The DTF Expo 2025 in Mesa, Arizona isn’t your average industry trade show—it’s laser-focused on one thing: direct-to-film printing. If you’re in the garment decoration game or considering a move into DTF, this event is where you get hands-on with the latest printers, automation tools, and software shaping the future of the industry. In this walkthrough, we explore key takeaways from the show, spotlight the best printers on display, and talk about how tools like DecoNetwork are helping serious shops scale without the chaos.
DTF Expo Walkthrough 2025: What’s Different This Year
Unlike events that mix embroidery, DTG, and screen printing under one roof, DTF Expo is 100% dedicated to the direct-to-film printing process. That means more in-depth conversations, focused tech demos, and a deeper dive into the tools that actually matter for DTF shops.
Key highlights from this year’s walkthrough:
- Gen 2 Printers Are the Workhorse of 2025 – Brandon Mills of Total Promotion Company says Gen 2 printers still offer the best return. They’re cost-effective, reliable after initial setup, and give operators full control over ink and environmental factors. “If you can manage your own variables, you’ll beat the performance of even Gen 4 machines,” says Brandon.
- Gen 3 and Gen 4 Printers Focus on Consistency – The new generation of printers compensates for temperature, humidity, and air bubbles using sensors and degassed cartridges. They’re great for plug-and-play users but cost more in the long run—especially when replacing those cartridges.
- Vendors Packed the Show Floor – Epson’s new DTF models, All American Print Supply’s Prestige lineup, and software like Fiery and Gang Sheet Builders were all on display. Special effect films, including holographic and diamond looks from Kern, offered unique ways to stand out in a crowded market.
When DTF Isn’t The Right Tool (And When It’s a Game-Changer)
Despite the buzz, DTF isn’t always the right fit. Understanding when to use it—and when to use something else—is how smart shops stay profitable.
What to know:
- Low-Volume Orders = High Margins – For small runs and custom jobs, DTF is ideal. It’s quick to catch mistakes, the quality is high, and the margins are solid.
- Large Orders = Screen Printing Wins – If you’re printing 2,500+ units with one or two color hits, screen printing is often the smarter move. The per-unit cost and speed can’t be matched by DTF, even with carousel presses.
- Selling Transfers Is Often Smarter Than Printing Them – Many shops buy DTF printers only to return to outsourcing. Brandon shared that some shops in Vegas order transfers from him even after buying their own printers—and then try to sell him their equipment back. If your team isn’t ready to manage maintenance and color accuracy, outsourcing might be the better play.
Why More DTF Print Shops Are Using DecoNetwork in 2025
As DTF printing becomes more competitive, decorators are realizing that running a successful shop takes more than just a good printer and a heat press. You need a system to manage orders, artwork, online stores, and customer communication—without wasting time jumping between apps or spreadsheets. That’s where DecoNetwork comes in.
DecoNetwork is an all-in-one platform designed for print shops, and it’s become especially valuable for DTF businesses looking to grow. With DecoNetwork, you can set up custom-branded online stores, automate quotes and orders, streamline artwork approvals, and manage production workflows in one place. It’s the kind of software that helps you go from handling five orders a day to fifty—without burning out your team or losing track of details.
At the DTF Expo 2025, it was clear that automation is the future of DTF printing. Shops using DecoNetwork are already ahead of the curve, giving customers a better buying experience while improving internal efficiency.
If you’re ready to scale your DTF business with fewer headaches and more control, request a free DecoNetwork demo today.
DTF Expo 2025 Confirms DTF Printing Is Here To Stay
The DTF Expo 2025 made it clear: direct-to-film printing is no longer a trend—it’s the new standard in custom apparel decoration. From cutting-edge printers to automated finishing equipment and software-driven workflows, the industry is evolving fast. The event showcased how DTF is dominating short-run production, driving higher margins, and expanding creative possibilities for decorators across the country.
But success in DTF printing today isn’t just about owning the latest machine—it’s about building smart systems that scale with your business. That’s why more and more top shops use DecoNetwork to centralize order management, streamline artwork approvals, run multiple websites, and support wholesale and retail customers—all from one platform.
