Roland BY-20 and DTF Printing: Revolutionizing Custom Apparel in 2025

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is reshaping the custom apparel industry, offering small businesses a versatile, cost-effective way to produce vibrant, durable designs on a wide range of fabrics. Leading this charge is the DTF Prestige series, with the Prestige R1 standing out as a top choice for beginners and growing print shops. Available through suppliers like DTG PRO, the Prestige R1 combines industrial-grade quality with an entry-level price, making it a trending solution in 2025. This article explores the capabilities of DTF Prestige printers, the unique features of the Prestige R1, and how they’re empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in the custom apparel market.

Understanding DTF Prestige Printers

The DTF Prestige series, including models like the Prestige R1, R2, and A3+, is designed to streamline the DTF printing process. DTF printing involves printing designs onto PET film, applying adhesive powder, curing the design, and transferring it to fabrics like cotton, polyester, nylon, or blends using a heat press. Unlike direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which is best suited for cotton and requires pretreatment, DTF Prestige printers offer greater flexibility, producing wash-resistant prints in as little as 8–12 seconds without weeding or complex setup.

The Prestige R1, the first originally manufactured A3+ DTF printer, is tailored for beginners, delivering professional results with a compact footprint and a maximum print width of 13 inches. With a printing speed of 14 ft²/hour, it can produce 64–86 shirts per day, making it ideal for small to medium production runs. Its affordability and robust feature set have made it a favorite among startups and DTG users transitioning to DTF, available through trusted suppliers like DTG PRO.

Why DTF Prestige and Prestige R1 Are Trending in 2025

The custom apparel market is booming, fueled by e-commerce, print-on-demand platforms, and consumer demand for personalized products. The DTF Prestige series, particularly the Prestige R1, is trending for several reasons:

Affordability and Accessibility: Priced for small businesses, the Prestige R1 offers industrial-level quality at an entry-level cost, with bundles starting around $5,552.99, making it a competitive option compared to other DTF printers like Procolored or Roland.

Versatility: The Prestige R1 prints on diverse fabrics, from cotton to polyester blends, enabling businesses to expand beyond T-shirts to tote bags, caps, and more.

User-Friendly Design: Features like the White Ink Management System (WIMS) and DigiRIP software simplify operation, reducing training time for new users.

Efficiency: With no pretreatment required and fast transfer times, the Prestige R1 streamlines workflows, producing 27 prints per meter at just £0.07 per print when paired with Oeko-Tex certified inks and powders.

Sustainability: DTF printing reduces waste compared to DTG, and the Prestige R1’s efficient ink usage aligns with eco-conscious trends.

These factors position the Prestige R1 as a top choice for entrepreneurs looking to enter or scale in the custom apparel market.

Key Features of the Prestige R1

The Prestige R1, part of the DTF Prestige series, offers a suite of features that enhance performance and reliability:

Epson F1080 Printhead: Delivers high-resolution prints (up to 720x1440 dpi) with vibrant colors and crisp details.

White Ink Management System (WIMS): A timed stirring system prevents white ink clogs, ensuring consistent prints on dark fabrics.

Passive and Active Auto-Cleaning: Automatically cleans the printhead every 4 hours when idle and during printing intervals, minimizing downtime.

DigiRIP Software: Provides precise color management and is compatible with Windows PCs, with a 15-day trial version included.

Compact Design: Measuring 32.3” x 25.2” x 12.6” and weighing 82 lbs, it fits in small spaces, ideal for home-based businesses.

Safety Features: Includes a head strike sensor and auto ink alert system to protect the printer and reduce waste.

These features make the Prestige R1 a reliable, beginner-friendly option for achieving professional results.

Tips for Using the Prestige R1

To maximize the Prestige R1’s potential, consider these best practices:

Ensure Proper Ventilation: DTF printing involves powders and inks that emit fumes. Use a fume extractor and work in a well-ventilated area, wearing protective gear like gloves, goggles, and masks.

Use DTF Station Consumables: Only use DTF Station inks, films, and powders to maintain warranty coverage and prevent clogs.

Maintain Humidity: Keep humidity above 50% to avoid ink clogs and film buckling.

Perform Regular Maintenance: Run daily nozzle checks and use the auto-cleaning system to extend the printhead’s lifespan.

Leverage DTG PRO Support: Take advantage of DTG PRO’s training and virtual support to optimize setup and troubleshoot issues.

Pairing the Prestige R1 with a powder shaker like the Miro 13 Max, as offered in some DTG PRO bundles, automates powder application and curing for increased efficiency.

The Future of DTF Prestige Printers

As DTF printing grows, the Prestige series is poised for further innovation. Advances in AI-driven color management, faster print speeds, and eco-friendly consumables will enhance the Prestige R1’s capabilities. Its compact design and versatility make it a staple for small businesses, while ongoing support from suppliers like DTG PRO ensures long-term success.

Getting Started with the Prestige R1

To begin, purchase the Prestige R1 from a trusted supplier like DTG PRO, which offers bundles with inks, films, and shakers, plus a 1-year limited warranty on non-consumable parts and a 6-month printhead warranty (up to two printheads). Set up in a commercial, well-ventilated space, and follow the DTF process: print, powder, cure, and press. Use DigiRIP for design processing, and tap into DTG PRO’s training resources to master the printer.

The DTF Prestige series, led by the Prestige R1, is transforming custom apparel printing by making high-quality, versatile DTF technology accessible to small businesses. In 2025, this printer, available through DTG PRO, empowers entrepreneurs to meet consumer demand with efficiency and creativity. Whether you’re launching a print shop or expanding your offerings, the Prestige R1 offers a path to success in the vibrant world of custom apparel.