2026 Printing Industry Trends: A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing DTG, DTF and UV Printers
2026-01-14
As we move into 2026, the printing industry is not only evolving technologically — the way customers buy and use printing equipment is also changing. If you are considering investing in a DTG printer, DTF printer or UV printer, these trends will directly influence your business decisions, profit model and customer base.
This article looks at the 2026 printing industry from the buyer’s perspective, not from the supplier’s point of view — focusing on what really matters when you plan to start or expand a custom printing business.
Trend 1: Customers are more willing to pay for personalization
The strongest driver in 2026 is consumer behavior.
End customers increasingly want:
personalized T-shirts
name-engraved bottles and mugs
custom wedding and event gifts
team uniforms in small batches
print-on-demand merchandise for online stores
Instead of mass production, customers now prefer:
small batch + fast delivery + unique designs
For buyers of DTG / DTF / UV machines, this means:
your printer should support one-piece printing
switching designs should be fast and simple
you should easily handle short runs and on-demand jobs
This is why DTG printers, DTF printers and small UV flatbed printers are expected to grow significantly in 2026.
Trend 2: Buyers care less about machine price, more about profit model
In previous years, buyers mainly asked:
“How much does the printer cost?”
In 2026, experienced users are asking:
“What can I earn with this printer?”“What products sell best in my market?”“How fast can I recover my investment?”
When choosing a DTG, DTF or UV printer, buyers now evaluate:
product profit margin
local or online market demand
turnaround time and workload
long-term customer retention
compatibility with print-on-demand platforms
Trend 3: Maintenance cost matters more than purchase price
A key 2026 mindset shift:
Purchase price is one-timeMaintenance cost is continuous
Buyers are paying close attention to:
white ink sedimentation
automatic circulation systems
nozzle clogging risk
ink consumption rates
spare part availability
downtime & cleaning complexity
For many users of DTF and DTG printers, white ink management has become the real deciding factor.
In 2026, buyers will prioritize:
✔ easy maintenance✔ automated cleaning✔ stable white ink circulation✔ reliable color management
because downtime = lost orders.
Trend 4: Multi-application capability beats single-function machines
More buyers don't want to do only one business model anymore.
They prefer equipment that can print:
T-shirts and hoodies
tote bags and fabric
mugs, bottles and cups
acrylic, wood and phone cases
promotional gifts & corporate merchandise
So instead of a single-purpose machine, customers now prefer:
DTF printers for versatile fabric applicationsDTG printers for premium cotton apparelUV printers for rigid materials and cylindrical bottles
In 2026, the winning machines will be those that help buyers:
✔ expand application range✔ enter multiple markets✔ serve more customer groups
Trend 5: Faster delivery wins orders
In the era of e-commerce, live selling and cross-border shops, customers expect:
same-day design
same-day printing
fast shipping
Therefore, buyers are searching for printers that provide:
stable continuous printing
quick job changeover
minimal downtime
automated calibration
reliable color consistency
If your DTG/DTF/UV printer is unstable, you may lose:
❌ online ratings❌ repeat customers❌ time-sensitive orders
In 2026, speed + reliability will be as important as image quality.
Trend 6: More buyers are choosing Chinese printers over high-priced Western brands
From a buyer viewpoint, the reason is simple:
✔ similar functionality✔ significantly lower price✔ better accessibility of spare parts✔ quicker technical response✔ machine options for every business size
As technology matures, the gap between premium brands and Chinese manufacturers reduces — but the price gap remains wide.
So in 2026 more customers are:
✔moving away from only European & US high-end printers✔ considering reliable Chinese DTG, DTF and UV printers✔ prioritizing value for money and after-sales support
Practical Advice for Printer Buyers in 2026
Before investing, ask yourself:
1. What market do I want to serve?
apparel customization
corporate gifts
home decor
bottle and cylindrical printing
online POD store
2. What is my expected return period?
Estimate:
machine cost
ink + maintenance
monthly orders
price per job
3. Which technology fits my business?
If you focus on
Consider
Premium cotton apparel
DTG printer
Multiple fabircs, transfer film
DTF printer
Hard materials, bottles
UV printer
Conclusion
From a customer’s perspective, 2026 printing trends can be summarized as:
personalization replaces mass production
profit model matters more than equipment price
fast delivery and easy maintenance win orders
multi-application capability beats single-purpose machines
Chinese printers continue global expansion
If you are planning to start or upgrade a custom printing business in 2026, understanding these trends will help you choose the right machine.
View More
10 Chinese DTG Printer Brands Worth Watching in 2026
2026-01-12
As the custom apparel and on-demand printing market continues to expand rapidly, Chinese manufacturers of DTG/DTF/UV printers are becoming increasingly competitive both domestically and internationally. Below are 10 brands worth watching in 2026.
1. Novi
Novi is a rising name in garment printing equipment, offering robust DTG and hybrid printing solutions with strong output quality and reliable performance — ideal for custom apparel and garment studios.
2. Sublistar
Sublistar’s product line spans DTF, DTG and hybrid printers suitable for textile applications and promotional customization. Their flexible machines cater to both startups and established print shops.
3. Meitu
Meitu produces a wide range of digital printing machines, including DTG and transfer solutions, focused on multi-material compatibility and color fidelity for apparel and merchandise printing.
4. RippleColor Industrial Co., Ltd.
RippleColor brings decades of experience in digital print technology. Their offerings include DTG-ready digital printing systems that bridge garment printing with broader customization workflows.
5. Suncometech
Suncome Tech specializes in DTG and DTF printers, along with UV solutions, geared toward POD (print-on-demand) apparel and product printing. Their machines support industrial-grade performance with efficient workflows.
6. Elephant
Elephant offers sublimation and textile digital printing solutions, including systems tailored for fabric and transfer applications at competitive price points.
7. Fuxin Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
Fuxin produces DTG, DTF, and other garment printing machines, serving a global customer base with flexible solutions suitable for apparel workshops and print studios.
8. Shenlan Digital Equipment Co., Ltd.
Shenlan offers a broad range of digital textile and garment printing products. Their DTG/DTF systems are designed to handle higher production volumes and demanding workflows.
9. Jingtong Industry (Guangzhou)
Jingtong supplies garment printers and multifunction digital printing solutions, serving small and mid-scaled customization businesses with balanced performance and cost.
10. Big-Color
Big-Color’s DTG/DTF solutions focus on ease of use, technical support, and cost efficiency, appealing especially to small and medium-sized apparel printing operations.
Why These Brands Matter in 2026
Customization & POD Growth — More brands and print shops are adopting DTG and DTF for on-demand apparel production, allowing low-volume, high-value orders.
Chinese Manufacturing Competitiveness — These brands combine competitive pricing with improving performance and after-sales capabilities, making them attractive to global buyers.
Diverse Options — Whether you’re a startup or a larger workshop, there are machines from these brands ranging from entry level to industrial grade — helping you optimize production scale and profit.
Tips for Selecting DTG/DTF/Printing Brands in 2026
✔ Check global support & parts availability — Crucial for long-term operations.✔ Review sample print quality first — High color fidelity and detail matter for apparel.✔ Match machine features to your workflow — Dual partition systems, white ink support, and RIP compatibility are key features to consider.
Brand
Main Products
Advantages / Highlights
Novi
DTG printers, DTF printers
Strong R&D capability, good cost-performance, flexible customization, stable printing quality
Sublistar
DTG, DTF, sublimation printers, heat transfer solutions
Wide product range, good overseas service network, rich application solutions
Meitu
DTG, DTF, eco-solvent and UV printers
Mature manufacturing experience, strong compatibility with diverse materials, industrial-grade options
Suncome Tech
DTG & DTF printers, UV printers
Focus on apparel & textile customization, good white-ink handling, stable continuous printing
Elephant
Textile digital printers, sublimation systems, DTF solutions
Competitive pricing, suitable for startups, simple operation
RippleColor
DTG-capable digital printing systems, industrial inkjet equipment
Long industry experience, reliable hardware platform, broad customization support
View More
Why DTG Printers Are a Better Fit for Today’s Custom Printing Market
2025-12-23
The custom apparel industry is evolving fast. Consumers now expect personalized products, fast delivery, and premium quality, all without large minimum orders. In this environment, DTG (Direct to Garment) printing has become one of the most future-proof solutions for modern print businesses.
Unlike traditional screen printing, DTG requires no screens, no plate-making, and virtually no setup time. Designs go directly from your computer to the garment, allowing you to switch graphics instantly without stopping production.
There is also no minimum order quantity—whether you print a single custom T-shirt or a batch of one hundred, the workflow remains the same. This flexibility dramatically reduces upfront costs, inventory pressure, and material waste.
Thanks to this on-demand nature, DTG is especially well-suited for print-on-demand businesses, online apparel brands, and local print studios that handle frequent small orders, personalized designs, seasonal drops, or rapid product testing.
Another key reason DTG fits today’s market is design complexity. Modern customers want photo-quality graphics, smooth gradients, and fine details. DTG printers spray water-based ink directly into the fabric fibers, delivering soft-touch prints that look and feel premium—especially on cotton garments.
Speed is also critical. DTG allows rapid order switching and fast turnaround, helping businesses respond instantly to trending designs, viral content, or seasonal demand. No waiting, no wasted inventory.
Finally, DTG supports a wide product range beyond T-shirts: hoodies, tote bags, aprons, fabric banners, pillowcases, and more. This flexibility helps brands expand their offerings without adding extra equipment.
As customization continues to dominate retail, DTG printers offer the perfect balance of quality, speed, and flexibility, making them an ideal choice for businesses growing in today’s on-demand economy.
In addition, we offer OEM and ODM services to support brands and entrepreneurs looking to build a distinctive identity. From custom logos and UI interfaces to selected functional modules and hardware details, our DTG printers can be tailored to your specific needs. As a source manufacturer, we ensure stable quality, consistent performance, and reliable long-term support—helping you launch and scale your custom printing business with confidence.
View More
In-Depth Analysis: 5 Common Myths About UV Printers — And the Truth Behind Them
2025-12-19
As customization, short-run production, and fast delivery become the new norm in manufacturing, UV printers (UV printing machines) are gaining widespread attention across industries such as signage, packaging, promotional products, electronics, and personalized manufacturing.
However, during real-world consultations, we still find that many buyers evaluate UV printing based on outdated assumptions or incomplete information. These misconceptions often lead to missed opportunities or incorrect equipment decisions.
In this article, we break down five of the most common myths about UV printers, using technical facts and production logic to help you clearly understand what modern UV printing can — and cannot — do.
Myth 1: UV Printing Is Less Precise Than Traditional Printing Methods
Truth: Modern UV Printing Has Entered the Micron-Level Precision Era
Early-generation UV printers did have limitations in accuracy and dot control. But with continuous advancements in printhead technology, motion control systems, and RIP software, today’s industrial UV printers deliver outstanding precision.
Physical resolution: 1200–2400 DPI
Minimum droplet size: 3–4 picoliters (1 picoliter = 10⁻¹² liters)
To put this into perspective, a single ink droplet can be smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Combined with high-rigidity platforms and advanced image processing, UV printing now excels at:
Fine text and micro details
Smooth color gradients
Complex, high-resolution graphics
In applications such as electronic labels, premium branding elements, and high-value decorative products, UV printing often surpasses the practical precision limits of screen printing and heat transfer printing.
Myth 2: UV Printers Are Too Slow for Mass or Batch Production
Truth: Production Efficiency Must Be Measured End-to-End
If we only compare raw print speed, UV printers may appear slower than traditional high-speed presses. But true production efficiency is determined by the entire workflow, not just the printing pass.
UV printing eliminates multiple time-consuming steps:
No plate making
No color mixing
No drying or post-curing delays
This enables a true “file-in, finished-product-out” digital workflow.
For orders under 500 units, UV printing typically achieves 2–3× higher overall efficiency than traditional methods. Moreover, modern UV printers now feature:
Multi-printhead arrays
Parallel ink channel output
Automatic feeding and positioning systems
In high-output configurations, production speeds can exceed 100 square meters per hour, making UV printing highly suitable for small to medium batch production with tight delivery schedules.
Myth 3: UV Printing Is Too Expensive to Be Cost-Effective
Truth: Total Production Cost Is Often Lower
Many buyers focus solely on the price of UV ink and compare it directly with conventional inks. This approach overlooks the total cost of ownership and production.
When evaluated holistically, UV printing offers clear cost advantages:
No plate costs: Ideal for short runs and customized orders
Fewer intermediate processes: No laminating or varnishing required
Direct-to-material printing: Reduces surface pre-treatment expenses
Low waste rate: Typically under 5% due to precise digital control
Inventory optimization: On-demand production reduces stock pressure
In practice, for customized orders under 100 units, UV printing can reduce total production costs by 30–50% compared to traditional printing processes.
Myth 4: UV Printing Is Limited to Flat Surfaces
Truth: 3D and Curved Surface Printing Is Now Standard
While early UV printers were designed mainly for flat substrates, technological breakthroughs have significantly expanded their capabilities:
White ink layering: Enables embossed and 3D effects ranging from 0.3–1 mm, widely used in premium signage and creative products
Curved surface printing: With rotary fixtures, 3D vision systems, or mechanical tracking, UV printers can print directly on cylindrical and curved objects
Variable thickness compensation: Software automatically adjusts jetting parameters to ensure consistent quality on uneven surfaces
From wine bottles and tumblers to helmets and home appliance panels, UV printing has long moved beyond the limits of flatbed-only applications.
Myth 5: UV Printed Products Lack Durability
Truth: Industrial UV Printing Delivers Excellent Durability and Weather Resistance
It is true that some entry-level UV inks may have limited outdoor performance. However, industrial-grade UV inks and curing systems are designed for demanding environments and have passed rigorous testing:
UV resistance: 3–5 years of outdoor durability without significant fading (with weather-resistant inks)
Abrasion resistance: Surface hardness of 4–5H (pencil hardness) after curing
Chemical resistance: Withstands alcohol and common cleaning agents
Wide temperature tolerance: Stable performance from -20°C to 80°C
With proper ink selection, substrate matching, and optional protective coatings, UV printed products are suitable for both indoor and outdoor long-term use.
Final Thoughts: Let Data — Not Assumptions — Guide Your UV Printing Decisions
The true value of technology lies in solving real production challenges, not in reinforcing outdated perceptions. UV printing is a continuously evolving digital printing technology, and its application boundaries continue to expand.
For businesses considering equipment upgrades or process transformation, we recommend:
Testing based on real materials and applications
Evaluating total production efficiency and cost
Making decisions driven by data, not assumptions
In a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape, maintaining an objective, informed understanding of UV printing technology is itself a long-term competitive advantage.
View More
From A3 Desktop to 60cm DTF — The Upgrade That Scales Your POD Business
2025-12-12
Print-on-demand apparel is booming. Thousands of small studios and indie brands are printing their own T-shirts, tote bags, hoodies and fan merch every day. Most beginners choose A3 desktop DTF printers — usually around 30cm width. They’re small, affordable, and easy for entry-level use.
But there’s a problem everyone eventually meets:
30cm desktop DTF requires manual powder spreading and separate oven curing.It’s fine for hobby printing, but once orders grow, the process becomes slow, messy, and labor-heavy. Scaling production isn’t easy.
That’s why more POD sellers are upgrading to 60cm DTF.
Our 60cm DTF — Faster, Cleaner, Made for Real Production
Instead of manual steps, our machine is built for efficiency and long-run output:
• 60cm print width — double the productivity of A3• Automatic powder shaking + drying + curing in one pass• No manual coating, no baking oven, no workflow interruption• Imported Brother printhead for high resolution & smooth gradients• Clean edges, brilliant color, durable stretch-safe transfers
This all-in-one structure means faster turnaround, stable quality, and true batch production, perfect for growing POD businesses.
Direct Factory Supply — OEM/ODM Supported
We are the original manufacturer, not a reseller.You get reliable quality, factory price, and direct technical support.
Need your own look, customized modules, or brand identity?We support OEM/ODM, helping you build equipment that truly fits your business and strengthens market competitiveness.
If you’re ready to move from small-volume A3 printing to real production capability, our 60cm all-in-one DTF is the upgrade that takes your business forward. DM for details or samples anytime.
View More

