If you clicked in, it’s probably because you’re deciding between two DTF printers.
Namely, the ColDesi DTF 24H5 and the 24H5E.
And before you spend your money, you want to know what actually separates them.
On paper, they look almost the same. Same brand. Similar spec-sheet. Similar promises.
But there’s more to the story than the numbers suggest.
One of these machines makes a lot more sense depending on how you actually plan to use it.
So let’s approach this like a reasonable person would.
We’ll look at what’s the same, what’s different, and which one you should actually buy.
And if we’ve done our job right, you’ll be ready to whip out your credit card and place your order before you even finish the page.
Yes, we know…
… that sounds like a BIG, bold claim. But if you stick with us, we’ll show you exactly why.
Introduction: Same Platform, Different Production Goals
Where do we start?
Well, a logical first step is to ask the simplest question that defines each printer.
And that question is: what’s the difference between ColDesi DTF 24H5 and the 24H5E?
Hold that thought. We’ll come back to that in a moment.
Before we answer it, we need the right perspective.
Because most people actually ask the wrong question. And most of what you’ll read online is a mixture of facts and fiction. Rarely useful.
So, how should you actually think about these printers?
Here’s the right way: it’s not about “good vs. better,” or which model is newer or more expensive. It’s about which one fits your operation and the stage you’re at in your business.
At their core, both printers share the same ColDesi DTF foundation.
Yes, the 24H5E is a newer release. It preserves everything users already like about the original 24H5, while adding practical upgrades that make day-to-day production smoother and more consistent.
In short, the 24H5E is an upgraded version of the original ColDesi 24H5 high-speed DTF printer.
At a glance, both are 24-inch wide, five-printhead systems, but the ‘E’ model includes key features as standard.
Features that matter more as production demands increase.
We’ll get to those shortly (and more).
For now, understand this: if you’re printing casually (e.g., typical printing tasks), both machines will feel similar.
But if you’re pushing volume, deadlines, and consistency…
The differences start to matter. A lot. And that’s the role of the 24H5E: For power-users who need every bell and whistle.
It is not a replacement but a refinement, built for high-output shops that need more control, more stability, and fewer compromises.
Don’t go anywhere, we’re just getting warmed up here. The best part is yet to come.
Up next, we’ll take a closer look at what the 24H5 and 24H5E share in common.
What the 24H5 and 24H5E Have in Common
Industrial printheads – First similarity on the list, although without any particular order, is that both the ColDesi DTF 24H5 and 24H5E are equipped with five industrial piezoelectric Epson i3200 printheads. In practical terms, this means higher print speeds, greater ink throughput, and consistent print quality, even during extended production runs.
ColDesi RIP worklow – We can’t forget to mention that both DTF printers come with a proprietary Print Optimizer RIP software. If this is your first time hearing about it, you might be wondering: what does it actually do? Simply put, this software lets you fully manage and control your printing projects. Beyond monitoring print jobs, you can configure settings and manage or edit your designs—all from one place.
Oftentimes decorators need to tweak designs or play around with settings for the perfect output, and now, you can do so at a software-level easier than ever. With this software, you can fine-tune colors, resize or reposition artwork, and handle print jobs efficiently. Think of it like the command center for your printing shop.
ECO PASSPORT certified inks – Moving down the list of similarities between the ColDesi DTF 24H5 and 24H5E, both models use inks that are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT® certified. Now, what does that mean? It’s an independent certification system for chemicals, colorants, and materials used in the textile and leather industry.
For our DTF printers, this applies specifically to water-based pigment inks. That certification confirms the inks used in our printers are specially formulated and precisely calibrated to be free from harmful chemicals, safe for workers and wearers, and kinder to the environment.
Integrated DTF Dryer Units – Both the 24H5 and 24H5E come paired with dedicated, high-performance shaker/dryer units. If this string of words seems confusing, here’s what it means (and what happens): this unit deposits a type of polyurethane (TPU) hot-melt adhesive powder onto the back of the film (and ink). To ensure even coverage, it uses a vibrating mechanism to shake the powder evenly across the entire film. The result is a perfectly coated, fully cured print that’s ready for heat transfer.
U.S.-based support, training, and parts – This one is worthy of mention simply for its practicality. Who doesn’t want support in their own time zone, training they can actually understand, and parts that ship quickly when something needs replacing? That’s exactly what you get with both the 24H5 and 24H5E.
By and large, the 24H5 and 24H5E share in common a practical, reliable experience that comes with either one. If you’re looking specifically at the 24H5, it stands out for its balanced, high‑performance printing that combines quality and versatility, making it especially suited for businesses that need dependable, premium output without the specialized high‑speed enhancements of the 24H5E.
That, however, deserves a closer look in the next section.
ColDesi DTF 24H5 Overview: Built for Hands-On Production
In this part, we’ll set aside the overlapping similarities between the 24H5 and 24H5E and take a closer look at each model individually — starting with the DTF 24H5.
So, what makes the 24H5… well, the 24H5?
In simple terms, ColDesi DTF 24H5 is a direct-to-film (DTF) printer with a 24-inch-wide print field and a five-head system that delivers maximum throughput and high-resolution output.
This machine can push up to 160 linear feet per hour. That’s roughly 400 full-size (8″ × 10″) transfers. That’s not a typo. Four. Hundred. Every single hour.
Imagine what that kind of speed could do for your shop!
The 24H5 offers more than standard CMYK output. It features an Expanded Color Gamut option with CMYKOG + White (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Orange, Green).
This extended color range produces richer saturation, smoother gradients, and enhanced tonal depth.
So who’s this for?
It’s ideal for folks (and applications) who care and demand high visual fidelity, think photographic imagery, brand-critical logos, and intricate multi-color artwork.
It’s ideal for high-volume production and businesses needing fast, large-scale printing. And for operators who don’t mind getting hands-on with manual steps.
If that sounds like you (and your kind of production environment), the 24H5 might just be the machine that takes your business to the next level.
In other words, if you like the idea of actually running your shop instead of watching it run itself, this printer was made for you.
Next, let’s take a look at its bigger brother, the 24H5E.
Meet the 24H5E: Everything the 24H5 Does… But Bigger, Faster, Better
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 new?
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.
Whether you choose the 24H5 or the 24H5E, these printers are built for serious shops.
Both models are quite similar in their own right, offering a strong foundation for reliable DTF production.
The decision ultimately comes down to how you plan to use them, your production volume, workflow preferences, and long-term goals.
To make that choice easier, let’s take a closer look at how the two stack up side by side.
Which Printer Is Right for You?
Look, if you’ve read every word on this page, seen the illustrations, watched the videos… and you still can’t decide between these two printers. Then you’re overthinking it.
Because the whole decision boils down to this:
Choose the 24H5 if:
- You need high production that fits a compact space
- Your team is comfortable with hands-on production and can fully leverage its speed
- You’re scaling carefully and want flexibility as you grow
- You’re upgrading from smaller DTF systems
The 24H5 is built for shops that want serious throughput and are willing to actively manage production to get it.
Choose the 24H5E if:
- Labor is your bottleneck
- You run long, consistent production days
- You value predictability and automation
The 24H5E includes an extended dryer and a larger overall footprint. It is intended for shops running longer production cycles that prefer a more consistent, less hands-on printing workflow.
Stop debating. Look at your situation. Think about your team. Then pick the printer that matches it. Done.
One emphasizes speed, flexibility, and active control. The other prioritizes consistency, longer runs, and reduced manual involvement.
That’s the choice.
The ColDesi Difference: Support You Can Count On
If you’re anything like us, you don’t order first and ask questions later. You want answers before you spend your money.
You’re probably thinking the same things every cautious buyer thinks:
- What if something breaks?
- What if I run into a problem?
- What if this doesn’t work for me?
- And the big one, will anyone be there when I need help?
And honestly, who could blame you?
If you’ve ever bought something online, you know how it usually goes. You order. Something goes wrong. You email… nothing. You call… voicemail. You try again… still nothing.
Here? That never happens.
At ColDesi, when you order from us, we’re here every step of the way. Questions, problems, advice, whatever you need, you get a real person on the other end who actually cares. You’re never left wondering if anyone will help.
Here’s how we make sure you’re supported every step of the way:
Training – We make sure you and your team know exactly how to use your DTF printer from day one. That’s why every DTF printer comes with comprehensive resources, including how-to guides, detailed documentation, video demonstrations, tutorials, and informative audio podcasts.
Installation – Getting started could not be easier. We’ve already thought through every step you’ll go through, so you don’t have to spend hours troubleshooting or wondering if you did it right. The onboarding is simple, clear, and fast. Just set it up… and focus on getting the most out of your printer.
Ongoing technical support – Anytime you need help, you’ll get a real person who responds quickly and knows what they’re doing. Something go wrong? No problem. One call or email puts you in touch with people who know these machines inside and out. We have technicians nationwide. So no matter where you are, or what time zone you’re in, help is close by. If there’s an unwanted accident, an error, or the printer just stops working, we’re ready to get you back up and running. Knock on wood, you’ll probably never need it. But it’s there if you do.
Consumables designed to work together – You don’t have to guess, buy the wrong thing, or worry about whether it will work. Every supply and part you need is made to fit and work with your system.
In summary, you get a printer that works, supplies that fit, and a team that actually cares.
Look, most companies hope you never call. We want you to call, because we’re here to make sure you win.
That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.
So whether you’re ready to place your order today or want to talk to one of our specialists first (they can walk you through everything before you buy), you can get started by using the form below.
See you on the other side!
