DTF Printer Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Haolic Printer for Your Business
Choose your Haolic printer based on the products you make, your production workflow, and available space. For an accessible first-generation model, the XP-1 Classic 13" offers XP600 printing with a hands-on maintenance workflow. The XP-1 Pro 13" adds touchscreen cleaning and a manual film cutter, while retaining white ink circulation and stirring. The newer XP-2 13" adds touchscreen control, automatic film cutting and one-touch cleaning for desktop businesses. For higher daily output, consider an XP-1 Pro shaker bundle or the A2 4720. For hard-surface gifts, choose UV DTF; for both direct-to-garment printing and film transfers, consider the G5 hybrid.
Choosing the right printer is one of the most important decisions when starting or growing a custom printing business. A good printer should match your product type, workspace, order volume, budget, and learning stage — not just the starting price.
This guide compares selected Haolic DTF, UV DTF, and hybrid printer models so you can choose the right setup with confidence.
If you are planning to start with apparel, you may also want to read: How to Start a T-Shirt Business with a DTF Printer.
Want a quick recommendation for custom T-shirt printing?
View XP-1 Pro DTF Printer →Quick Answer: Which Haolic Printer Should You Choose?
If you already know what products you want to sell, the decision becomes much easier. Use this table as a fast starting point.
| Your Business Goal | Best Printer Type | Recommended Haolic Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious beginners starting with custom apparel | DTF Printer | Haolic XP-1 Classic 13" | From $1,899 |
| Custom T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags — best overall starting point | DTF Printer | Haolic XP-1 Pro 13" | $2,389 |
| Desktop DTF printing with easier daily maintenance | DTF Printer | Haolic XP-2 13" | From $1,999 |
| Growing apparel orders, need automated powder curing | DTF + Shaker Bundle | XP-1 Pro + Shaker Dryer Bundle | $3,900 |
| High-volume commercial production, wider print area | A2 Commercial DTF | A2 4720 DTF + Shaker Bundle | $5,999 |
| Direct garment printing + DTF transfer flexibility | DTG + DTF Hybrid | Haolic G5 2-in-1 DTG+DTF | $4,999 |
| Cups, glass, acrylic, stickers, and hard-surface gifts | UV DTF Printer | Haolic UX7 Mini UV DTF | $5,999 |
| High-speed UV DTF production, premium hard-goods business | Dual-Head UV DTF | Dual XP600 UV DTF + Laminator | $6,250 |
| Wider-format UV DTF production | UV DTF | Haolic UIX60 24" | View current offer |
DTF vs UV DTF vs DTG + DTF: What Is the Difference?
Before choosing a model, it helps to understand what each printing method is designed for.
| Printer Type | Best For | Works On | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTF Printer | T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, apparel, and fabric products | Cotton, polyester, blends, canvas, dark and light fabrics | Flexible small-batch apparel production. No minimum orders. One person can run the whole process. |
| DTF + Shaker Bundle | Growing apparel businesses with daily orders | Same fabric range as DTF | Automated powder application and curing. Faster output, more consistent results, less manual work per shirt. |
| A2 Commercial DTF | High-volume production, wider garments and designs | All fabrics, 17" / 43 cm print width | Up to 300 shirts per day. 4720 industrial printhead. White ink auto-circulation. Built for serious production volume. |
| UV DTF Printer | Cups, tumblers, glass, acrylic, stickers, packaging, and gifts | Hard surfaces: plastic, glass, metal, acrylic, ceramic, and wood | Print directly onto hard goods without heat pressing fabric. Built-in laminator included. |
| DTG + DTF Hybrid | Creators who want both direct garment printing and transfer printing | Garments directly + DTF transfer workflow | Two workflows in one machine. Print directly on cotton, or create DTF transfers — your choice per order. |
Choose by What You Want to Sell
The best printer is the one that fits your product plan. Start by asking yourself what customers will actually buy from you first.
Choose DTF Printing
DTF is the best fit if your business focuses on custom T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags, aprons, uniforms, or fabric merchandise.
- Small-batch and custom orders with no minimums
- Works on dark and light fabrics, any color
- Suitable for Etsy, Shopify, local teams, and community orders
- One person can run design, print, press, and ship
Choose UV DTF Printing
UV DTF is better if you want to customize non-fabric products such as cups, tumblers, acrylic signs, stickers, labels, packaging, and gift items.
- Print on glass, plastic, metal, acrylic, wood, ceramic
- Built-in laminator for finished transfers
- Great for premium gift products and personalized accessories
- No heat pressing required for hard surfaces
Choose DTG + DTF Hybrid
A hybrid printer is helpful if you want the option to print directly on garments while also keeping DTF transfer flexibility for different order types.
- DTF mode: print transfers on PET film for any fabric
- DTG mode: print directly on cotton in ~1 min/A3
- 1440×1440dpi DX7 8-channel printhead
- CMYK + White (optional LC/LM) — Riin software
Choose by Your Business Stage
Your current stage matters as much as your product type. A beginner does not always need the largest setup, while a growing print shop should avoid outgrowing equipment too quickly.
| Business Stage | What You Need | Recommended Setup | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious first DTF setup | Core A3 printing with XP600 printhead, roll and sheet film, and routine hands-on maintenance. | Haolic XP-1 Classic 13" | From $1,899 |
| Beginner / First apparel business | A reliable DTF printer with auto-maintenance and strong output for learning and growing. | Haolic XP-1 Pro 13" | $2,389 |
| Desktop DTF startup with simplified upkeep | Touchscreen, automatic film cutting, one-touch cleaning and white ink circulation. | Haolic XP-2 13" | From $1,999 |
| Growing Etsy or Shopify seller | Automated powder shaking and curing to speed up daily production and improve consistency. | XP-1 Pro + Shaker Dryer Bundle | $3,900 |
| High-volume apparel / small print shop | Commercial-grade output, True 17" wide format, up to 300 shirts per day, white ink auto-circulation. | A2 4720 DTF + Shaker Bundle | $5,999 |
| Direct garment + transfer workflow | One machine for both DTG direct printing and DTF transfers, DX7 8-channel printhead. | Haolic G5 2-in-1 DTG+DTF | $4,999 |
| Gift and hard-goods business | All-in-one UV DTF with built-in laminator and cutter, prints on glass, acrylic, metal, cups, and stickers. | Haolic UX7 Mini UV DTF | $5,999 |
| Premium UV DTF / high-end custom gifts | XP600 printhead technology for higher production capacity speed, with integrated laminator for high-end hard-goods customization. | Dual XP600 UV DTF + Laminator | $6,250 |
Recommended Haolic Printers by Business Need
Select any printer card to update the selected model summary, or use each card’s button to open the product page. Browse All Printers →
Browse the models below. The XP-1 Classic, XP-1 Pro and XP-2 represent three generations of Haolic’s 13-inch XP series. Listed test figures reflect their original measurement conditions.
Haolic XP-1 Classic 13"
An accessible start for apparel creators
The first-generation XP-1 Classic uses a single XP600 printhead and a 13-inch A3 film format. It suits small custom apparel orders and creators comfortable with regular printer care.
- XP600 printhead · 13" / 33 cm print width
- Measured output: 10.7 A3 prints/hr · around 5.6 min/A3
- 720 × 1440 dpi (8-pass) · CMYK + W + W
- Roll and sheet film; software-initiated one-click cleaning
- Manual routine maintenance; price and available colors vary by variant
Haolic XP-1 Pro 13"
Reliable XP600-based DTF workflow for growing apparel orders
XP600 printhead technology, white ink circulation and automatic maintenance support apparel production. Roll and sheet-film compatibility lets you adapt to custom orders. Production output should be compared under the same print settings and workflow conditions.
- XP600 printhead technology for detailed transfers
- 720×1440dpi, 8-pass resolution
- CMYK+W+W, Negative CISS auto ink supply
- Touchscreen cleaning, manual film cutter and roll/sheet support
- 1-year warranty + expert setup support
Haolic XP-2 13" Desktop DTF Printer
Touchscreen convenience and automated maintenance
The XP-2 uses XP600 printhead technology and a 13-inch (330 mm) desktop format. Touchscreen operation, one-touch cleaning, white ink circulation, automatic film cutting, and pinch-roller lifting simplify daily printing and media handling.
- XP600 printhead · 13" / 330 mm print width
- Approx. 3–5 minutes per A3 design under listed product-page settings
- One-touch cleaning and white ink circulation
- Automatic film cutting and pinch-roller lift
- Seven package choices; shipping options vary by configuration
XP-1 Pro + Shaker Dryer Bundle
Full production line for batch apparel orders
Pair the XP-1 Pro with a shaker dryer to automate powder application and curing after film printing. This reduces manual handling for growing batches; actual savings depend on order size and workflow.
- XP600 printhead technology · printer + automatic shaker
- Vibration shaker dryer — automated powder + cure
- CMYK+W+W · 720×1440dpi · 8-pass
- Auto roll-to-roll · 200W · 720×335×300mm
- Best for 10–50+ orders per day
A2 4720 DTF + Shaker Bundle
17" A2 printing for growing apparel production
Haolic’s wider-format DTF printer with 17" print width, powered by a stable 4720 industrial printhead. White ink auto-circulation, built-in LED light, multi-material support, and 1-on-1 technical support. Designed for serious daily production.
- 17" / 43 cm wide format — A2 size
- Tested output: 12 A3 prints/hr; approximately 5 min/A3
- 4720 printhead · 720 × 1800 dpi (internal comparison sheet)
- White ink auto-circulation for consistent output
- Built-in LED light · 1-on-1 tech support
Haolic G5 2-in-1 DTG + DTF
Direct garment printing and DTF transfers in one machine
The only Haolic printer that handles both DTG direct garment printing and DTF transfer film in one machine. DX7 8-channel printhead at up to 1440×1440dpi. Print on cotton directly in ~1 min/A3 or create DTF transfers in ~3 min/A3. Touchscreen + Riin software.
- DTG mode: print directly on cotton (~1 min/A3)
- DTF mode: print transfers on PET film (~3 min/A3)
- DX7 8-channel, up to 1440 × 1440 dpi
- CMYK+White (optional LC/LM) · Touchscreen
- Riin software · ink-low alarm · emergency stop
Haolic UX7 Mini 13" UV DTF
All-in-one: print + laminate + cut
The UX7 Mini is a fully integrated UV DTF system — print, laminate, and cut in one machine. DX7 8-channel printhead at 1440×1440dpi, 8 ft²/hour output speed. KCMYWV 6-color UV ink. Prints on glass, plastic, metal, acrylic, ceramic, wood, and more. HaolicRIP software included.
- Print + laminate + cut — fully automated
- DX7 8-channel · 1440×1440dpi · 8 ft²/h
- KCMYWV 6-color UV DTF ink
- Glass / plastic / metal / acrylic / ceramic / wood
- HaolicRIP · 800W (eco mode ≤300W)
Dual XP600 UV DTF + Laminator
Built for higher-output UV DTF workflows
Two XP600 printheads support higher-capacity UV DTF workflows compared with a typical single-head setup, with an integrated laminator for seamless print-to-ready workflow. Ideal for high-end gift shops, custom packaging studios, and premium hard-goods businesses.
- Two XP600 printheads · 720 × 1440 dpi (listed)
- 30 cm / 11.8" working width
- Listed test: 2.8 min and 21.4 transfers/hr for a 23.8 × 10.7 cm design
- Built-in laminator — print + laminate in one pass
- Prints on glass, metal, acrylic, and hard surfaces
- Best for high-volume UV DTF production
- Pink design — built for professional studios
Haolic UIX60 24" UV DTF
For growing hard-goods studios and larger transfers
The UIX60 product page specifies a 23.6" (60 cm) print width and integrated print, laminate and take-up workflow, designed for growing UV DTF production businesses.
- Single i3200 printhead · 720 × 2400 dpi at 8 pass
- 23.6" / 60 cm print width
- Rated printing speed: 3 m²/h
- Machine dimensions: 124.5 × 83 × 110 cm
- Integrated print · laminate · take-up
- Designed for larger-volume hard-surface transfer production
- Check current offer dates and package price on product page
Full Model Comparison
Compare printer models using their listed specifications and Haolic test measurements. A3/hour, min/design, and m²/hour use different test conditions and must not be compared as equivalent throughput. A2 4720 is marketed as a 17-inch printer; film size and effective print area should be confirmed on the product page.
| Model | Type | Printhead | Print Width | Speed | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XP-1 Classic 13" | DTF | Single XP600 · 720 × 1440 dpi (8-pass) | 13" / 33 cm | Tested: 10.7 A3/hr · 5.6 min/A3 | Essential A3 apparel printing; hands-on upkeep | From $1,899 |
| XP-1 Pro 13" | DTF | XP600 · 720×1440dpi | 13" / 33cm | 1.2 m²/h | Best overall for apparel startups | $2,389 |
| XP-2 13" | Desktop DTF | Single XP600 · up to 2160 dpi | 13" / 330 mm | 3–5 min/A3 (product specification) | Touchscreen · simplified upkeep | From $1,999 |
| A2 4720 + Shaker Bundle | Commercial DTF | 4720 industrial | 17" / 43 cm | Tested: 12 A3 prints/hr (5 min/A3) | High-volume production | From $3,489 (printer); shaker bundle $5,999 |
| XP-1 Pro + Shaker Bundle | DTF Bundle | XP600 · 720×1440dpi | 13" / 33cm | 1.2 m²/h auto | Growing daily orders | $3,900 |
| G5 2-in-1 DTG+DTF | DTG + DTF | DX7, 8-channel · up to 1440 × 1440 dpi | 13" / A3 | DTF ~3 min/A3; DTG ~1 min/A3 (listed settings) | Hybrid garment + transfer | $4,999 |
| UX7 Mini UV DTF | UV DTF | DX7 8-channel · 1440×1440dpi | 13" / A3 | 8 ft²/h | Cups · stickers · gifts | $5,999 |
| Dual XP600 UV DTF | UV DTF | Dual XP600 · 720 × 1440 dpi | 11.8" / 30 cm | 2.8 min/design; 21.4 designs/hr (23.8 × 10.7 cm test design) | High-speed hard-goods production | $6,250 |
| UIX60 24" UV DTF | Wide UV DTF | Single i3200 · 720 × 2400 dpi (8 pass) | 23.6" / 60 cm | Rated 3 m²/h | Growing production studios | View current offer |
XP Series: Controls & Maintenance Features
This table brings together Haolic’s supplied XP generation comparisons, listed product specifications, and separately measured output figures. Actual software versions and supported formats may vary by printer batch; confirm before purchase. All three generations support white ink circulation and stirring.
| Feature | XP-1 Classic | XP-1 Pro | XP-2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printhead | Single XP600 | Single XP600 | Single XP600 |
| Print Width | 13 in / 33 cm | 13 in / 33 cm | 13 in / 330 mm |
| Print Resolution | 720 × 1440 dpi (8-pass, listed specification) | 720 × 1440 dpi (listed guide specification) | Up to 2160 dpi |
| Speed | 10.7 A3/hr; 5.6 min/A3 (tested) | 1.2 m²/h (listed rating) | 3–5 min/A3 (product specification) |
| Drive System | Not confirmed | 42 stepper motor (XP-1 Pro comparison image) | 57 stepper motor + 10 mm timing belt |
| Ink System | CMYK + W + W; negative-pressure CISS | CMYK + W + W; negative-pressure CISS | CMYK + White |
| White Ink Circulation & Stirring | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Cleaning & Care | Software-initiated one-click cleaning; routine maintenance required | Cleaning method needs version confirmation: earlier comparison says touchscreen; latest XP-1 Pro comparison says software cleaning | Touchscreen one-touch cleaning; dual maintenance doors |
| Film Handling | Roll and sheet film; no built-in cutter | Manual film cutter; roll and sheet film | Automatic film cutting; film forward/reverse; one-touch pinch roller lift |
| Controls | Computer/software-based cleaning | PC + buttons (XP-1 Pro comparison image) | HD touchscreen; smart sleep mode |
| Vacation Mode | Early-generation mode; less refined | Early-generation mode; less refined | Enhanced vacation mode |
| Supported Image Formats | TIFF, PNG, JPG (listed) | PNG, BMP, TIFF, JPG, PDF (listed) | Check current RIP software compatibility |
| Software & Connection | RIIN 10.5 / PP / Maintop; USB 2.0; Windows 10/11 (listed) | RIIN V13.6; Windows 10/11 (listed) | HaolicRIP; Ethernet (LAN) |
| Pinch Roller | Not confirmed | Standard (XP-1 Pro comparison image) | One-touch lift |
| Maintenance Access | Not confirmed | Standard access (XP-1 Pro comparison image) | Dual maintenance doors |
| Other Convenience Features | Not confirmed | No independent LED indicated in XP-1 Pro comparison image | Dedicated LED work light; automatic nozzle maintenance; no USB dongle required |
Workflow and Workspace Comparison
Different printer types require different workflows. Before buying, think about how much space you have and how much manual work you want to handle.
| Setup | Typical Workflow | Workspace Needs | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| XP-1 Classic (printer only) | Print on DTF film, apply hot melt powder, cure with suitable equipment, then heat press. Routine maintenance required. | Compact A3 printer plus space for curing and heat pressing. | First-time apparel sellers and small-batch work. |
| XP-1 Pro + Shaker Bundle | Print, auto-powder, auto-cure in shaker dryer, heat press. Fully streamlined. | Needs space for printer + shaker dryer side by side. | Sellers with 10–50+ orders per day. |
| XP-2 (DTF only) | Print transfer film, cut film automatically, apply powder and cure, then heat press. | Desktop printer plus film curing and heat press space. | Home businesses wanting convenient controls and easier daily maintenance. |
| A2 4720 + Shaker Bundle | Wider DTF transfers, auto powder and cure, heat press large or standard garments. | Larger dedicated workspace — organized production area. | Small print shops, commercial apparel production. |
| G5 DTG + DTF | Load garment for DTG direct printing OR load film for DTF transfers — switch per order. | Standard workspace + garment platen area. | Mixed product businesses, hybrid print studios. |
| UX7 Mini UV DTF | Load hard goods, print UV transfer, auto-laminate, auto-cut, apply to product. | Clean flat workspace for hard goods handling. | Gift shops, sticker brands, packaging creators. |
Budget and Cost Considerations
When comparing printers, do not only look at the printer price. Think about your full startup cost and the type of orders you plan to sell.
Printer Cost
Compare the actual printer-only price against your complete setup cost. XP-2 starts at $1,999 on the currently listed product page; other printers and bundles vary by configuration, offer and stock. Check the product page for the latest price.
Consumables
DTF printing costs approximately $1.50–$2.50 per A3 transfer (film + ink + powder). UV DTF costs vary by transfer size. Budget consumables before pricing your products. Bulk purchasing reduces per-unit cost significantly.
Workspace
Desktop printers still need space for film handling, curing and heat pressing. A shaker dryer or wider-format production system requires a larger organized area. Measure the complete workflow before ordering.
Support & Maintenance
Regular maintenance matters for every DTF printer. XP-1 Pro and XP-2 product pages describe automatic cleaning and white ink circulation. Check each product’s current warranty and support terms before purchasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Printer
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Choosing only by starting price. A lower price can be attractive, but reliability, output quality, long-term support, and workflow fit matter more than the upfront cost alone.
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Buying the wrong printer type for your product. DTF is for apparel and fabric. UV DTF is for hard-surface goods and gifts. Choosing the wrong type means your printer cannot produce what your customers are buying.
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Underestimating workspace requirements. A standalone DTF printer fits on a desk. A shaker dryer bundle, A2 setup, or UV DTF system needs more organized space. Measure your workspace before ordering.
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Not budgeting for consumables. Film, ink, powder, blanks, and packaging should be planned into your budget. DTF consumable cost per shirt is approximately $1.50–$2.50 plus blank garment cost.
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Expecting no maintenance. All DTF printers require regular care — especially white ink management. The XP-2 has auto white ink circulation. The XP-1 Pro has auto maintenance routines. Build 10–15 minutes of daily maintenance into your workflow plan.
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Buying more capacity than you need at the start. The A2 4720 is intended for higher daily production. If you are taking 5 orders a week, consider XP-1 Classic, XP-1 Pro or XP-2 and scale up when order volume justifies it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is XP-1 Classic different from XP-1 Pro and XP-2?
Which Haolic printer is best for a small T-shirt business?
What is the difference between XP-1 Pro and XP-2?
Should I choose DTF or UV DTF?
Do I need a shaker dryer when starting?
What is the difference between an A2 4720 setup and an XP-1 Pro + shaker?
What should I choose for cups, tumblers and stickers?
Where can I see all current Haolic printers?
Find the Right Haolic Printer for Your Business
Explore the current Haolic DTF, UV DTF and hybrid printer range. Compare workflows, space requirements and tested production metrics before choosing.