DIRECT-TO-FILM PRINTING www.images-magazine.com 50 images OCTOBER 2026 Direct growth From heat-press carousels to long-established industry names releasing printers via new consumables and innovative techniques, the direct-to-film – aka DTF – market continues to evolve. Read on for the latest news Adkins: DTF Inline Mini Pro Series Available in 60 and 90cm widths, the new Adkins DTF Inline Mini Pro series is designed below 100cm in depth and is over 30% more compact than earlier Adkins models. “Ensuring the Inline series remains the class-leading DTF cure solution, the new generation benefits from a newlook design and build, fitting through most standard doorways and into even the most compact workspaces, removing another potential obstacle for end users without sacrificing throughput,” says the manufacturer. “Thoroughly tested with industryleading printer brands and utilising an innovative automatic powder recirculation system, the Mini Pro 600 and 900 reliably powder, cure, and filter at speeds of up to 20 linear metres per hour.” Moreover, the new, semi-automated pre-shutdown mode carries out much of the required daily maintenance, clearing vapour and glycol residue through the built-in filtration and extraction system as well as returning unused powder to the heated hopper. “Equally, low operating power consumption for reduced energy costs further reinforces that the end-user is at the forefront of Adkins product development,” notes the company. Adkins says the Mini Pro series positions its “trademark heavy-duty build quality” within reach of growing DTF operations looking for maximal output without the maximal footprint. 1ClickPrint: DTFPro2 The DTF Pro 2 from IClickPrint offers garment decorators an accessible, production-ready entry point to DTF. Created for small and mid-size businesses, it has been designed with efficiency, reliability and ease of use as priorities. The company says the Pro 2 also aims to help new users reduce their labour costs per print, and has been very popular since hitting the market last year. “Early adopters cite reliable output, and the DTF Pro 2’s ability to run virtually unattended,” says MD Jamie Turner. “1ClickPrint’s team – rooted in daily production – guides buyers beyond the spec sheet, focusing on throughput, process management and machine care to secure repeatable results. As the channel expands with application-led videos and case studies, momentum continues to build. “For shops exploring DTF without the steep learning curve, the DTF Pro 2 stands out as a proven, profitable and supported solution.” Turn to page 45 to discover a special price on the DTF Pro 2 exclusively for Images readers. The DTF Pro 2 is a production-ready system Adelco: DTF Printer, Cutter, Heat Press, Inks, Powder and Film Adelco says it continues “to set the benchmark for complete DTF production solutions, offering one of the most comprehensive end-to-end portfolios available in the UK market”. At the heart of the range sits the Adelco DTF Printer, which is available in two-head, four-head and eight-head configurations, with the four- or eight-colour options opening up the colour gamut. Featuring an integrated inline drying and cooling system with a recirculating powder mechanism and built-in temperature sensor, it eliminates the need for a separate powder shaker unit. For decorators requiring precise finishing, the Adelco DTF Cutter integrates seamlessly with all printer models as an optional inline accessory The Adelco Heat five precision-en station models, designed for maximum efficiency and throughput. On the consumables side, Adelco supplies its own DTF Inks. “These are water-based, ecologically-friendly formulations certified to Oeko-Tex and Gots standards, alongside DTF Hot Peel Film for immediate post-press removal and faster cycle times, and a premium DTF Adhesive Powder engineered for strong, flexible bonds with excellent wash resistance and stretchability.” Backed by a dedicated team of UKbased engineers, Adelco promises professional installation, on-site maintenance and ongoing technical support: “Ensuring customers maximise uptime and get the most from their investment from day one.” ptional inline accessory. t Press range comprises ngineered doubleThe Adelco DTF system can be paired with the inline cutting unit The new DTF Inline Mini Pro series offers speeds of up to 20m/hr
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