Last updated: October 2026 · By the DTF Gears team
A desktop DTF printer like the xTool DTF Apparel Printer or a Procolored K13 Lite is one of the best ways to start a transfer business. But a printer that was perfect at 30 orders a week can quietly cap your income at 300. This guide covers the signs you've outgrown desktop DTF, what an Audley 24-inch commercial DTF printer actually changes, and which model to step up to.
Key takeaways
- Upgrade when your desktop printer runs most of the day, you're turning down gang-sheet or wholesale orders, or hand-powdering has become a full-time job.
- An Audley 2-head 24" printer produces roughly 2–3× the film per hour of a 14" desktop DTF printer, and a 4-head roughly 4–5×.
- Best first upgrade for most shops: Audley S7070-3 2-head + ADL07K12 shaker set, $13,199 (save $1,599).
- Busy production shops: Audley S8074-3 4-head + ADL07K10 shaker set, $18,995 (save $2,503).
- All Audley 24" printers need 220V power. DTF Gears ships free in the USA and offers Clicklease and Synchrony financing.
How do you know you've outgrown your desktop DTF printer?
You've outgrown a desktop DTF printer when demand is limited by your printer, not by your sales. These six signs are the most common:
- Your printer runs all day, and orders still wait. If you're printing late into the evening just to keep up, you're at capacity.
- You're turning down gang-sheet or wholesale jobs. Large transfer orders and 22–24" gang sheets need wider film and more speed than a 13–14" desktop machine offers.
- Hand-powdering is a bottleneck. Shaking and curing powder by hand is fine for a few sheets. At volume it eats hours and causes uneven, rejected transfers.
- Your cost per print isn't dropping. Small ink bottles, short film rolls and slow passes keep each transfer expensive.
- One printer failure stops everything. With no backup, a clogged head means a day of lost sales.
- You've bought a second desktop printer, or you're considering it. Two desktop printers mean double the maintenance for less output than one 24" machine.
Still unsure whether you're ready? Read desktop vs commercial DTF printer: when should your print shop upgrade?
How much more does an Audley 24" DTF printer produce than a desktop printer?
An Audley 2-head 24" printer produces about 2–3 times more film per hour than a 14" desktop DTF printer, on film that's 10 inches wider. A 4-head produces about 4–5 times more.
| Spec | xTool Apparel Printer Plus | Audley S7070-3 (2-head) | Audley S8074-3 (4-head) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print width | 14 in | 24 in (60 cm) | 24 in (60 cm) |
| Printheads | 2 × Epson I1600 | 2 × Epson i3200-A1 | 4 × Epson i3200-A1 |
| Max speed | ~50 sq ft/h | ~150 sq ft/h (4-pass) · ~86 sq ft/h (6-pass) | ~280 sq ft/h (4-pass) · ~194 sq ft/h (6-pass) |
| Powdering | Separate shaker/oven | Matched ADL07K12 shaker & dryer | Matched ADL07K10 automatic shaker |
| Power | Standard outlet | AC 220V | AC 220V |
| Price at DTF Gears | From $5,399 | $8,499, or $13,199 with shaker | $12,499, or $18,995 with shaker |
Speeds are manufacturer maximums and vary with artwork, ink coverage and settings. The xTool figure is xTool's stated approximate maximum. Audley speeds are converted from m²/h.
Wider film matters as much as speed. A 24" roll lets you gang far more designs per pass, which is why most DTF transfer sellers print 22–24" gang sheets. See DTF print width explained: A4 vs A3 vs 24".
Which Audley DTF printer should you upgrade to?
Most desktop owners should start with the Audley S7070-3 2-head set. Choose the S8074-3 4-head set if you already have steady wholesale or gang-sheet demand.
| You have now | Your situation | Upgrade to |
|---|---|---|
| K13 Lite, F13 or another A3 printer | Want automated powdering, not 24" yet | Audley A3 DTF printer + shaker: $5,599 |
| xTool Apparel, K13 Lite or F13 | Running all day, turning down orders | Audley S7070-3 2-head: $13,199 with ADL07K12 shaker |
| Two desktop printers, several designers | Need wireless job sending | Audley 8072-3 Wi-Fi 2-head: $8,900 |
| Any desktop setup | Daily wholesale and gang-sheet orders | Audley S8074-3 4-head: $18,995 with ADL07K10 shaker |
| Already one 24" printer | Selling transfers, multiple shifts | Audley 8076-3 6-head: $24,499 with ADL07K10 shaker |
See every model compared in our Audley 24" DTF printer review, and how buying the printer + shaker sets saves up to $2,503. Browse the full range on our Audley DTF printers page or the Audley DTF printer collection.
What should you do with your old desktop DTF printer?
Keep it. Most shops that upgrade use their desktop printer alongside the 24" line instead of selling it:
- As a backup, so a maintenance day on the big machine doesn't stop orders
- As a sampling and proofing printer for one-offs and customer mock-ups
- As a small-job printer, so the 24" line stays on long production runs
Keep it stocked with the right ink, film and powder from our Shop by Printer page.
What do you need to prepare before an Audley 24" printer arrives?
Plan for 220V power, floor space, RIP software, supplies and a spare printhead before delivery.
- 220V power: Audley 24" printers and powder shakers run on AC 220V. Book an electrician to add a dedicated circuit for each machine.
- Floor space: the printer and shaker sit in a straight line, and packed weights run from 465 to 728 lb for the printers alone. Plan a clear delivery path.
- RIP software: every Audley includes a RIP license. Shops that want advanced gang sheets and color tools often add CADlink Digital Factory V12 Large Format ($799.99), which supports Audley 24" printers. Learn more on our CADlink DTF software page.
- Supplies: each printer ships with starter ink, 4–5 kg of powder and a 100 m roll of 24" film. Reorder with the 24" premium ink + powder + film bundle ($359.99), or browse all DTF supplies.
- A spare printhead: an Epson I3200-A1 printhead ($999) on the shelf avoids downtime. See our replacement printhead guide and all printheads.
Can you finance an Audley DTF printer upgrade?
Yes. Clicklease approves up to $25,000 with no down payment, which covers every Audley set, and Synchrony may offer promotional financing for well-qualified buyers. For the full price list and an example monthly spread, read Audley DTF printer price & financing.
FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from an xTool or Procolored to an Audley?
Yes, if your desktop printer is regularly at capacity. An Audley 24" printer produces several times more film per hour on wider film, and the matched shaker removes hand-powdering.
Which Audley is best for a first commercial DTF printer?
The Audley S7070-3 2-head set ($13,199) for most shops. Choose the S8074-3 4-head set ($18,995) if you already have steady wholesale or gang-sheet demand.
Do Audley DTF printers need special power?
Yes. Audley 24" DTF printers and shakers run on AC 220V, ideally on a dedicated circuit for each machine.
Can I keep using my desktop printer?
Yes. Most shops keep it as a backup, a proofing printer or for small jobs.
Does DTF Gears ship Audley printers free?
Yes. Every Audley printer and set ships free within the USA, with free remote setup and operator training.
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