Best A2 (17-Inch) DTF Printers Without a Shaker - What to Know Before You Buy

Question:
I watched your video "InkSonic C13A DTF Printer Unboxing & Setup Tutorial | Can This Printer Make Awesome T-Shirts?" and wanted to ask if you can recommend a DTF printer that's A2 size (17 inches wide), uses a double L1600 1A printhead, and doesn't require a shaker.
(Watch the video on YouTube)

Answer:

Now, regarding your question-when it comes to A2-sized (17-inch wide) DTF printers that use a dual L1600 1A printhead configuration and do not require an automatic powder shaker, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Model Recommendation
   From my own experience, I've had good results using DTF printers from Fcolor. Their equipment has been generally reliable and offers a solid balance between print quality and affordability. You can explore their available models on their official page: Fcolor DTF Printer Series (https://www.fcolor.com.cn/products2120904/dtf-printer.htm).

2. What to Expect with Dual L1600 1A Printheads
   The L1600 (also known as Epson I1600-A1) printhead is a high-speed, piezoelectric printhead that delivers fine detail and vibrant colors. Using two of these printheads allows for faster production-often with one printhead dedicated to white ink and the other for CMYK. However, proper alignment and consistent head maintenance are critical for optimal print results.

3. No Shaker System Considerations
   Since you mentioned preferring a system without a shaker, you'll need to manually apply the DTF adhesive powder. While this keeps costs lower and simplifies setup, it also means you'll be handling powder manually and curing film manually with a heat press or oven. This method works well for small-scale or on-demand printing, but for medium to large production runs, an integrated shaker saves a lot of time and ensures even coating.

4. Printer Size and Film Compatibility
   An A2 (17-inch) printer is an excellent middle ground-it's wide enough for apparel designs like T-shirts and hoodies but doesn't take up as much space as a 24-inch (A1) unit. Make sure to source high-quality A2 DTF film rolls and compatible DTF inks, as subpar materials can cause nozzle clogging or poor transfer adhesion.

5. Maintenance and Support
   DTF systems, especially ones using Epson-based printheads, require daily or near-daily maintenance. This includes capping station cleaning, regular white ink circulation, and humidity control around the printer. While brands like Fcolor offer decent technical documentation, ensure that your supplier provides parts availability and after-sales support.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer dropped off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific components, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we recognize that our rates might not be the most economical. That's why we highly encourage you to explore self-help resources online. You can begin by visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search icon next to "About" to find videos related to DTF printers, capping stations, and printhead care. YouTube may also suggest other relevant videos from different creators that could help with your setup.

Thank you again for your thoughtful question and for being part of our community. We truly appreciate your support-it motivates us to keep providing practical guidance to printer owners everywhere.