If you've been wondering whether you should bring direct-to-film or UV DTF printing, in-house, get ready to discover how Twisted Image Transfers went from battling costly setbacks and labor shortages to thriving with Arcus Printers DTF and UV DTF printer setups.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into owner Jennifer Trost’s challenges—including a $150,000 loss with unreliable equipment—and how finding the right DTF and UV DTF setup transformed her business into a $1.2 million shop.
From cutting production time and costs to expanding into new markets, see how Arcus Printers, a division of Axiom America, delivered flexibility, profit, and peace of mind for Trost's company.
Whether you're a seasoned decorator or just starting out, these insights could be the game-changer your shop needs.
Q. Why did you decide to bring DTF transfer production in-house?
We started printing with DTF in 2021. Our sister company offers screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products. Finding reliable employees to help in our screen-printing department during the pandemic was tough. DTF was a new technology that allowed us to eliminate the process of screen printing. We started with a different manufacturer, but that could have gone better.
I've known Axiom Director of Technology Rick Marcelo for years. So before giving up on the DTF concept, I asked if he could help us purchase more reliable equipment with a better support system than we had in our first experience.
At the time, I learned that Axiom America and Arcus Printers offered DTF equipment. After lengthy conversations and consideration, in 2023 we purchased our first printer from Arcus, the Pioneer 24 4-Head DTF Printer System.
Q. What are some of the benefits you've achieved from bringing DTF production in-house? Any drawbacks?
DTF offers a lot of flexibility with no minimums. Traditional screen printing usually requires higher minimums because of the lengthy setup process, including color separations, burning screens, registering, and printing. DTF eliminates all those steps, making it faster and more efficient.
Plus, DTF can be used on all garment types, unlike sublimation, which is limited to polyester, and direct-to-garment printing, which also has fabric limitations. With no minimums and quicker production, DTF is a game-changer!
For us and our end-users, DTF technology removes the challenge of rush jobs. It leads to higher profits with less labor, a smaller footprint, and fewer consumables. Additionally, the ability to sell online opens up a massive market for printers, allowing us to expand beyond our local area.
In a nutshell, DTF allows businesses to create durable, full-color, and vibrant transfers for any occasion. For the end-user, all that's needed is a heat press. It offers faster turnaround times, cost efficiency, and easy application.
Q. How has Arcus Printers supported your business as you brought this equipment in-house?
Our story is a little different from most. As mentioned, we started with another manufacturer and lost $150,000 in our first year financially. Despite the challenges, we knew this technology had tremendous potential, and our target market was eager for this product. We weren’t ready to give up. The first year was tough with our initial manufacturer, but everything changed once we established our relationship with Axiom.
Honestly, Axiom has been outstanding. Not only did they deliver, install, and train us on our new printers, but their support has also been exceptional. The printers come with more features than we’ve seen elsewhere, and their technicians bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, always eager to help. We credit much of our success to Axiom's dedication and commitment to us.
Q. You also purchased an Arcus Monarch 24 UV DTF Printing System. Why did you also decide to bring UV DTF transfer production in-house? Did you experience any challenges?
Our target market wanted a "decal" that offered more permanence than a traditional sticker. This application can be used on almost anything besides apparel. We’ve seen it used for cup wraps and school athletic equipment like helmets, boats, and more.
This approach also eliminates the need to cut vinyl, which can be costly and time-consuming. This definitely makes us a one-stop shop, especially for our “crafter” customers, as it lowers the expense of having to stock many different substrates and all the popular colors.
There were absolutely no challenges! The Monarch 24 UV DTF Printing System's engineering is exceptional, making it incredibly easy to operate. Maintenance is minimal, which means less downtime and more productivity. Overall, this is a no-brainer moneymaker for our business.
Q. What was your experience like investing in a UV DTF printer?
After our experience purchasing several DTF printers from Axiom, choosing the Arcus UV DTF printer was easy. It truly is, hands down, the best option available.
Switching to Arcus DTF and UV DTF printers marked a significant turning point for our print shop, demonstrating just how transformative the right technology and support can be. What began as a high-stakes gamble has become a streamlined, profitable operation that’s now better equipped to meet customer demands, expand our product offerings, and scale without the usual production headaches.
For any print shop owner considering DTF, our story proves that the right partnership can save you from costly pitfalls while opening new avenues for growth and creativity. If you're ready to take the leap, Arcus Printers might just be the solution your business has been waiting for.
Q. How would you describe your overall customer experience with Axiom America?
Axiom consistently strives to educate and evolve by listening to us and understanding the industry's demands. They’re open to learning from customers who use these machines on a high production level daily. They're an honest company that genuinely looks out for their customers’ best interests. Axiom believes our success is their success, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking to invest in DTF and UV DTF equipment.
I’m passionate about this industry and know that making uninformed decisions could jeopardize a business's financial stability. If I can help others avoid the struggles I faced before working with Axiom, it’s worth it. Our partnership with Axiom has also allowed us to build a network of printers who can rely on each other in emergencies, creating a strong community.
Get Started Today
Interested in adding DTF or UV DTF printing to your shop? Contact Arcus Printers at (336) 882-8729 for a personalized consultation to find the ideal setup for your business. Our team can guide you through equipment options, printing capabilities, and everything you need to get started!
