The DTF printer market is unique in the apparel industry from a stand point that it originated in China instead of China entering late with knockoff cheap versions.
When DTF started popping up in the USA mid to late 2020, ordering a printer from China or converting an Epson paper printer was really the only options.
My position has always been that DTF would go similar to DTG did. Once the big brands rolled in with reliable printers and nationwide service networks, it would be all over for the Chinese direct to film printers.
But while the early Japanese entrants to the market like Mutoh and Mimaki stumbled the Chinese companies went full steam ahead with increasing the speed and reliability of their offerings along with the price of supplies being driven down to rock bottom prices.
Now we’re seeing new Japanese models like the Epson G9000 and the Brother GTRX coming to the market. They certainly will beat China on reliability, warranty and service but will that be enough to compete with the print speeds and cheap ink coming out of China.
Who do you think will win? Comment below.
Author: Staff
I've been in the DTF industry since 2020.