Since the inception of digital hot stamping (DTF) technology, it has set off a craze in the industry in just 20 years.
The popularity and availability of DTF technology has led to rapid market expansion and increased competition. However, it is this rapid growth that makes us pay more attention to the future development trend of DTF, especially its popularity and profitability potential.

According to the latest report from Keypoint Intelligence, DTF print volumes have seen an astonishing increase in recent years.
In 2022, DTF print volume is expected to be around 190 million square meters, and by 2027, this figure is expected to climb to around 1 billion square meters. From a value perspective, the retail value of the DTF market in 2022 is $2.78 billion, and this figure is expected to surge to $14 billion by 2027.
This growth trend is reflected not only in the increase in printing volume, but also in the rapid expansion of DTF device deployment.

The report points out that in 2022, DTF installations will account for about 44.5% of all DTF, direct injection and transfer installations, and by 2027, this proportion is expected to climb to 64.4%. This means that DTF technology is rapidly dominating the market.

In addition, in 2022, there will be around 9,082 DTF devices in operation worldwide, and by 2027, this number is expected to approach 15,000. These devices are mainly two-headed, while four-headed devices account for about a quarter of the market share.

Why is DTF so popular?

The reason why DTF technology has been able to rise rapidly and gain wide popularity in a short period of time is mainly due to its various advantages.

Easy to learn and master

The printing process is very similar to printing on paper, which enables printers to get started quickly. DTF technology can also be completed in a relatively small space and is applicable to enterprises of almost all sizes. This flexibility and ease of operation make DTF technology the first choice for many enterprises.

Fast printing speed and high turnover efficiency

After film printing is completed, it can be stored and taken out only when transfer printing is needed. This not only enables suppliers to prepare work in advance but also saves time and cost as there is no need for double white or CMYK printing when using other printing methods.

Significant cost-effectiveness

Although films and powders require additional costs, overall DTF is often one of the most cost-effective processes. This allows suppliers of all sizes to benefit and maximize economic benefits.

Wide range of applications

From general garments such as T-shirts, hoodies and sportswear, to interior decoration, DTF technology can be perfectly handled. This wide range of applications makes DTF technology highly competitive in the market.

Can DTF make a profit?

Faced with such a rapid growth trend, people cannot help but ask: Can DTF still become a profitable business? The answer is yes, but the key lies in how to skillfully utilize DTF technology for production and service delivery.

In recent years, the rapid growth of the DTF market has been largely due to the availability of DTF machines in the market. Cost-effective equipment solutions from China make DTF services available for almost any service.

However, this has also led to excessive market saturation and intensified competition. Keypoint Intelligence directly pointed out this problem in the report: The DTF market is still in its infancy, and there is a lot of turmoil among hardware suppliers, which is quite similar to the early development trajectory of DTG (digital direct-to-garment printing).

However, those customers who focus on quality are more inclined to cooperate with enterprises that can provide high-quality services. This requires printing service providers (PSP) to cooperate with excellent brand equipment to ensure printing quality and customer satisfaction.

Compared with DTG, DTF technology is more advantageous in some aspects. For example, DTF printing speed is faster, the cost is lower, and the application range is wider. This makes DTF technology more competitive in the market. However, we should also see the challenges and opportunities faced by DTF technology. Only through continuous innovation and improvement can we ensure that DTF technology maintains its leading position in the future market.