Technical comparison
Textile DTF or UV DTF: what each machine is used for
The name is similar and so is the principle: print on film and transfer later. The difference lies in where the print ends up — fabric or rigid surface.
Published on . Values from official technical spec sheets.
Textile DTF Printer PRIME 30X
30 cm textile DTF printer for garment printing.
DTF UV Printer PRIME 30X i1600
30 cm DTF UV printer with i1600 printhead.
DTF stands for Direct to Film: the machine prints the artwork onto a film, which is then transferred to the final product. The textile variation uses adhesive powder (hot melt) and a heat press to apply the print to fabric. The UV variation cures the ink with ultraviolet light and generates transfer stickers for rigid surfaces.
In other words: the question that drives the purchase is not which one is better, but what you want to print on. If your customer base is t-shirts, uniforms, and hoodies, textile DTF is the way to go. If it is mugs, acrylic, promotional items, and finished products, UV DTF is the right choice.
Side-by-side data sheet
Textile DTF Printer PRIME 30X
- Where the print is applied
- Fabrics such as cotton and polyester, using adhesive powder and a heat press
- Printheads
- 2 x Epson i1600 A1
- Production
- Output: 6m²/h
- Resolution
- Up to 1440 dpi
- Film used
- PET film, specialty
- Media heater
- Pre/Post printing (separately controlled)
- RIP Software
- Sai PhotoPrint or FlexiPrint
- Power supply
- 220V
- UPS recommended
- Not listed on datasheet
- Grounding
- Not listed on datasheet
DTF UV Printer PRIME 30X i1600
- Where the print is applied
- Transfer stickers for rigid surfaces
- Printheads
- 3 Epson i1600 printheads
- Production
- Output: 10m²/h (360x10800dpi)
- Resolution
- Up to 1440 dpi
- Film used
- PET film, specialty
- Media heater
- Pre/Post printing (separately controlled)
- RIP Software
- Sai PhotoPrint or FlexiPrint
- Power supply
- 220V
- UPS recommended
- 2KVA, sine wave, with 220V output
- Grounding
- Maximum resistance of 5 ohms, with 10mm cable
Textile DTF Printer PRIME 30X
Choose textile DTF if: you will print T-shirts, uniforms, hoodies, and cotton or polyester garments using hot-melt powder and a heat press. It is the textile printing machine.
View page for Textile DTF Printer PRIME 30XDTF UV Printer PRIME 30X i1600
Choose UV DTF if: you work with customizing products and rigid surfaces, producing UV-curable transfer decals. It is not a fabric printing machine.
View page for DTF UV Printer PRIME 30X i1600Frequently asked questions
Does DTF UV print on T-shirts?
No. TEKNOVA's UV DTF is designed for transfer stickers on rigid surfaces, cured by ultraviolet light. For printing on t-shirts, uniforms, and other cotton or polyester garments, the recommended model is textile DTF.
Do both print on the same PET film?
Both work with special PET film at a width of 30 cm. The post-printing process differs: the textile printer uses adhesive powder and a heat press; the UV printer uses ultraviolet light curing.
Which of the two produces more?
According to the spec sheet, the DTF UV PRIME 30X produces 10 m²/h (in 360x10800 dpi mode) with 3 Epson i1600 printheads, and the DTF Têxtil PRIME 30X produces 6 m²/h with 2 Epson i1600-A1 printheads.
Can I have both machines?
Yes, and it is common in customization operations serving both textiles and rigid products. The TEKNOVA team helps size the purchase order according to your client mix.
Do I need technical validation before buying?
Yes. The material, color, and finish you want to print on must be validated with the TEKNOVA technical team before purchasing, as compatibility depends on the film and ink combination.
Other comparisons
- DTF Printer 30X or 60X: Which One to Choose for Your ProductionBoth print DTF transfers on PET film, but they feature different printheads, hourly output, and widths. Compare the numbers and choose based on your volume.
- AMERICAN CNC Router: 1525, 2030, or 2050 — comparing all threeAll three have the same spindle and structure. What changes is the working area and the vacuum hold-down system—and that is what defines your output.
- KUTT A3 Plotter or Camera 160: comparing the two sizesOne is flatbed, for paper and adhesive labels and tags. The other works with wide rolls, for large decals, vehicle wrapping, and automotive film.