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Have you heard about the new xTool DTF Printer?
xTool has announced a new DTF printer called the xTool Apparel Printer set to go on sale on February 20, 2025.
In this article, we'll explain everything we know about this printer, what makes it noteworthy in the DTF space, and how you can get your hands on it when it goes on sale!
What's Inside:
- The New xTool Apparel Printer: What We Know So Far
- What Makes This Printer Noteworthy?
- xTool Apparel Printer Specs
- The xTool DTF Printer vs Other Leading DTF Printers
- How to Get Your Hands on This Printer
- What is DTF Printing?
The New xTool Apparel Printer: What We Know So Far
xTool's new printer is a DTF printer, which means it prints designs with DTF ink onto a special transfer film. An adhesive powder is applied to the wet ink and cured into an adhesive layer. At the end of the process, you have a DTF transfer ready to be applied to any fabric, from t-shirts to hats to bags and more.
DTF stands for direct-to-film. Learn more about DTF printing here.
Here's what we know about the printer so far:
- It will retail for $5999 MSRP which is comparable to other printers, but the early bird price on Kickstarter is a very competitive $3999
- It can be paired with an automatic powder shaker & oven to automate the entire printing process for a total price of $8998 MSRP (early-bird price is $6299)
- The way the automatic shaker is connected to the printer in an enclosed system can make the printing process safer since it can potentially keep those fumes enclosed and away from you
- It has a large 14" print width, which is slightly wider than other similar printers
- It takes both sheets and rolls of film, but the initial shipments will not have a roll feeder
- xTool says that the printer can print up to 50 sq.ft per hour, which, if that's true, is very fast for a printer in this class
- It works with xTool Creative Space and xTool says there's no need for an extra RIP software
- They're still testing and developing the product with beta testers, but it will be available for purchase through Kickstarter from February 20
Keep in mind that this is the first DTF printer from xTool, so if you buy this first machine, they might still have some issues to iron out. Keep an eye out for influencers reviewing the product as it's released, and you'll get a good picture of how the printer works.
What Makes This Printer Noteworthy?
The new xTool DTF printer has several features which make it stand out among other similar models. They are:
- A 14" print width
- High speeds of up to 50 sq. ft. per hour
- The option to fully automate the printing process from printing to curing DTF transfers in one click
- It seems to be an enclosed system with the prints going down into the powder shaker and oven without being exposed to air
- Compact shape--instead of having the printer and separate shaker oven on two separate tables, the printer attaches to the top of the shaker oven as an all-in-one machine
An image of the connected printer & Shaker Oven from xTool.
xTool Apparel Printer Specs
- Printer Dimensions: 35.63" x 14.37" x 14.03"
- Printer Weight: 61.73 lbs
- Max Print Size: 14" for rolls or 14" x 18" for sheets
- Max Print Resolution: 720 x 1800 dpi
- Sheets or Rolls?: Both, but rolls will be available later
- Ink Type: CMYK + WWWW
- Max Print Speed: 50 sq. ft. / hour
- Print Heads: Epson I1600 dual print head
- Camera: 16MP camera for automatic calibration
- Maintenance System: remote monitoring via an app, auto ink circulation, and auto print head cleaning
- Can Connect to Powder Shaker & Oven?: Yes, if you purchase the separate Shaker Oven (price TBA)
- Warranty: 12-month limited warranty for major parts, some parts can be replaced if there's a factory defect, 1 month print-head guarantee
- Software: xTool Creative Space
- OS: Windows & Mac
Other notable features:
- Fully automated printing if you buy the separate Shaker Oven
- 16MP AI camera to calibrate printing and keep prints sharp
- Continuous maintenance system as long as the printer is turned on
How much does the xTool Apparel Printer cost?
It's priced at $5,999 MSRP ($3999 early-bird price on Kickstarter) for the printer alone, or $8998 MSRP ($6299 early-bird) for the printer & Shaker Oven bundle.
- Ink Price: $35 per 500ml bottle ($7 per ml)
-
Film Price: $129 for 100m rolls ($1.29 per meter)
- Powder Price: $39 for 1kg ($3.90 per 100g)
What comes with printer?
xTool says that you get the printer, tray, 1.8m power cable, and essential parts to start using the machine. You also get a Quick Start Guide and instructions. It seems that ink, film, and powder are sold separately.
When will the printer ship?
xTool has set the shipping date for April 2025 according to Kickstarter.
So is this the right printer for you? To help you decide, we've compared this printer with a few other brands in the same category.
The xTool DTF Printer vs Other Leading DTF Printers
We've compared the new xTool DTF printer to these similar printers so you can see which one might be the right choice for you.
- Epson F1070 DTF/DTG Hybrid Printer
- DTF Station Prestige R1
- Procolored F13 Pro
xTool Apparel Printer vs Epson F1070
The F1070 is Epson's entry-level DTF and DTG hybrid printer. It costs more than the xTool DTF printer, at $6995 compared to the xTool's listing price of $5999, but it's close.
Keep in mind that all of the DTF printers on this list use Epson print heads, which means Epson is a leader in DTF printing technology.
Also, the Epson F1070 doubles as a DTG or direct-to-garment printer, which means you can do two types of garment printing in one device.
(Learn more about DTG printing and the differences between DTG and DTF here.)
Based on what we've seen from xTool, the new apparel printer does NOT print directly on fabric like the Epson F1070. It only does DTF printing.
The Epson printer has a smaller print size (10" x 12") and slower printing speed, but a higher resolution at 2400 x 1200 dpi. The Epson also does not connect directly to a powder shaker for fully automated printing.
But if you want to do DTG printing along with DTF in one machine, Epson is the best pick.
Read our guide to the Epson F1070 or buy the Epson F1070 printer here.
xTool Apparel Printer vs Prestige R1
The Prestige R1 DTF printer from DTF Station resembles the xTool Apparel Printer in both price and size.
The R1 goes for $4995, which is slightly more affordable than the xTool's MSRP.
The resolution is slightly lower at 700 x 1080 dpi. The max print width is slightly smaller at 13", but it's very close. And the print speed, at 14 sq. ft. / hour, is slower than what xTool is saying their printer can do.
The R1 can be connected to the DTF Station Miro13 Max which retails for $1995. The total price for R1 + Miro13 Max is $6990, which is slightly more than the early-bird asking price of the xTool printer and Shaker Oven bundle, but less than the regular price of $8998.
However, if the xTool Shaker Oven keeps the prints inside the machine without exposing the prints to air, this could mean for a cleaner and safer process. At the same time, DTF Station has more experience with manufacturing DTF printers.
There's no clear winner here, so you'll have to weigh the factors to see which one might be best for you.
Learn more about the Prestige R1 DTF Printer and the Miro13 Max Powder Shaker and Dryer here.
xTool vs Procolored F13 Pro
The Procolored F13 Pro and xTool Apparel Printer are neck-and-neck when it comes to price and features.
The F13 Pro retails for $4999, which is cheaper than the MSRP for the xTool printer at $5999. But again, if you get the early bird deal on the xTool printer, you'll save more money.
The F13 Pro has a slightly smaller print width at 13", a lower resolution at 720 x 1440 dpi, and a slower printer speed at roughly 20 sq ft/hour.
xTool's accompanying software, xTool Creative Space, work on Windows and Mac, while the Procolored software Pro Rip only works on Windows, so that could be a deal-breaker for some people.
The F13 Pro does connect to an automatic powder shaker, but the prints are exposed on the way to the shaker.
You can get the F13 Pro plus the Shaker in one bundle for $6698, which is very similar to the early-bird xTool bundle with both printer and shaker for $6299. Keep in mind that the MSRP for the xTool printer and Shaker Oven is $8998.
So the Procolored printer will cost less for similar features, if you're not working on a Mac.
Learn more about the Procolored F13 Pro DTF Printer here.
How to Get Your Hands on This Printer
Interested in trying the xTool Apparel Printer for yourself?
Right now, you can make a pledge on Kickstarter to buy the printer when it starts shipping. The project has been fully funded at over $3 million at the time of writing. (The original goal was $100,000.)
If you want to see product testing and ask more questions about the printer, you can join the xTool Apparel Printer Facebook Group for official announcements, updates from beta testers, and discussions around the printer.
What is DTF Printing?
DTF printing, also known as direct-to-film printing, is a method for printing digital designs on fabric, including garments like shirts, hats, bags, and more.
DTF transfers are made to customize soft fabrics like t-shirts and other garments. It's not to be confused with UV DTF, which creates decals that apply to hard objects like tumblers. Learn more about UV DTF printing here.
You can learn more about DTF printing with these other articles we've written on the subject:
- What is DTF? The Crafter's Guide to Direct-to-Film Printing
- The Best DTF Printers for Small Business This Year
- The NEW Epson SureColor F1070: Your Ultimate Guide
- DTG vs DTF: Which is Best for Your Printing Business?
Psst… If DTF printing sounds too complicated or expensive for you, we recommend sublimation printing to make custom garments at a much lower price point!
