Maker & DIY News Digest - January 31, 2026
Published
This week in maker news: Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing matures with Epson's SureColor G9000 high-production system and Brown Manufacturing's Yet-Tee automation. EufyMake E1 UV printers approaching mass shipping for Kickstarter backers. Plus: 2026 craft trends emphasize mixed media, sustainability, and personalization over mass production.
Epson SureColor G9000 Enters High-Production DTF Market
Epson expanded its DTF lineup with the SureColor G9000, a high-production printer designed for increased productivity. Supporting media up to 1,626mm wide, it ships with Epson Edge Print Pro and Fiery Digital Factory software. Available from authorized resellers summer 2026.
Epson entering the DTF market signals mainstream acceptance of the technology. While the G9000 targets production environments, the R&D investment will benefit prosumer DTF printers. If you're building a T-shirt business, DTF just gained significant industrial credibility.
💡What this means for you
The 1,626mm (64") print width targets full-bed garment layouts - 8-12 T-shirt transfers per pass. Fiery RIP integration suggests this targets existing screen-printing shops upgrading to DTF, not hobbyists.
Market Position: Epson's brand recognition legitimizes DTF as a permanent technology, not a fad. Previous DTF leaders (Amaya, Oki) now face competition from a printing industry giant.
- MSRP (likely $15,000-25,000 range for production-class)
- Ink cost per transfer vs screen printing
- Epson warranty coverage for DTF-specific issues
⏸️ Wait if: You're a hobbyist/small-scale maker, Entry-level DTF meets your needs
✅ Buy if: You run a commercial garment decoration business, Current DTF throughput limits growth
Brown Manufacturing Yet-Tee: Automated DTF Production
Brown Manufacturing unveiled 'Yet-Tee' at ISS Long Beach 2026 - an automated web-to-print inline production system for DTF. The system allows a single operator to produce up to 180 units per hour with minimal manual intervention.
Automation is transforming T-shirt printing from labor-intensive screen printing to nearly hands-free DTF production. At 180 units/hour, a small shop can output 1,000+ shirts per shift. This is the future of custom apparel for makers scaling up.
EufyMake E1 Mass Shipping Imminent
EufyMake reports mass shipping of E1 UV printers to Kickstarter backers is expected within 1-2 months. The company resolved magenta ink formulation and cartridge overpressure issues, resulting in improved print quality. The E1 prints full-color textured designs up to 5mm thick on hard surfaces.
If you backed the E1, shipping is finally near. The resolved ink issues suggest production-ready quality. For those watching from the sidelines, wait for backer reviews before purchasing retail - early production runs sometimes have teething issues. [Read our complete E1 shipping update →](/news/maker/eufymake-e1-shipping-update-2026/)
💡What this means for you
The E1 uses UV-reactive resin cured by UV LEDs to create textured prints up to 5mm height. Materials include metal, wood, canvas, ceramic, and leather. This is 'Direct-to-Object' (DTO) printing - different from flat paper/transfer printing.
Market Position: As the 'most-funded crowdfunding campaign ever', the E1 mainstreams consumer UV printing. xTool's UV printer (Q2 2026) will likely copy this form factor. First-mover advantage to EufyMake.
- Long-term durability of UV prints (fade resistance, scratch testing)
- Consumable costs (ink cartridges, texture resin)
- Third-party ink compatibility
⏸️ Wait if: You're not a Kickstarter backer - wait for retail reviews, You only need 2D printing capability
✅ Buy if: You backed the Kickstarter and are waiting for delivery, You want to be an early adopter of consumer UV printing
2026 Craft Trends: Mixed Media and Personalization Lead
Early 2026 craft trends emphasize mixed media combinations (stitched paper, painted fabric, stamped clay), personalized home decor, and sustainability. The shift is toward sophisticated, subtle personalization over monogram-centric designs.
For makers selling crafts, personalization still sells - but tastes are evolving. Laser-engraved family initials are giving way to more artistic expressions. Consider combining techniques: laser-cut base + hand-finished details for premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DTF printing and why is it growing in 2026?▼
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing creates transfers on special film that can be heat-pressed onto fabric. It's growing because it requires less setup than screen printing, works on any fabric color, and produces vibrant, durable results. Major manufacturers like Epson entering the market signals mainstream adoption.
When will EufyMake E1 ship to Kickstarter backers?▼
EufyMake confirmed mass shipping to Kickstarter backers is expected within 1-2 months (by late March 2026). The company resolved ink formulation and cartridge issues that delayed earlier shipments.
What are the top craft trends for 2026?▼
2026 craft trends emphasize mixed media (combining materials/techniques), personalized home decor with subtle sophistication over obvious monograms, sustainability, and handmade items that feel authentic rather than mass-produced.