Are you planning to buy a DTF printer but aren’t sure which one to choose?
Neither is anyone else.
In fact, most buyers have no idea where to start, or what to look for.
With so many options on the market today, buying a new printer can be a confusing process.
From what we’ve seen, the confusion typically starts with the sheer number of choices available.
There are about dozens of brands to choose from. Some you’ve probably heard of. Many you haven’t.
And each brand may offer multiple printer models, often with about five or six different configurations for each one.
Before long, you’re comparing a long list of machines that all seem to promise the same thing.
Then come the marketing claims.
One company says their printer is the fastest. Another claims theirs produces the best colors. A third promises something else entirely. Everyone claims to be the best at something.
After an hour or two of research, many buyers end up with twenty browser tabs open, three YouTube reviews playing in the background, and even less confidence than when they started.
So how are you supposed to know whether “Printer A” is actually better than “Printer B”?
You don’t. At least, not from the marketing.
And when a DTF printer can cost thousands of dollars, the last thing you want is to make an expensive mistake. Choose the wrong machine and you could end up with poor print quality, constant maintenance problems, costly downtime, or a printer that simply isn’t the right fit for your business.
That’s exactly why we put together this buyer’s guide.
Our goal is to help you cut through the marketing claims, compare your options objectively, and choose a DTF printer that fits your budget, production needs, and long-term business goals.
By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know what features deserve your attention, which claims to take with a grain of salt, and how to confidently choose the right DTF printer for your business.
We’ve got some work to do, so let’s get started.
Why Buy Your DTF Printer from ColDesi (and Not Someone Else)?
Now, you might be thinking to yourself:
“Here we go again. Another company is about to tell me they’re the best (and why their printers are better than everyone else’s.)”
We get it. You’ve probably heard the same promises from just about every company you’ve talked to.
But give us a few minutes, and you’ll see why ColDesi is different.
You see, most companies focus on selling you a printer. Once it’s delivered to your doorstep, the relationship is largely over.
The printer shows up, the transaction is complete, and you’re left to figure out everything that comes next.
And while the printer is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Because once the printer arrives, a whole new set of unanswered questions emerge.
How do you get it set up correctly? What happens if something goes wrong? Where do you get supplies? Who do you call when you need help? How do you scale production as your business grows?
These are the questions many buyers don’t fully think through until after their printer arrives (and often after problems begin).
That’s exactly why, at ColDesi, we focus on more than just the machine.
We provide a complete DTF ecosystem designed to help you launch, operate, and grow a profitable printing business.
In practice, that means you’re getting far more than a printer.
When you purchase a DTF printer from ColDesi, you’re not simply buying equipment. You’re gaining access to the training, software, supplies, technical support, and industry knowledge needed to help you operate your business long after installation day.
That includes the printer itself, but also the software, supplies, training, technical support, and industry expertise you’ll need long after the machine arrives.
Because building a successful business takes more than a great printer.
It takes the right tools, the right support, and the right partner behind you every step of the way.
In other words, we’re not just here to sell you a printer, we’re here to help you build a business.
Sounds great in theory, right? Here’s exactly what that means for you as a ColDesi customer.
There’s a Printer for Everyone
You shouldn’t have to pay for more printer than you need or settle for less than your business demands.
Some customers need an affordable way to get started, while others need the speed and output to keep up with growing demand.
That’s why we offer a range of DTF printers designed for businesses of all sizes.
Instead of trying to fit every customer into the same solution, we help you find the one that’s right for you.
RIP Software
Every ColDesi DTF printer comes with DTF Print Optimizer software (often also called RIP software).
It helps prepare your designs for printing while giving you greater control over print quality and production settings.
Because it’s already included, you don’t have to worry about finding, purchasing, or configuring additional software on your own.
Supplies
Running out of supplies is the last thing you want when orders are waiting to be printed.
That’s why we offer the ink, film, powder, and other essentials you need to keep production moving.
Instead of hunting for compatible supplies from multiple vendors, you can get everything you need from one trusted source.
Better yet, because our supplies are made to work with our printers, you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time printing.
Wholesale Blanks
Once your printer is up and running, the next question is usually: “What am I going to print on?”
We’ve got that covered too.
From t-shirts and hoodies to hats, caps, tank tops, and everything in between, we offer a wide range of wholesale blanks so you can find the products your customers actually want to buy
Having access to both your equipment and your blanks from the same trusted source makes it easier to manage inventory and keep production moving. It’s just another way we help simplify the process of running your business.
Financing Options
Let’s be honest: investing in a DTF printer is a big decision.
Even if you’re confident it can help grow your business, that doesn’t mean you want to tie up a large amount of cash all at once.
That’s why we offer financing options designed to help make getting started more manageable. Instead of waiting until you’ve saved enough to purchase equipment outright, financing can allow you to get up and running sooner and start generating revenue faster.
Our team can walk you through the available options, answer your questions, and help you find a solution that fits your budget and business goals.
Education
Let’s say you buy a DTF printer tomorrow.
What happens next?
Well, you’re probably going to have questions. Lots of them.
Questions about printing. Questions about supplies. Questions about growing your business. Maybe even questions you don’t know to ask yet.
That’s why we provide articles, guides, brochures, videos, and other educational resources to help you learn the industry and stay up to date.
We even have the CAS Podcast, where we talk about what’s happening in the world of apparel decoration, what’s changing, and what successful businesses are doing right now.
Because the more you know, the easier it is to make good decisions for your business.
Training
Knowing what to do is important. Knowing how to do it is what gets results.
We’ll show you how to use your equipment, work with the software, print transfers, maintain your machine, and handle the day-to-day side tasks that come with production.
So instead of figuring it all out on your own, you’ll learn from people who work with this equipment every day.
That way, when it’s time to print, you’re not guessing your way through the process.
Technical Support
Sooner or later, something’s going to happen (knock on wood).
Maybe it’s a print issue. Maybe a setting gets changed. Maybe it’s a mechanical problem. That’s just part of running a business with sophisticated equipment.
Now, to be clear, our printers are thoroughly tested and go through quality control before they ever reach your shop. But no machine is completely immune to wear and tear, unexpected issues, or simple user error.
When something does come up, it’s nice to know you have someone to call.
Whether you’re dealing with a print issue, a software question, or something that just doesn’t seem right, our technical support team is here to help.
So instead of spending hours searching for answers online, you can get help from people who know the equipment inside and out.
So, when you look at everything together, hopefully it starts to make sense why we don’t see ourselves as just another printer company.
Yes, we sell DTF printers.
But we’re also here to help you learn, grow, troubleshoot, and navigate the challenges that come with building a successful printing business.
Because at the end of the day, a successful business takes more than a great printer.
It takes the right supplies. The right training. The right support. And the right people behind you when you need them.
That’s what we’re here for.
The ColDesi DTF Growth Path
One of the questions we hear all the time is:
“Which printer should I buy?”
The answer depends on where your business is today and where you want it to be tomorrow.
Some customers are just getting started. Others are already producing hundreds of transfers a day and need more speed, more capacity, and more automation.
That’s why we offer multiple DTF printers instead of a one-size-fits-all solution.
The graphic below gives you a high-level look at the ColDesi DTF lineup and how customers typically progress as their business grows.
Then, in the sections that follow, we’ll take a closer look at each printer so you can determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
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.
