Your Weekly Edge in DTF Print Strategy [Week 22, 2025]
This week saw a wave of growth-focused moves across the DTF industry. From powerhouse equipment launches to expanded transfer services and market forecasts, the focus is clearly on scalability, speed, and serving the print-on-demand economy. Here’s what matters most.
📢 This Week in The DTF Dispatch:
Australia gets its first ROQ Impress DTF press
American Print & Supply releases “The Kraken”
Insta Graphic Systems expands into DTF services
Global DTF market forecast to hit $3.92B by 2030
Resolute celebrates 15 years of DTF dominance
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. The Ministry of Shirts Brings Home Australia's First ROQ Impress DTF Press
Summary:
GJS has delivered the country’s first ROQ Impress DTF Heat Transfer Press to Queensland’s Ministry of Shirts.
Key takeaways:
ROQ Impress is designed for high-speed hybrid transfer workflows
First of its kind in Australia
Major investment in automation and scalability
Why It Matters:
This marks a new phase for high-volume, automated DTF in the Australian market—signaling greater adoption of advanced press systems beyond the U.S. and Europe.
2. American Print & Supply Unleashes “The Kraken”
Summary:
The U.S. launch of a new 8-head DTF printer brings serious firepower to large-scale apparel decorators.
Key takeaways:
Dual-oven curing, 32” print width, and up to 13-color support
Ships with full RIP, ink, and media kit
Built for >650 sq ft/hour production environments
Why It Matters:
This printer is designed for production-first shops who want speed without sacrificing print quality. It’s one of the most complete turnkey DTF systems in the U.S. today.
3. Insta Graphic Systems Launches On-Demand DTF Transfer Service
Summary:
The long-established heat press brand adds a full-service DTF transfer offering to meet rising demand from print-on-demand brands.
Key takeaways:
Supports faster fulfillment with vibrant, custom designs
Optimized for Insta’s own press equipment
Focused on speed, color accuracy, and consistency
Why It Matters:
The move expands Insta’s role beyond equipment and into production services, indicating how DTF is blurring lines between supply and service.
4. Global DTF Market to Reach $3.92 Billion by 2030
Summary:
The latest market study projects a 6% CAGR driven by customization, e-commerce, and smart investments in print infrastructure.
Key takeaways:
E-commerce fueling demand for short runs and personalization
Tech innovation (e.g. Roland TY-300) driving adoption
Demand spans T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, and caps
Why It Matters:
DTF is no longer a niche—it’s a central player in fashion, promo wear, and digital commerce. Forward-thinking shops should explore hybrid, automated workflows now.
5. Resolute Marks 15 Years in DTF with Bold Stats
Summary:
One of the UK’s leading DTF providers highlights why they’ve earned industry trust—and how their support-first approach continues to win customers.
Key takeaways:
400+ UK DTF installs and 1M+ meters of film sold in 2024
9 full-time engineers, 85% remote fix rate
Exclusive partnerships with DuPont, Fiery, Kodak
Why It Matters:
Strong support and reliable consumables remain the difference makers for mid-sized print shops scaling into DTF. Resolute’s model proves how to do it right.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
Turnkey and service-based DTF is becoming the norm. Whether you’re expanding in-house with a press like The Kraken or outsourcing transfers to Insta or Resolute, the key is a support-rich, scalable workflow. Invest wisely—and make sure your vendor is tooled up for your growth curve.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“UV-DTF Will Replace All Print Methods.”
Not so fast. UV-DTF has niche appeal, but it’s far from ready to take over apparel workflows. For garment decorators, it’s still DTF with powder and film that delivers consistency, washability, and affordability at scale.
📅 What’s Coming Up
Functional Fabric Fair New York – July 21–23, 2025 – Javits Center, NYC
If you’re sourcing next-gen materials for high-performance custom wear, this event—powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®—is worth your calendar slot.
⚡ DTF Spark of the Week
“Turnkey isn’t just plug-and-play—it’s plug, train, support, and scale.”
Thanks for tuning into this week’s The DTF Dispatch!
Stay subscribed for weekly strategies, innovations, and updates shaping the future of DTF. Until next time—keep printing smart. 👕