Introducing the
Pioneer 17 2-Head DTF Printer
The All-in-One Solution for High-Performance DTF Production
The Pioneer 17 2 Head Direct-to Film (DTF) Printer System is engineered for decorators who want industrial-level performance in a compact, easy-to-place machine.
Powered by the industrial EPSON I3200 printhead and capable of handling up to 17" film, the Pioneer 17 2-Head DTF printer delivers faster output, bigger prints, and sharper detail with every run. This printer’s innovative powder retaining system and 1-liter ink tanks keep your shop’s production running longer with fewer interruptions.
Built with Arcus Printers’ durable, space-saving design, a slim profile that fits through standard doorways, and an all-in-one shaker/dryer for automated curing, the Pioneer 17 2-Head is the production-ready solution that takes you from setup to high-performance output without compromise.
High-Speed, High-Resolution, Precision Printing
UP TO
108 sqft/hr
SPEED
UP TO
1800
DPI RESOLUTION
Key Features
Industrial EPSON I3200 Printhead
The dual I3200 printheads deliver high-resolution output with precise #PL droplet sizes and a recessed nozzle plate that resists damage, ensuring faster, sharper, and more reliable printing than competitor models.
High-Speed, Wide-Format Printing
Print up to 108 sqft/hr at production speeds with resolutions up to 720 x 1800 dpi. The 17” film width maximizes nesting capacity and allows for larger, more profitable designs per run.
Innovative Powder Retaining System
A first-of-its-kind retaining rod/axle consistently coats and transfers with adhesive powder while extending unattended operation. Less frequent refills mean fewer workflow interruptions and smoother long-run output.
Large-Capacity Ink Tanks
With onboard 1-liter ink reservoirs, the Pioneer 17 2-Head keeps moving longer between refills, reducing downtime and consumable costs.
Compact, Space-Saving Design
Slim enough to fit through standard doorways and powered by a standard 110v outlet, the Pioneer 17 installs easily in any size shop without costly electrical upgrades or extra floor space.
All-in-One Shaker/Dryer
Unlike entry-level setups that require manual powdering and curing, the integrated shaker/dryer automates the process: applying powder, curing transfers, and rewinding finished rolls for true production-level efficiency.
Precision Media Control
Features like the dancer bar system, powered unwind/rewind, and an anti-static platen design keep media feeding smoothly from start to finish, reducing head strikes, misfeeds, and alignment issues.
Reliability and Uptime Features
Reliability and
Uptime Features
Industrial-Grade Servo Motors:
The Pioneer 17’s heavy-duty motors deliver longer life, greater accuracy, and consistent output, even in high-volume shops.
White Ink Stirring and Recirculation:
This system prevents the titanium dioxide particles in the white pigment from settling, so the white ink moves smoothly through the print head for consistent white coverage.
Wet Mode Preservation:
When you activate the printer’s wet mode from the included Arcus Link Software, you’ll ensure that your nozzles don’t dry or clog when you’re not using the printer or transporting it.
Automatic/Manual Cleaning and Capping:
Programmable head cleaning with auto-lift capping keeps printheads performing at their best, while manual controls give you backup and flexibility for long-term reliability.
Manual Maintenance Station Adjustment:
Easily adjust the maintenance station height to cap printheads during a power outage or access them quickly for service and upkeep.
Easy Access Panels:
Get fast access to critical areas of your printer setup for repair and regular maintenance.
SPECIFICATIONS
General
Printer Type:
Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printer with Integrated Shaker/Dryer
Model:
Pioneer 17 2-Head
Print Head Type:
Epson I3200
Number of Print Heads:
2
Ink Type:
DTF Pigment Ink
Ink Colors:
C / M / Y / K / White
Ink Technology:
Piezoelectric Variable Dot Inkjet
Ink Capacity:
1L onboard bulk tanks
Printing Area:
DTF transfer film up to 17" wide
Max Media Width:
17"
Printable Width:
16.5"
Printing
Supported Printing Modes:
- Color + White layering (variable pass configurations)
Printing Speed:
- Production Mode: Up to 108 sqft/hr
- High-Quality Mode: 75 sqft/hr
- Metric Equivalent: ~5 sqm/hr at 720 × 1800 dpi (Production)
Resolution:
Up to 720 × 1800 dpi (variable 720/1800/2400 dpi, 1–8 passes)
Supported Media
Film Media:
DTF transfer film up to 17" wide
Media Type:
DTF Film
File Format Support:
TIFF, JPEG, PNG, PDF, EPS
Color Configuration:
CMYK + White
Build & Hardware
Industrial Guide Rails:
HWIN imported precision rails for accuracy
Print Platform:
Precision media feed system with dancer bar, powered unwind/rewind, and anti-static platen design
Motion System
X-Axis:
180W Leadshine servo motor
Y-Axis:
Industrial-grade stepper motor
Film Control
Rubber Roller Film Advance:
Yes
Motorized Unwind:
Yes
Tension/Dancer Bar for Unwind:
Yes
Ink System
White Ink Recirculation:
Yes (prevents pigment settling for smooth flow)
Ink Level & Low Ink Warning System:
Yes (bulk + subtanks)
Curing & Vacuum System
Pre-Powder Heated Platen:
Removes moisture, cures ink before powder application
Powder Application & Curing:
All-in-one shaker/dryer with adjustable curing bed speed and temperature controls
Powder Catch Tray:
Yes
Powder Retention System While on Film:
Yes
Heating Elements:
High-quality IR heaters within the shaker
Air Management
Air Fume Extraction:
External
Air Filtration Type:
Filter
Complimentary Air Purifier/Fume Extractor Included
Software & Compatibility
RIP Software:
Arcus RIP DTF
Color Control:
ICC color management with adjustable curves/density
Machine Control Software:
ArcusLink for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and wet mode preservation
Dimensions & Power
Equipment Size:
50.4″ L × 40.2″ W × 25.6″ H (128 × 102 × 65 cm)
Packaging Size:
63″ L × 29.9″ W × 28″ H (160 × 76 × 71 cm)
Weight:
242.5 lbs.
Shaker Size:
50.4″ L × 26.8″ W × 30.7″ H (128 × 68 × 78 cm)
Shaker Crated Size:
65.4″ L × 30.7″ W × 39.8″ H (166 × 78 × 101 cm)
Shaker Weight:
242.5 lbs.
Shaker Crated Weight:
265 lbs.
System Weight (Printer + Shaker):
485 lbs.
Operating Voltage:
110V, single-phase (standard outlet)
Power Consumption:
3.4 kW total (Printer: 1.5 kW / 13.6A, Shaker: 1.9 kW / 17.3A)
Operating Environment
Temperature:
68–86°F
Humidity:
40%–60%
Safety Features
Carriage Collision Stop Sensor:
Protects print heads
Arcus DTF Printer Regular Maintenance Walkthrough Videos
Cleaning Wiper Blades and Capping Station
Performing a Nozzle Check
Head Cleaning
Using the Media Guide
Bleeding the White Ink Filter
Wet Mode
Cleaning Head Ramps
Cleaning Guide Rail and Encoder Strip
Clamp/Unclamp Ink Supply Lines
