DTF & Apparel Digest - February 10, 2026
Published
Two major industrial DTF printer launches are reshaping the high-volume end of apparel printing. Brother's DTRX system targets production-scale DTF with 15 m per hour print speed and automated maintenance, while Epson's SureColor G9070 brings 350 sq ft/hr throughput and 64-inch media width to the roll-to-roll DTF segment. Both represent a clear signal: the big OEMs are moving beyond the desktop tier that defined early DTF adoption.
Brother Launches DTRX Industrial DTF System — 15 m/hr, 78cm Width
Brother has officially launched the DTRX, a new industrial direct-to-film printing system available as of February 2026. Engineered for professional, high-volume production, it prints at up to 15 m per hour across a 78cm print width. The system features sustainable inks, industrial-grade printheads, and automated maintenance designed to minimize downtime in production environments.
Brother entering industrial DTF is a legitimization moment for the technology. Their reputation in industrial garment printing (GTX series for DTG) gives the DTRX instant credibility with contract decorators who were hesitant about DTF's production reliability. The 78cm width is notably wider than most prosumer DTF printers (typically 30-60cm), enabling full-panel prints and gang sheets at a scale that competes with screen printing on medium runs. For our readers running Tier 2 setups at home, this sets the ceiling for where DTF is headed — and the price gap between your $5,000 xTool and this industrial system defines your competitive moat in the small-batch market.
💡What this means for you
Roll-to-roll DTF system with 78cm print width. Print speed up to 15 m/hr (approximately 125 sq ft/hr). Industrial printhead technology with automated maintenance cycles for reduced downtime. Eco-formulated inks designed for sustainability compliance.
Market Position: Competes with Mimaki TxF300-75 and Epson SureColor G9070 in the industrial DTF segment. Brother's established dealer and service network gives it distribution advantages in North America and Europe. Positions DTF as a serious alternative to screen printing for runs of 50-500 units.
- Pricing and available bundle configurations
- Ink cost per square meter vs prosumer DTF systems
- Compatible powder shaker and curing systems
⏸️ Wait if: You're doing fewer than 100 transfers/day — this is production equipment
✅ Buy if: You're a contract decorator looking to add DTF alongside existing DTG/screen capacity
Epson SureColor G9070 Unveiled — 350 sq ft/hr, 64-Inch DTF
Epson has revealed the SureColor G9070 at Impressions Expo Long Beach 2026, an upgraded roll-to-roll DTF printer offering up to 350 square feet per hour in CMYK+White mode and up to 650 sq ft/hr in white-ink-only mode. The G9070 accepts media up to 64 inches wide, making it Epson's widest DTF-capable printer to date.
Epson's entry into wide-format DTF is significant. The SureColor G9070 at 350 sq ft/hr dwarfs anything in the prosumer tier — for comparison, the xTool Apparel Printer tops out at 25-30 sq ft/hr at commercial quality. The 64-inch width enables all-over print transfers for hoodies, jerseys, and cut-and-sew applications that were previously screen-print-only. For small shops, this is the competition you're watching from afar; for contract printers evaluating DTF, the G9070 and Brother DTRX are now the two-horse race in the industrial segment.
💡What this means for you
64-inch roll-to-roll DTF system. Print speeds: 350 sq ft/hr (CMYK+W), 650 sq ft/hr (white only). Uses Epson's PrecisionCore printhead technology. Designed for continuous production with automated ink management. Available through authorized resellers from summer 2026.
Market Position: Joins the Epson SureColor G9000 in Epson's DTF lineup. Competes directly with Brother DTRX and Mimaki TxF series. Epson's PrecisionCore technology is the same platform used in their UltraChrome DG inks for DTG, suggesting deep ink engineering behind the system.
- MSP/street pricing (industrial Epsons typically $15,000-$40,000)
- Ink costs per square foot vs Brother DTRX
- Film and powder compatibility (proprietary or standard?)
⏸️ Wait if: Summer 2026 availability — can't buy it yet
✅ Buy if: You need 64-inch width for all-over prints and have the volume to justify industrial DTF
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brother DTRX compare to prosumer DTF printers?▼
The Brother DTRX is an industrial DTF system printing at 15 m/hr across 78cm width — roughly 5-10x the output of prosumer DTF printers like the xTool Apparel Printer or Prestige R2 Pro. It's designed for contract decorators doing 100+ transfers per day, not home-based businesses.
What is the Epson SureColor G9070?▼
The Epson SureColor G9070 is a wide-format (64-inch) roll-to-roll DTF printer announced at Impressions Expo 2026. It prints at 350 sq ft/hr in full color and 650 sq ft/hr in white-only mode, targeting high-volume garment decorators. It will be available from summer 2026.
Are industrial DTF printers relevant for small apparel businesses?▼
Not directly — they're priced and designed for contract printing operations. However, their existence validates DTF as a mature technology and signals that the prosumer printers in the $2,400-$8,500 range will continue to improve as OEM R&D investment flows downstream from these industrial platforms.