DIY laser engraving company xTool has made a successful entry into the Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing market with its new Apparel Printer. The device, which enables users to create custom garments with ease, has generated strong support on Kickstarter, raising approximately $4 million from more than 689 backers.
The crowdfunding campaign met its initial funding goal within just 1.5 hours, highlighting significant demand for an accessible and efficient apparel printing solution. The company is now preparing for a global launch, with the printer set to be available worldwide from 11 April.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Traditional DTF printing has been associated with complex setup requirements, limited fabric compatibility, and time-consuming maintenance. xTool’s research identified these as major pain points for users, prompting the company to develop a more user-friendly alternative.
“Our users love apparel printing but are frustrated by existing options,” said Jasen Wang, founder and CEO of xTool. “With the xTool Apparel Printer, anyone can create custom apparel instantly—just like printing a document at home.”
The printer features one-click operation and supports a wide range of materials, including cotton, leather, polyester, and spandex. Additionally, it offers automatic maintenance, eliminating the need for manual nozzle cleaning, a common issue in traditional models.
High-Precision Printing Technology
xTool’s latest innovation integrates industrial-grade technology to enhance print quality. The Apparel Printer is equipped with an Epson I1600 Dual Head, a high-end print head typically found in DTF printers costing over $10,000.
“To achieve exceptional colour accuracy, we equipped it with an industrial-grade print head,” said Howie Zhu, Product Director at xTool. “Combined with a 16MP AI Smart Camera for automatic calibration, the system ensures precision from the very first print.”
The printer is supported by xTool’s Creative Space software, which allows users to refine designs, enhance images, and optimise layouts. This integrated approach is aimed at making professional garment customisation more accessible to businesses, designers, and hobbyists.
Public Debut and Market Expansion
With over 500,000 users having already customised more than 80 million creative projects, xTool is expanding its reach into the apparel customisation sector.
The printer will make its first public appearance at the Retail Technology Show in London on 2 April, where attendees will have the opportunity to see it in action at Booth Q58. The official global launch will follow on 11 April, with the printer becoming available for purchase through xTool’s website.
As the company moves forward, its success in the crowdfunding space suggests strong potential for growth in the apparel printing market. By simplifying the printing process and incorporating advanced technology, xTool aims to make high-quality garment customisation more accessible to a wider audience.