Shopping for a DTF printer and comparing the xTool Apparel Printer to the DTF Starr? Both print direct-to-film for apparel. Here’s an honest, side-by-side look so you can choose the right machine for your shop.
The Printheads (the biggest difference)
The DTF Starr uses genuine Epson i3200 industrial printheads — the workhorse heads built for high-volume, all-day production and long service life. The xTool Apparel Printer uses Epson i1600 heads, a smaller desktop-class printhead. For a shop that runs constantly, the i3200 is the more durable, production-grade choice.
Print Width
The DTF Starr comes in 12″ and 24″ widths; the 24″ is ideal for oversized designs and dense gang sheets. The xTool Apparel Printer prints at 14″. If you want maximum print area and throughput, the 24″ DTF Starr has the edge.
All-in-One Shaker & Oven
xTool’s pitch is an integrated automatic shaker + oven that powders and cures for you — genuinely convenient for beginners who want a hands-off bulk workflow. If you’d like a shaker/oven with your DTF Starr, ask us about a matching setup.
One thing to know: the integrated shaker/oven automates the powder and curing steps — but you still heat-press every transfer onto the shirt either way. The “44 shirts/hour” figure is transfer production, not finished garments. Neither machine removes the heat-press step, so the real differences come down to printheads, width, support, and price.
Support, Warranty & Training
Every DTF Starr includes onsite setup and training, a 1-year warranty (printheads included), DTF University access, and real US-based support — plus financing. A machine is only as good as the team behind it.
Side by Side
| xTool Apparel | DTF Starr 12″ | DTF Starr 24″ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printheads | Epson i1600 (dual) | Epson i3200 (2) | Epson i3200 (4) |
| Print width | 14″ | 12″ | 24″ |
| Powder/cure | Integrated shaker+oven | Modular | Modular |
| Support | Standard | US-based + onsite training | US-based + onsite training |
Running Costs
Both machines are DTF, so the per-transfer consumable cost is similar — roughly $0.50–$1.00 in ink, powder, and film, spread across a gang sheet. The costs that actually diverge over time are printhead life (industrial i3200 vs. desktop i1600) and the price of replacement heads — which is why production shops weigh printhead grade heavily, not just the ink bill.
Bottom Line
For production, printhead longevity, wide-format output, and hands-on US support, the DTF Starr is built to run your business for years. See the DTF Starr 12″ and 24″ → or read our full printer comparison.
