2-Head vs 4-Head DTF Printer, Which is Worth Buying?
Author : KingJet
2025-09-17
Since 2021, DTF printing technology has revolutionized the apparel printing industry. Requiring no pre-treatment, supporting nearly all materials, achieving 4-5 levels of wash fastness, and delivering up to three times the daily output of traditional methods, it has become the mainstream solution for printing on garments like T-shirts and hoodies.
However, faced with the hot-selling 2-head and 4-head DTF printers on the market, how should you choose? This decision extends beyond the number of printheads, directly impacting your production speed, print quality, operational costs, and business scalability.
This article details the key differences between 2-head and 4-head DTF printers and provides optimal purchasing recommendations.
Table of Contents
What is DTF Printer (Direct-to-Film Printer)?
DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing technology has revolutionized the apparel decoration industry with its powerful advantages. Its principle is powerful and simple: water-based pigment ink prints designs onto specialized PET film, followed by the application of hot melt powder. Finally, the design is cured onto the fabric by heat pressing. This process achieves vibrant, high-quality prints on diverse fabrics and colors, including cotton, polyester, blends, denim, and even leather.
Features, Pros and Cons of 2-Head DTF Printer
The dual-head DTF printer is equipped with two EPSON I3200 printheads, supporting 5-color printing: CMYK + W. It is specifically designed for small to medium batch production, achieving a balance between cost, quality, and performance.
- Print heads: 2 * EPSON I3200 heads
- Print Width: 24-inch/60cm
- Color Configuration: CMYKW (5-color)
- Maximum Print Speed: 15sqm/h
- Intuitive control panel for easier operation by beginners.
- Adjustable pinch roller height accommodates varying media thicknesses.
- Eco-friendly, energy-efficient powder shaker significantly reduces electricity costs.
- Compact powder shaker footprint for space-saving operation.
- Cost-effective: Typically more affordable than 4-head models, ideal for small businesses or startups.
- Simple operation: Fewer components simplify setup, operation, and maintenance.
- Space-saving: The powder-shaking machine is more compact, suitable for studios or home offices with limited space.
- Lower consumable costs: Reduced ink consumption compared to multi-head DTF machine models.
- Flexibility: Adaptable to on-demand printing tasks.
- Versatility: Compatible with various fabrics, from cotton to polyester, meeting a variety of application needs such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and handbags.
- Limited Color Range: Compared to 4-head printers, 2-head printers have a narrower color gamut, which may affect the vibrancy of certain designs.
- Slower Speed: While faster than traditional screen printing, they may be less efficient than 4-head printers for high-volume production demands.
- Uneven White Ink Coverage: The white ink layer may be less dense or uniform than on 4-head printers, affecting opacity on dark fabrics.
Features, Pros and Cons of 4-Head DTF Machine
The 4-head DTF printer is equipped with four EPSON I3200 printheads, capable of printing nine colors: CMYKWRGBO. This advanced configuration is designed for high-end fashion brands and businesses with high-volume production needs.
- Print Heads: 4 * EPSON I3200 heads
- Print Width: 24-inch/60cm
- Color Configuration: CMYKWRGBO (9-color)
- Maximum Print Speed: 30sqm/h
- Smart roll-to-roll system for simplified, worry-free operation.
- Automatic ink shaking and remaining ink level display to prevent print interruptions.
- Integrated box structure ensures stable printing.
- The hidden smoke purifier meets environmental protection standards.
- Energy-saving powder shaker reduces production costs.
- Superior color: wider color gamut delivers more vibrant and accurate prints, ideal for complex multi-color designs.
- High printing speed: four print heads operate simultaneously, significantly boosting output for high-volume orders.
- Superior white ink coverage: additional white ink channels ensure denser, more uniform white layers, enhancing opacity on dark fabrics.
- Advanced functionality: many 4-head printers feature advanced capabilities like variable droplet size control, improving print detail and smoothness.
- High initial cost: 4-head printers are significantly more expensive than 2-head DTF machines, requiring a larger upfront investment.
- Increased operational complexity: more printheads and a complex ink system demand greater expertise and time for maintenance.
- Space requirements: due to the relatively longer powder-shaking machine section, 4-head DTF printers may not be suitable for studios or home offices with limited space.
Detailed Comparison Between 2-Head and 4-Head DTF Printer
| Print Heads QTY | 2-head DTF printer | 4-head DTF printer |
| Print Colors | CMYKW | CMYKWRGBO |
| Max Print Speed | 15 sqm/h | 30 sqm/h |
| White Ink Coverage | moderate density and uniformity | high density and uniformity |
| Color Performance | good color gamut, meets most needs | wide color gamut, smoother gradients, and more accurate tones |
| Ease of Operation | easier to learn and operate | more complex, requires more technical knowledge |
| Production Capacity | suitable for small to medium batches | suitable for large-scale production |
| Initial Cost | low, budget-friendly | high |
| Maintenance | easy to maintain | moderate to high |
| Target Audience | startups, small businesses, and budget-conscious users | established printing shops, large manufacturers, and high-end apparel brands |
| Environmental Friendliness | environmentally friendly | environmentally friendly |
Conclusion
Choosing between a 2-head and 4-head DTF printer ultimately depends on your specific business needs, budget, and production goals.
If you’re just starting or have limited space or budget, a 2-head printer offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for small to medium runs and multi-material applications.
On the other hand, if you’re a high-end fashion brand or established print shop seeking exceptional print quality, speed, and efficiency, a 4-head printer is your first choice. While the initial cost and maintenance requirements are higher, the enhanced color performance and production capacity make it a worthwhile investment for businesses looking to expand.
To learn more about which DTF printer configuration is best for your printing business, consult the professional KingJet team with 18 years of experience in the printer industry. We simplify your purchasing decisions and help you make smarter choices. Contact Us Now
FAQ
Can I upgrade a 2-head DTF printer to a 4-head DTF printing machine?
Usually not. The number of print heads is a core design feature of the printer’s chassis, software, and ink delivery system. It’s not user-upgradeable. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase a new 4-head machine.
Note: If you’d like to experience both 2-head and 4-head DTF printers, and your initial investment is limited due to budget constraints, you can start with a 4-head DTF printer body and use it with two print heads. As your business expands, you can purchase additional print heads to achieve 4-head printing, thus reducing the equipment cost.
Can both 2-head and 4-head DTF printer print on the same fabrics?
Yes. Both 2-head and 4-head DTF printers can print on various fabrics including cotton, polyester, and blends. The main differences lie in print speed, color performance, and production capacity.
How often should I clean the printheads of my DTF dtf machine?
Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal printing performance. Depending on usage, you should clean the printheads at least weekly, or more frequently if you notice clogging or print quality issues. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance guidelines.
How many print heads are recommended for a home printing business?
For home-based businesses, we recommend starting with a 2-head DTF printer. Its balance of high-quality printing and speed, combined with its smaller footprint, lower costs, and simpler operation, makes it suitable for lower-volume, space-constrained in a home environment.
