Your Weekly Edge in DTF Print Strategy [Week 17, 2025]
Welcome to this week's DTF Dispatch—your go-to breakdown of the latest trends, tools, and tech shaping the DTF printing industry. Whether you're scaling operations, sourcing smarter gear, or streamlining production, this week delivers the breakthroughs that matter.
📢 This Week in The DTF Dispatch:
Mimaki Unveils New UV DTF Printer at FESPA
Kongsberg Automation Update Boosts Film Precision
Durst + Aleph Merger Signals New DTF Ambitions
Kornit Digital Taps AI for Smarter DTF Apparel Personalization
OneVision Rolls Out DTF-Friendly Prepress Tools
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. Mimaki Unveils UV DTF Printer at FESPA 2025
Summary:
Mimaki announced the UJV300DTF-75, a dedicated UV-based DTF solution, to be officially launched at FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin.
Key takeaways:
Focus on higher print durability with UV-based inks
Offers stability for hard-to-press surfaces
Precision targeting for small-run personalization
Why It Matters:
This adds new material possibilities to DTF workflows. UV-DTF may appeal to those looking to print on harder or unconventional substrates without needing a powder adhesive process.
2. Kongsberg Releases IPC 3.1 Cutting Software Update
Summary:
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has released IPC 3.1, enhancing cutting accuracy for layered film and textile-based jobs.
Key takeaways:
Improved film nesting and registration accuracy
Auto-depth control for layered film stacks
Compatible with batch DTF workflows
Why It Matters:
Precision post-print cutting is a frequent bottleneck in DTF production. This upgrade can eliminate manual errors and save time during finishing.
3. Durst Finalizes Merger with Aleph—Signals Textile Expansion
Summary:
Durst announced it has completed its merger with textile printing manufacturer Aleph, forming a new division “Durst Como.”
Key takeaways:
Strategic focus on digital textile and hybrid film-print solutions
Aleph brings fabric handling expertise that complements DTF
New DTF-capable hybrid platforms expected by Q4
Why It Matters:
This strengthens the industrial DTF category, where reliability and automation are critical. Expect rollout of new DTF gear optimized for bulk garment fulfillment.
4. Kornit Digital Champions AI for Smarter Apparel Personalization
Summary:
Kornit’s leadership spotlighted the role of AI in streamlining design workflows and predictive personalization for DTF and hybrid printers.
Key takeaways:
AI-assisted layout logic to reduce print prep
Predictive batching improves material usage
Seamless DTF-to-ecommerce integrations
Why It Matters:
Smarter tech is taking root in apparel printing. For DTF shops offering web-to-print, AI could mean faster turnaround, reduced returns, and better client outcomes.
5. OneVision Software 25.1 Adds DTF-Aware Features
Summary:
OneVision’s new 25.1 software release introduces white-layer automation and DTF-specific prepress modules for faster layout generation.
Key takeaways:
Auto-generation of white-underbase layers
RIP integration for popular DTF printers
Smart tiling for oversized film formats
Why It Matters:
The software side of DTF is often overlooked. This update directly reduces operator time and ensures accurate prints, especially for multi-color or oversized jobs.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
"The smarter your workflow, the sharper your margins."
This week’s news makes it clear: software and AI are now just as important as your printer and film. If you're still manually prepping DTF jobs, you're leaving efficiency—and profits—on the table.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“DTF is Going Fully Eco by Year-End”
Not quite. While eco-solutions are improving, key components like PET film and powder adhesives still present sustainability hurdles. Focus on real shifts, not marketing hype.
📅 What’s Coming Up
FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 – May 6–9 – Berlin, Germany
With Mimaki, Durst, Brother, and Epson all set to unveil DTF hardware or enhancements, this will be the event of the quarter for forward-looking print shops.
⚡ DTF Spark of the Week
🧠 “Fast DTF shops don’t just print—they predict.”
The best players are using AI to plan jobs, predict demand, and prep artwork before orders even land.
Thanks for tuning into this week's The DTF Dispatch! Stay informed, print smarter, and lead the pack in the fast-evolving DTF landscape. Until next time—press on and profit.