Epson DTF Printers 2026: Every Model Compared
What is an Epson DTF printer?
An Epson DTF printer is a direct-to-film printer that uses Epson printhead technology. It can be one of Epson’s own SureColor models (the G6070 and G9070 DTFilm printers or the F1070 and F2270 DTG/DTFilm hybrids), a third-party DTF printer built on an Epson head such as the i3200, or a converted Epson EcoTank. All of them print CMYK plus a white underbase onto PET film, which is then powdered, cured, and heat-pressed onto fabric.
Epson now sells four printers that print DTF: two dedicated roll-to-roll DTFilm printers and two platen-based hybrids that also print direct-to-garment. Epson also supplies the print heads inside many other brands’ DTF machines. This page compares all four Epson models side by side, explains how they differ from Epson-head printers made by other brands, and covers the conversion route.
Prices are Epson.com list prices checked September 24, 2026. Widths, inks, and resolutions come from Epson’s published spec sheets and the DTF Database printer catalog. No advertising or affiliate placement influences this page.
Epson DTF printer comparison
| Model | Type | Print width | Ink | Resolution | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SureColor G6070 | Dedicated DTFilm, roll-to-roll | 35.4 in roll | UltraChrome DF (CMYK + White) | 1200 x 600 dpi | $14,995 | Transfer shops moving from desktop DTF to roll production |
| SureColor G9070 | Dedicated DTFilm, twin-roll | 64 in roll | UltraChrome DF | — | $24,995 | High-volume gang sheet and wholesale transfer production (up to 350 ft²/hr) |
| SureColor F1070 | Hybrid DTG + DTFilm, platen | 10 x 12 in platen | UltraChrome DG2 (CMYK + White) | 2400 x 1200 dpi | $4,995 | Small shops and makers who want DTG and DTF in one compact unit |
| SureColor F2270 | Hybrid DTG + DTFilm, platen | 16 x 20 in platen | UltraChrome DG2 (CMYK + White) | 1200 x 1200 dpi | $12,995 | Garment decorators running production DTG who also need DTF |
The G-series printers print from roll film and need a separate powder and curing step (a shaker/dryer or manual powdering). The F-series hybrids print film one sheet at a time on the garment platen. Prices are Epson.com list prices on 2026-09-24; reseller bundles and promotions vary.
The four Epson SureColor DTF printers
How Epson DTF printers work
Printhead. Epson’s own DTF printers use PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads with Nozzle Verification Technology, which checks for clogged nozzles automatically. Third-party DTF printers use older or cheaper Epson heads instead: the i3200 in mid-range machines, and XP600-class, DX5, or L1800-based heads in desktop and budget units.
Ink. DTF uses pigment ink plus a white channel. The white layer is printed last, as an underbase behind the color, so the design stays opaque on dark garments. Epson’s G-series uses UltraChrome DF ink and the F-series uses UltraChrome DG2. Both run on Epson ink packs only. DTF ink is a different chemistry from sublimation ink, so an Epson set up for sublimation cannot simply switch to DTF film.
Software. Epson’s F-series printers use Epson’s own garment software (Epson Garment Creator). Third-party and converted Epson DTF printers need a DTF RIP that controls the white underbase and ink limits. The DTF color management and RIP guide covers how that works.
Film workflow. After printing, the wet film is coated with hot-melt adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto the garment. Roll-to-roll printers such as the G6070 and G9070 are usually paired with an automatic powder shaker and dryer. Platen-based hybrids and desktop printers are often powdered by hand. See the DTF process guide for each step.
Epson-built vs. Epson-head DTF printers
| Factor | Epson SureColor (G6070, G9070, F1070, F2270) | Third-party printer with Epson head | Converted Epson (ET-8550, L1800, L805) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $4,995 (F1070) to $24,995 (G9070) | Turn-key A4 units start around $899 (Procolored L805) | About $300–$1,100 total project cost |
| Ink | Epson UltraChrome DF or DG2 packs only | DTF pigment ink from the printer maker or an ink supplier | Aftermarket DTF ink in a refill or bulk system |
| Warranty and support | Epson limited warranty through authorized resellers | Depends on the printer brand and seller | Epson warranty void; self-supported |
| Also prints DTG? | Yes on the F1070 and F2270; no on the G-series | Usually no | No |
Shops that want to compare the Epson-head alternatives can browse the DTF printer comparison. The conversion route is covered in how to convert an Epson printer to DTF.
The Epson print head ecosystem behind many DTF printers
Many DTF printers sold under other brands, including DTF Station, Mutoh, DTG, STS, and DTech models, use an Epson print head. The head family chosen by a manufacturer is a strong signal of the printer’s position in the market.
Current-generation Epson print head used across mid-range and entry-level DTF printers. Best balance of resolution, droplet control, and longevity in the DTF white-ink environment.
Epson’s flagship print head family, used in its own SureColor G-series DTFilm printers and F-series DTG/DTFilm hybrids. User-replaceable on the G9070 (a service-cost advantage for high-volume production).
Earlier-generation Epson print head still found in budget and mid-tier DTF printers. Lower per-unit cost than i3200 but generally shorter useful life under DTF white-ink stress.
Five-channel Epson print head used in compact desktop DTF units that need an extra ink channel (typically a second white) without jumping to a dual-head architecture.
Original Epson L1800 print head technology repurposed in budget A3 DTF printers. Also the foundation for most Epson-to-DTF conversion projects.
Epson UltraChrome DF and DTF chemistry
Epson’s UltraChrome DF ink set, used in the SureColor G6070 and G9070, is engineered specifically for DTF film printing rather than adapted from a garment-printing ink chemistry. Epson states the inks are OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certified and CPSIA-compliant, which matters for any operator producing children’s or skin-contact apparel sold into U.S. retail channels.
The F-series hybrids (F1070 and F2270) use UltraChrome DG2, Epson’s DTG ink, in CMYK plus White. The same ink prints both directly onto garments and onto DTFilm, so no separate ink set or conversion kit is needed to switch between the two.
On non-Epson printers using Epson print heads, the ink chemistry is typically supplied by the printer manufacturer or a third-party DTF ink supplier rather than by Epson. Compatibility between aftermarket DTF inks and Epson-branded print heads is normally fine in practice but is not warranted by Epson.
Common Epson DTF questions
What is the best Epson DTF printer in 2026?
It depends on volume and format. Epson sells two dedicated DTFilm printers, the 35.4-inch SureColor G6070 ($14,995 on Epson.com) and the 64-inch SureColor G9070 ($24,995), plus two DTG/DTFilm hybrids, the SureColor F1070 ($4,995, 10 x 12 inch platen) and the SureColor F2270 ($12,995, up to 16 x 20 inch platens). The G6070 fits most transfer shops moving to roll production, the G9070 fits high-volume gang sheet work, and the F-series fits shops that also print direct-to-garment.
Does Epson make a dedicated DTF printer?
Yes, two. The SureColor G6070 was announced January 22, 2025 as a 35.4-inch roll-to-roll DTFilm printer and began shipping in spring 2025. The SureColor G9070 was introduced January 22, 2026 and became available June 10, 2026 as a 64-inch twin-roll DTFilm printer rated at up to 350 ft²/hr. Both use a PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead and Epson UltraChrome DF ink. The F1070 and F2270 are hybrids that print both DTG and DTFilm.
Can you convert a regular Epson printer to DTF?
Yes. Hobbyists and small operators convert Epson photo and EcoTank printers such as the ET-8550, L1800, and L805 by adding DTF inks (including white), a bulk ink system, and DTF RIP software. Total project cost typically runs $300 to $1,100 depending on the base printer and kit quality. The conversion voids the Epson warranty and needs regular maintenance to keep white ink from clogging the head. The full breakdown is in the convert-an-Epson-to-DTF guide.
What ink do Epson DTF printers use?
Epson’s own printers use Epson ink only. The G6070 and G9070 use UltraChrome DF ink, which Epson designed for DTFilm and which is OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certified and CPSIA-compliant. The F1070 and F2270 use UltraChrome DG2 ink in CMYK plus White. Third-party printers and converted Epsons built around Epson heads use pigment-based DTF ink with a white channel from the printer maker or an ink supplier. DTF ink is not sublimation ink, and the two are not interchangeable.
Is Epson good for DTF printing?
Epson is the most common printhead maker in DTF. Epson builds its own DTF-capable printers, and 12 of the 24 non-Epson printers in the DTF Database catalog also use an Epson head (i3200, XP600-class, DX5, 4720, or L1800-based). The trade-off is cost versus control. Epson-built SureColor models come with Epson warranty, service, and genuine ink but cost $4,995 and up. Third-party Epson-head printers and conversions cost less but rely on the seller for support.
What is the difference between the Epson F1070 and F2270 for DTF?
Both are DTG/DTFilm hybrids with a PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and UltraChrome DG2 CMYK + White ink, and neither needs a conversion kit to print DTFilm. The F1070 is the compact model, with a 10 x 12 inch platen, 250 mL ink packs, and a $4,995 Epson.com price. The F2270 is the production model, with platens up to 16 x 20 inches, 800 mL ink packs, and a $12,995 Epson.com price. Both print film one sheet at a time on the platen, not from a roll.
What is the difference between the Epson G6070 and G9070?
Both are dedicated roll-to-roll DTFilm printers using UltraChrome DF ink and a PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead. The G6070 prints up to 35.4 inches wide on a single roll and lists at $14,995. The G9070 prints up to 64 inches wide, can run two media rolls at once (twin-roll), has a user-replaceable printhead, is rated at up to 350 ft²/hr, and lists at $24,995.
Why do so many non-Epson DTF printers use Epson print heads?
Epson’s i3200, XP600-class, DX5, 4720, and L1800-based print heads are widely used across the DTF industry because they offer mature droplet control, broad RIP software support, and proven white-ink performance. In the DTF Database catalog, 12 of the 24 printers from brands other than Epson use an Epson-branded print head. The chassis, white-ink circulation, and support differ between brands, but the head technology is shared.
Keep researching
Which Epson photo printers (L1800, L805, ET-8550) convert successfully and what the project actually costs.
Read the guideSide-by-side spec comparison of every verified DTF printer, including all four Epson SureColor models.
Open comparisonWhere the F1070 fits among mid-range competitors for a small print shop.
See picksEpson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. DTF Database is not affiliated with or endorsed by Epson. All specifications and pricing are pulled from publicly-available Epson product documentation and the DTF Database printer catalog as of 2026-09-24.For aftermarket Epson DTF conversion projects, the DTF Database does not sell kits or endorse specific aftermarket suppliers.