A compact direct-to-film (DTF) system has been launched by xTool for a range of uses from start-ups and side hustles to in-store garment personalisation.
With a sleek design, the xTool Apparel Printer prints onto film that is automatically cut into individual sheets. After powder is added, the film is automatically passed to the oven and baked, ready for printing onto a garment.
With an Epson I600 dual printhead, it operates at a speed of 4.64 square metres per hour, meaning that a print of 355.6mm is ready in two minutes. The maximum print range is 356mm by 460mm.
It features automatic lifecycle maintenance whenever it is plugged in, including white ink circulation, printhead lubrication and printhead cleaning. An AI camera ensures precise calibration and analyses output, initiating printhead cleaning to fix any potential issues.
With a European base in Düsseldorf in Germany, xTool is best known for its laser engraving machines but has diversified into DTF after a fundraising campaign through Kickstarter that surpassed its goal by 5591.987% with over 980 backers worldwide.
The xTool Apparel Printer is being presented at Fespa Global Print Expo in Berlin this week alongside its laser engraving technology and heat presses, including a sleek white heat press to match the new DTF printer.
With one-click operation and automatic maintenance, the system is being promoted for a wide range of materials including cotton, polyester, leather and Spandex as well as caps, bags, jeans and shoes.
Due to its compact desktop size of 905mm by 365 mm by 356.5mm, xTool is positioning the new system as ideal for smaller garment decoration businesses such as start-ups and side hustles.
The company is also proactively promoting it for in-store personalisation and is exhibiting the system at retail industry events in the UK and internationally such as Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona in June.
Jasen Wang, founder and CEO of xTool, said: “Businesses need a reliable and efficient apparel printing solution. The xTool Apparel Printer simplifies the process, making custom garment production more accessible and scalable.”
