch print width. Under the hood, however, it’s still powered by the same dual Epson i3200 print-head configuration found in the DTF 24H2. The difference is what that extra width allows you to accomplish. The system can produce up to approximately 43 linear feet per hour, which works out to roughly 180 full-size 8 × 10 transfers at an impressive 720 × 1800 DPI. By comparison, the DTF 24H2 tops out at around 100 transfers per hour.
The additional print width makes it an excellent choice for larger production runs and oversized graphics for items like jackets, hoodies, banners, and more. It also gives you the flexibility to gang multiple designs together on a single sheet, helping you get more transfers from every print run while reducing production time and material waste.
Once printed, the finished transfers can be applied to a wide variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, blends, leather, and many other compatible surfaces. Combined with generous 1000 ml ink bags, you can spend more time printing and less time stopping for refills. It’s one of those small conveniences that may not seem like a big deal at first, but it certainly makes busy production days run a little smoother.
Despite its increased production capacity, it’s still worth planning ahead for installation. The complete system measures approximately 69″ × 123.5″ and weighs in at about 1,032.6 lbs.
Like most commercial DTF systems, it’s worth making sure you have enough floor space beforehand to set up the printer.
The ColDesi 30H2 also comes equipped with an Automatic Tension System, often referred to as the Dancer System. Its job is to keep the film feeding smoothly and under consistent tension throughout the printing process. It’s one of those features that’s easy to overlook, but it plays an important role in maintaining consistent print quality and helping reduce the chances of feeding issues during longer production runs.
Altogether, the DTF 30H2 offers a compelling balance of print width, production speed, and reliability for businesses that have outgrown smaller systems and are ready to increase their output without compromising print quality.
ColDesi DTF 24H5
(Best For: High-Volume Production Facilities)
At this point, we’re no longer talking about getting into DTF printing or even growing your business. We’re talking about maximizing production.
This isn’t the kind of printer you buy because you hope orders will come in. It’s the kind of printer you invest in because they already are.
Designed for high-volume production environments, the 24H5 combines a 24-inch print width with five industrial Epson i3200 piezoelectric print heads. Whether you’re fulfilling large contract orders, supplying other decorators with transfers, or simply running the printer from 9 to 5, it’s designed for that kind of workload.
Its production capacity is where the 24H5 really earns its place in the lineup.
Capable of producing up to 160 linear feet of transfers per hour, or roughly 400 standard 8″ × 10″ transfers, it gives busy shops the ability to process significantly more work in the same amount of time. That means large orders move through production faster, while leaving room in the schedule for the next projects.
A big reason for that performance is the printer’s five industrial Epson i3200 piezoelectric print heads that work together. Instead of asking one or two print heads to do all the work, the workload is shared across five. That means higher print speeds, greater ink throughput, and consistent image quality from the first transfer to the last. It also reduces the mechanical stress placed on each individual print head, making the system better suited for the kind of day-in, day-out production commercial shops demand.
The same thinking carries over to the ink system. Large 500 ml ink bottles mean fewer refill interruptions, so your team can spend more time printing and less time stopping to top off ink during busy shifts.
Of course, speed only gets you so far if the finished transfers don’t look exceptional.
That’s where the Expanded Color Gamut option comes into play. By adding Orange and Green inks alongside traditional CMYK and White, the 24H5 can reproduce a broader range of colors with richer saturation, smoother gradients, and more accurate tonal transitions. If you’re printing photographic images, complex artwork, or brand-sensitive graphics where color accuracy matters, it’s a difference you’ll notice.
Naturally, a production system of this caliber requires room to work. The complete setup measures approximately 151″ × 78″ and weighs in at roughly 1,200 pounds. It’s certainly not a desktop printer. But if you’re operating at the level the 24H5 was designed for, chances are you’ve already planned for equipment like this.
The 24H5 represents the top end of ColDesi’s DTF lineup. It’s designed for businesses where high production isn’t an occasional need, but part of the everyday workflow.
And that’s really what you’re investing in.
ColDesi DTF 24H5E
(Best For: Enterprise-Level Production)
Think the 24H5 is impressive? The 24H5E takes it even further.
From the start, the 24H5E was designed as an upgraded version of the 24H5. It keeps everything people already like about the original while adding thoughtful enhancements that make day-to-day production smoother, faster, and more reliable.
So what’s different in this new version?
At the core of the 24H5E are three major enhancements: the 24POWE Extended Dryer System, an Advanced Pre-Heating Chamber, and a fully automated wet-capping system. Together, these upgrades improve printer reliability, streamline workflow, and deliver more consistent output.
The 24POWE Dryer features a built-in fume extraction system, eliminating the need for additional external ventilation units.
This integrated design efficiently filters airborne particles and odors, creating a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable workspace.
To maintain precision throughout every production run, the 24H5E is equipped with a fully automated dancer bar system on both the printer and dryer.
Powered by advanced sensors, the system continuously adjusts to maintain optimal film tension—preventing slack, stretching, or wrinkling and ensuring flawless alignment and consistent, high-quality output.
This automation eliminates manual adjustments and significantly reduces production errors.
And when it comes to performance, the numbers speak for themselves.
Featuring a 24-inch print width and five advanced Epson i3200 print heads, the 24H5E delivers outstanding speed, precision, and reliability for high-volume production environments. In real-world output, it produces 500+ transfers per hour and over 275 linear feet of printed film.
Finally, like the 24H5, the 24H5E goes beyond standard CMYK output. It features an Expanded Color Gamut option with CMYKOG + White (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Orange, Green) for richer color and enhanced print results.
In other words, the 24H5E is cruise control for DTF production.
Looking for an Alternative to DTF? Consider Commercial Embroidery
Maybe DTF isn’t quite what you’re looking for.
And that’s okay.
Different products call for different decoration methods, and not every job is a DTF job, after all.
For example, maybe you’re not looking to put full-color designs onto T-shirts. Instead, your customers might be asking for something else entirely: embroidered logos, uniforms, hats, jackets, or other products.
Those kinds of jobs can call for a different approach.
Don’t get us wrong. DTF can be a great option for all kinds of customization work.
But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the RIGHT CHOICE for every product, every customer, or every type of design.
In some cases, you need a different process because you’re trying to achieve something DTF simply isn’t designed to do.
And that makes sense.
If you’re looking to add embroidery (instead of printed graphics) to uniforms, hats, jackets, or other products, you’ll need a process designed for that kind of work.
And that process is called, you guessed it, embroidery.
So, if embroidery is the answer, the next question is pretty obvious: what do you actually need to do it?
If you said “embroidery machine,” then you’re thinking clearly and rationally.
And if you’re not sure which one you need yet, don’t worry, we’ve got a few options below to get you started.
Avance 1201C
(Best For: Small Businesses & Home Studios)
The Avancé 1201C is a 12-needle commercial embroidery machine designed for small businesses, startups, and home-based studios that want commercial-level results without investing in a larger (and more expensive) industrial machine. Compact, fast, and surprisingly capable, this model proves that big capabilities can come in smaller packages.
The 1201C can sew up to 1,000 stitches per minute, which is impressive for a machine its size. Measuring 23 x 23 x 63 inches and weighing about 176 pounds, it is actually the smallest and lightest model in the Avancé lineup, but don’t let that fool you. It’s built to keep up with demand.
That lightweight design also makes it one of the easiest commercial machines to transport, making it a great choice for trade shows, pop-up shops, and other live events where portability matters.
Despite its compact footprint, the 1201C is packed with features that make embroidery easier and more enjoyable.
Up front, there’s a 10.1-inch full-color LCD touchscreen control panel that makes managing designs and settings simple. You’ll find 28 built-in fonts and a library of up to 4,000 designs, so you can start creating on day one!
An extended LED lighting system keeps your work area well lit, thread break detection helps prevent mistakes and wasted production time, and its exceptionally quiet operation makes it a comfortable fit for home studios and retail environments.
To make getting started as easy as possible, the Avancé 1201C comes with everything you need right out of the box. You’ll receive five hoops, one cap frame, essential accessories, a one-year warranty that’s upgradeable to five years, and access to some of the best embroidery training in the industry, so you’re supported long after your machine arrives.
Considering everything that’s included, the 1201C offers outstanding value and comes in at a more accessible price point than its larger sibling, the Avancé 1501C, which we’ll look at next.
For complete specifications and technical details, check out the full product page.
Avance 1501C
(Best For: Established Commercial Production)
For starters, the Avancé 1501C shares many of the same features as the 1201C. You’ll get the same intuitive control panel and user interface, the same onboard memory, and the same built-in library of fonts and embroidery designs.
It also comes with the same training and support, along with the same starter package of embroidery essentials, including thread cones, backing, bobbins, needles, oil, tweezers, scissors, and other accessories.
In other words, everything you need to get up and running is included.
So what’s different?
Simply put, it’s bigger. In every way that matters.
The physical size of the machine measures in at 33 x 30 x 63 inches. Yes, it takes up a little more space than the 1201C, but that larger footprint serves a purpose.
It makes room for a generous 22″ × 14″ embroidery area and supports larger hoops, giving you the flexibility to embroider larger designs and handle bigger projects with ease.
The 1501C is also built for higher-volume production. It can sew at speeds of up to 1,200 stitches per minute and features 15 needles, allowing you to keep more thread colors loaded and spend less time stopping for thread changes. The result is faster production, greater efficiency, and less downtime between jobs.
At 197 lbs. (excluding the stand), it’s every bit the commercial-grade machine it looks and feels like.
Another advantage is that the 1501C can grow with your business. You can start with a single machine today, then add additional units as your production needs increase.
By networking multiple machines together, you can build a modular embroidery setup with two, three, six, or even more machines.
If you’d like to learn more about how a modular embroidery setup works and when it makes sense, be sure to check out our in-depth guide.
For complete specifications and technical details, view the full product page for the Avancé 1501C.
Want to Add Some Bling to Your Products? Consider Spangle & Rhinestone Machines
If neither DTF nor embroidery appeals to you, there’s always bling.
And by bling, we mean spangles, rhinestones, rhinestuds, or nailheads.
There are machines specifically designed to work with these decorative elements.
The basic process is pretty straightforward, too.
The machine helps arrange the embellishments into your desired design on a transfer or carrier sheet.
Then you take that sheet, put it on your garment (or whatever product you’re decorating), and press it with a heat press.
That’s the basic idea, anyway.
We’re not going to get too deep into the how-to here. That’s a whole other conversation.
The important thing is that this type of equipment gives you another way to create eye-catching designs and offer something a little different to your customers.
And that can be a pretty nice option when you’re looking for something beyond the usual DTF prints and embroidery.
Either way, if you’re interested in adding some bling to your products, though, you probably want to know what kind of machine you actually need.
We’ve got a few different options to look at, depending on what you’re looking to make and how much you’re planning to produce.
So, let’s take a look at them.
SpangleElite
(Best For: Small Businesses)
SpangleElite – The SpangleElite is the entry-level machine in the lineup at about $6,995 (at time of writing).
It runs at up to 900 spangles per minute, and a typical simple design uses 500 to 1,000, so the placement step takes roughly a minute per design. Heat pressing and handling add to that, so budget more per finished shirt.
That means you could potentially produce a design like that in about a minute or less. For that alone, this machine is worth its price.
But it’s not the only area where it stands out!
The working area is another highlight. It accommodates designs up to 13″ x 10.25″ in size, giving you plenty of flexibility for a wide range of projects.
The system also comes bundled with a starter kit, supplies, and Hotfix Era software, allowing you to create, edit, and fine-tune your designs.
To help you get up and running quickly, you’ll also receive one day of online one-on-one training, access to self-paced instructional videos, and a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
Overall, the SpangleElite is an excellent all-around package for anyone who wants to enter the bling business.
ProSpangle
(Best For: Growing Businesses)
ProSpangle – If the SpangleElite is your introduction to bling production, the ProSpangle is where things start getting serious.
In fact, one could argue that the ProSpangle is the endgame for most bling decorators. Priced at around $19,995 (as of this writing), it is a serious step up from the SpangleElite in both speed and functionality.
And for businesses producing bling transfers on a regular basis, those upgrades can make a real difference.
For starters, it offers a larger 13.5″ x 17.5″ working area, giving you more room to create larger, more intricate designs.
It also delivers output speeds of up to 1,000 spangles per minute. A welcome boost over the SpangleElite’s already impressive production rate.
One of the ProSpangle’s biggest advantages is its six-color wheel system. That means you can combine multiple colors and sizes within a single design without constantly stopping to reload materials.
Right out of the box, the system can run two 2mm, three 3mm, and one 4mm reel of ProSpangle holographic material, and it can handle up to 5mm (that’s the equivalent of an SS20 sized rhinestone!).
Pair that with a choice of 27 holographic finishes and colors across the ProSpangle reel lineup, and you’ve got virtually unlimited creative options. (better yet, spangle transfers are so cost-effective you can afford to have them ALL on hand).
Like its sibling, the ProSpangle comes bundled with Hotfix Era software, a starter kit, and supplies, so you can start producing transfers right away.
To make sure you’re set up for success, the package includes one day of online one-on-one training, plus access to self-paced videos, all backed by U.S.-based support and a two-year parts and labor warranty.
As for which machine to choose, both are excellent spangle systems. The ProSpangle comes out on top, but the SpangleElite’s price tag makes more sense for newcomers given the features it offers. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and business goals.
CAMS 1V-6P
(Best For: Commercial Apparel Businesses)
CAMS 1V-6P – So, what’s the machine you see pictured on the left? It’s the CAMS 1V-6P, one of the most capable automatic rhinestone setting machines available today.
At around $37,999, this isn’t a “test the waters” kind of machine. It’s built for decorators who want to produce multicolor rhinestone transfers at a professional level—and at volume.
Think dance costumes, skating apparel, team wear, boutique fashion, couture pieces, souvenir shirts, and uniforms. If rhinestones are part of your business plan, this machine opens the door to all of those markets.
The six-hopper system is what makes it special. Each hopper holds a different size or color of rhinestones, rhinestuds, or nailheads. That means you can load up six at once and let the machine switch automatically as your design calls for it.
Compare that to a single or two-hopper system, and the difference is night and day. A one-color transfer looks nice. A six-color transfer? It has THREE TIMES THE IMPACT. It can create a level of depth, contrast, and visual impact that’s difficult to achieve any other way. And yes—you can charge accordingly.
Performance-wise, the CAMS 1V-6P sets rhinestones at a speed of 170 stones per minute. Now, that number might not sound as flashy as “1,000 spangles per minute,” but remember—these are three-dimensional stones that require precise placement. For rhinestones, that’s fast.
You also get a 15.75″ x 15.75″ working area, large enough for bold statement designs yet practical for everyday jobs. And it’s versatile. This system handles rhinestones, rhinestones, rhinestuds, and nailheads ranging from 2mm all the way up to 5mm. That covers everything from delicate detail work to big, bold statement designs.
To help users get started quickly, the CAMS 1V-6P also includes Hotfix Era software, a starter kit, and essential supplies.
And here’s another big plus: it comes backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty, so you’ll have support if anything goes wrong.
All in all, the CAMS 1V-6P is the professional’s choice for rhinestone decoration. If your business needs high-volume, multicolor rhinestone production, this machine has the capabilities to help get you there.
