Why Printhead Choice Matters in DTF Production
If you’ve ever wondered how much difference a printhead can make when using the exact same DTF printing supplies, the answer is: quite a lot.
We conducted a controlled test using one consistent set of DTF consumables (same ink, PET film, and powder) across three common print-head: L1800, XP600, and i3200. The end result of this testing is that your choice of printheads has a direct impact on your output, profitability and long-term efficiency.
Print tests like these are commonplace for many manufacturers. Almost all factories test their consumables or printers on a regular basis.
Same DTF Consumables, Different Output Capabilities
Using the same PET film size (A3+), white and color ink, and standard powder dosage, each printhead model performed differently. While the L1800 managed 30 finished items per day, the XP600 achieved 150, and the i3200 delivered a whopping 350. That’s over ten times the return with the same supplies, simply by upgrading the equipment.
This indirectly illustrates that the print head used in a printer device itself affects printing efficiency, thereby increasing output.
How Minor Material Differences Lead to Major Performance Gains
Although the ink and powder usage across models like the L1800, XP600, and i3200 may seem similar at a glance, the core difference lies in how each printhead handles those materials.
- The L1800 uses older micro-piezo technology with lower firing frequency, making it slower and less efficient.
- The XP600 improves on that with dual-channel design, offering a more stable and moderately faster output.
- The i3200, however, represents a leap forward: higher nozzle density, finer droplet control, and faster ink firing translate directly to speed and consistency.
So even with nearly identical consumable input, newer printheads can multiply productivity and dramatically reduce the cost-per-print. This efficiency gain is not magic—it’s modern engineering making the most of your DTF printing supplies.
This reflects a general trend in the industry: as printhead technology continues to evolve, printing consumable usage has followed suit. Upgraded printheads improve output, reduce waste, and maximize return on consumable use. That’s why you should base your decision on printheads when choosing a printing device – it’s too much of an impact on efficiency.
Below is a display of these printer heads, with images taken from the web.
Real-Test: Using the Same DTF Printing Supplies Across Three Printers
To keep things fair, we used the exact same batch of ink, PET film, and hot melt powder for all tests. The only variable was the printhead model. Here’s what we observed.
Ink, Powder, and Film Consumption per Print
- L1800: 1.6g white ink, 4.8g color ink, 4.2g powder
- XP600: 1.7g white ink, 5.1g color ink, 4.5g powder
- i3200: 1.9g white ink, 5.7g color ink, 4.8g powder
Despite slight increases in ink and powder usage, these did not significantly impact costs, especially when viewed against the boost in daily output.
Speed Comparison: Print, Bake, Transfer
- L1800: 600s print + 300s bake + 30s transfer = ~15 minutes per item
- XP600: 230s + 220s + 25s = ~8 minutes
- i3200: 113s + 103s + 20s = ~4 minutes
With the i3200, we were able to cut the total processing time by nearly 75% compared to the L1800. That time saving directly translated into more units produced.
Daily Output and Return per Printer Model
Assuming you sell each DTF-transferred item for $2:
- L1800: 30 items/day = $60 return
- XP600: 150 items/day = $300 return
- i3200: 350 items/day = $700 return
While the i3200 setup costs more initially, the return on investment is faster and significantly higher.
Unlocking the Full Value of Your DTF Consumables
It’s not just about how much ink or powder you use—it’s about how far that usage goes. Think of your printhead as the engine: the better the engine, the more power you get from the same fuel.
L1800: Entry-Level Output with Lower ROI
Affordable and familiar to many small-scale users, the L1800 printhead has one major drawback—speed. It’s reliable for test batches or hobbyists, but falls short for business use. Some equipment producers or manufacturers may be able to give the printhead a more efficient output by modifying and optimizing the equipment. But overall, the disadvantages on the hardware itself will still show.
XP600: Balanced Investment and Return
This printhead hits a sweet spot for many. Faster than the L1800 but not as expensive as the i3200, it’s a solid choice for small to medium-volume production. Many DTF printers use the XP600 at this stage, it seems to have some kind of magic. The more integrated performance allows the printer to have huge room for improvement. It can meet the price-performance ratio, but also can do high performance.
i3200: Maximize Yield from the Same Supplies
With its faster speed and higher consistency, the i3200 printhead gets the most out of your DTF printing supplies. It’s built for volume, reliability, and businesses ready to scale. Almost all large devices are equipped with such printheads, and it is believed that future printers will get better and better in terms of efficiency as the market demand rises.
How to Choose a Printer That Optimizes DTF Printing Supplies
If you’re investing in quality DTF consumables, it only makes sense to pair them with a printer that can match their potential. Otherwise, you’re leaving profits on the table.
Consider Output Goals Before Equipment Purchase
If you need to print hundreds of items per day, an entry-level machine won’t cut it. Match your printer to your workload. And you must be aware that printing devices can also experience some damage to the hardware due to long term operations. Necessary maintenance management has to be emphasized.
Calculate Profit Based on Yield, Not Just Cost
Many buyers fixate on upfront costs. But when a higher-end printer can generate 10x the return, the numbers quickly justify the initial expense. But you also need to be aware that the quality of the equipment should also be taken into account – maybe you’ve chosen the fastest printer, but it’s not the best printer. This is when the problems attached to it can cause headaches.
Avoid Equipment Bottlenecks That Waste Supplies
Don’t let your DTF printing supplies outpace your equipment. If your printer can’t keep up, you’re wasting opportunity—and potentially, supplies due to longer idle times and reprints. Consumables should also not be changed randomly, even though all of them will state their own compatibility. True compatibility should be something that you will not have any issues with when you use it, so that you can keep your business running properly.
Randomly changing supplies and using them can lead to mix-ups, and we don’t recommend mix-ups. You can refer to this article for details: Why You Should Not Mix DTF Supplies
Conclusion
Our test proves it: with the exact same DTF consumables, different printers produce vastly different results. When planning your printing setup, look beyond just supply cost—consider how your equipment choices impact efficiency, earnings, and growth.
