Maker & DIY News Digest - February 1, 2026
Published
This week's maker news focuses on apparel decoration tech evolution. Impressions Expo Long Beach showcased the latest DTG, DTF, and UV printing innovations. Heat press technology gains AI-driven temperature controls for 2026. The DTF gang sheet builder trend enables more efficient small-batch production, while xTool's UV printer co-creation program gains momentum.
Impressions Expo 2026 Showcases Apparel Decoration Future
Impressions Expo Long Beach (January 22-24, 2026) featured major announcements from Epson, Kornit, and emerging DTF brands. Key themes included the 'MakeON Studio' concept for integrated decoration workflows and the growing convergence of UV, DTG, and DTF technologies.
Impressions Expo is the key apparel decoration show. This year's narrative: DTF continues eating into DTG market share due to lower costs and versatility. The 'MakeON Studio' concept from Epson suggests vendors are thinking about complete workflows, not just individual machines. Compare decoration options in our <a href='/omtech-aurora-vs-xtool-apparel-printer-dtf-comparison-2025'>DTF Printer Comparison Guide</a>.
💡What this means for you
DTF (Direct to Film) prints onto transfer film then heat-applied to garment. DTG (Direct to Garment) prints directly onto fabric. UV can print on rigid substrates. The convergence means single machines handling multiple techniques.
Market Position: Major vendors positioning for the $1.67B heat transfer market. Small shops benefit from technology democratization - entry-level DTF now under $3,000.
- Will integrated DTF+UV machines become standard?
- Price trajectory for entry-level apparel printers
- Software integration between design and production
⏸️ Wait if: You need only one decoration technique, Budget is primary concern - prices still dropping
✅ Buy if: You want the expo-demonstrated 'MakeON' integrated workflow, You're scaling a decoration business
AI-Driven Heat Press Technology Emerges for 2026
Heat press technology is gaining AI-driven features including automatic temperature adjustment, pressure optimization, and real-time monitoring. Products like HTVRONT Auto Heat Press and Cricut Autopress lead the trend toward 'set and forget' operation.
If you're doing high-volume heat transfers, AI optimization reduces operator error and improves consistency. For hobbyists, the simpler operation means fewer failed transfers. Watch for these features in 2026 heat press refreshes.
DTF Gang Sheet Builders Transform Small-Batch Production
DTF gang sheet builders - software that automatically arranges multiple designs on a single transfer sheet - are becoming essential tools for custom apparel businesses. The approach maximizes material usage and reduces per-transfer costs significantly.
Gang sheets are the efficiency secret for small DTF operations. Instead of printing one design per sheet, you fill an entire sheet with different designs, cutting material costs by 40-60%. Most DTF software now includes gang sheet features - learn to use them.
xTool UV Printer Co-Creation Program Expands
Following the CES 2026 announcement (see our <a href='/news/laser-digest-2026-01-29'>January 29 coverage</a>), xTool's UV printer co-creation program is gaining participants. The program allows early adopters to provide feedback shaping the final product before the Q2 2026 launch.
If you're already in the xTool ecosystem with a laser, the UV printer could create a powerful combo workflow. Co-creation participants get early access and potentially discounted pricing. The risk: pre-release products may have rough edges.
Heat Transfer Vinyl Trends: Holographic and 3D Effects Rising
HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) innovation for 2026 emphasizes specialty effects: holographic finishes, glow-in-the-dark materials, and 3D textured silicone-like transfers. These premium options command higher prices but enable differentiated products.
Standard HTV is commoditized - everyone can do it. Specialty effects create differentiation for custom apparel businesses. If you're selling blank apparel + basic vinyl, margins are thin. Moving to specialty effects can justify premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DTF gang sheet?▼
A DTF gang sheet is a single transfer film sheet containing multiple different designs arranged efficiently to minimize waste. Software automatically positions designs to maximize material usage, reducing per-transfer costs by 40-60% compared to single-design prints.
Is DTF replacing DTG printing?▼
DTF is gaining market share from DTG due to lower equipment costs, simpler operation, and ability to print on more fabric types. However, DTG still offers advantages for certain applications like single-piece production and specific fabric types. Many shops run both.
When is the xTool UV printer releasing?▼
xTool announced their first UV printer at CES 2026 with a co-creation program currently underway. The product launch is expected around Q2 2026. Co-creation participants get early access and input on final features.