Your Weekly Edge in DTF Print Strategy [Week 23, 2025]
This week, the DTF news cycle took a breather after the surge of announcements at FESPA Global Print Expo in early May. While the flood of launches and innovations has slowed, we’re spotlighting the two most relevant stories that stood out for DTF professionals.
📢 Top Headlines This Week
1. APC & Polyprint Debut the Filmjet – A New Turnkey DTF Production Printer
Summary:
American Print Consultants and Polyprint have launched the Filmjet, a fully enclosed, high-throughput DTF printer aimed at North American apparel decorators scaling their production.
Key takeaways:
Designed for 24/7 operation with vacuum powder recycling
Conveyor-based curing, humidity control, and built-in RIP
Compact footprint, production-grade output
Why It Matters:
This launch marks a new era of homegrown, fully integrated DTF hardware for U.S. shops, reducing dependency on overseas OEMs while improving support and training access.
2. Big Brands Strike Back: Epson, Brother, Roland & Ricoh Go All-In on DTF
Summary:
FESPA Global Print Expo (May 6–9) may be behind us, but the ripple effect continues. Four major players—Epson, Brother, Roland, and Ricoh—officially entered the dedicated DTF printer space, breaking with their traditional wait-and-see approach.
Key takeaways:
Epson launched SC-G6000 with UltraChrome DTF inks
Brother rolled out the DTRX line in Europe
Roland unveiled the TY-300 with integrated cutting
Ricoh presented its 1.3m-wide D1600 for high-volume output
Why It Matters:
Brand trust, warranty support, and training infrastructure are now entering the DTF conversation. Expect a shift in purchasing behavior among shops wary of unsupported OEM imports.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
After FESPA’s flurry, clarity is key.
As brands establish their own DTF hardware pipelines, print shops should rethink how they evaluate machines—not just by price or specs, but by total ecosystem support.
❌ This Week’s Noise
“FESPA Global Print Expo was the peak—nothing more coming this year.”
Wrong. Many FESPA Global Print Expo tech debuts were previews for wider Q3 launches. The calm right now is the setup for a busy autumn—watch the follow-through.
📅 What’s Coming Up
Functional Fabric Fair New York – July 21–23, 2025 – Javits Center, NYC
Your best look at performance substrates built for next-gen transfer work. If you’re serious about technical apparel, mark your calendar.
⚡ DTF Spark of the Week
“Quiet news weeks are perfect for loud upgrades. Use the pause to sharpen your next move.”
Thanks for tuning into this week’s The DTF Dispatch!
We’ll be back next week with more trends, tools, and tactical moves shaping the future of DTF.
Keep printing smart. 👕