★★★★★
With the help of outstanding guidance, I was able to resolve all my problems. I'm very satisfied and truly glad I chose the full DTF Gears ET-8550/8500 DTF Pro Business Starter Kit.
MID-YEAR MEGA SALE — Exclusive pricing on CADlink DTF Software, ET-8550 DTF Bundle, ProColored DTF Printers, xTool Apparel Printer and eufyMake UV Printer.
by DTF Gears
ET-8550/8500 DTF Pro Starter Kit
- Cadlink Digital Factory 12 RIP Software
- Premium DTF Inks 1L Each
- A3 DTF Transfer Film 100 Sheets
- Premium DTF Powder 1kg
- 30-Min Expert Support
*Epson printer not included
ET-8550 bundle
ET-8550/8500 DTF Pro Business Starter Kit
The professional's way to convert the Epson 8550. Stop drilling holes and running messy external tubes. This kit is designed for the entrepreneur who wants the cleanest setup and the highest quality prints — without the headache of a "DIY look" printer.
$749.00$999.00Save $250
Product code: DTF-8550-StarterKit
Satisfaction guaranteedSecure paymentsSame-day dispatch before 12pm PST
What's inside
Four parts, one working system
Every component is pre-tested against the others on the ET-8550 platform — not assembled from whatever was cheapest that month.
The Brain
CADlink Digital Factory 12
The industry-standard RIP software. This isn't a free workaround — it's a professional-grade solution that precisely manages white ink underbase and enables Roll Mode printing.
The Fuel
Premium DTF Gears ink
Specifically formulated to prevent clogging in the 8550 printheads. Vivid, wash-resistant pigment ink with a wide gamut and deep blacks.
The Foundation
Premium sheets and powder
High-quality A3+ film and high-stretch adhesive powder — the combination that gives you that retail-ready soft feel rather than a stiff plastic patch.
The Safety Net
Expert technical support
You aren't just buying a box of parts. You get direct access to our technical support team for a 30-minute one-on-one session, to set up your CADlink queues and troubleshoot your first prints.
See it working
From unboxing to first transfer
In the box
What's included
1 / 5
Premium DTF inks — 1 litre each (black, white, magenta, yellow, cyan)
Vivid, wash-resistant DTF pigment inks formulated for ET-8550/ET-8500 modified printheads. Delivers a sharp colour gamut, deep blacks and excellent adhesion on cotton, polyester and blended fabrics.
2 / 5
Premium DTF hot-melt powder — 1kg
Fine-grain, low-cure adhesive powder for strong, flexible and wash-durable transfers. Works perfectly with both cold and warm peel films.
3 / 5
Cadlink Digital Factory 12 RIP software
Industry-leading DTF RIP software used by professional print shops worldwide. Precision colour management, white ink underbase control and optimised print queues — the gold standard for DTF output.
4 / 5
Premium double matte cold peel A3 DTF film — 100 sheets
High-release double matte PET film for crisp, detail-perfect transfers. Cold peel design means easy, clean application with zero ghosting or tearing.
5 / 5
30-minute 1-on-1 technical support session
Book a live expert support call to get your printer set up, calibrated and printing perfectly. Ideal for first-time DTF users — no experience required.
Compatible with
- Epson ET-8550
- Epson ET-8500
- Epson L1800
- Epson L805
- Other DTF-modified Epson EcoTank printers
Perfect for
- Custom t-shirt printing
- Garment decoration
- Small business DTF setup
- Home DTF studio
- Print-on-demand businesses
Customer reviews
What buyers say
★★★★★
A great investment — easy to set up, highly practical, and excellent value for the price. The kit delivers exactly what you need to get started with confidence.
★★★★★
Every penny is well spent with this kit. It combines user-friendly operation with reliable, real-world performance and equips you with everything needed to get started with confidence.
Questions
DTF printing FAQs
Getting started with DTF printing
What do I need to start a DTF printing business?
You'll need a compatible Epson EcoTank printer (ET-8550, ET-8500 or XP-15000), a complete DTF starter kit including film, powder, inks and RIP software, a heat press, and a Teflon sheet.
Our starter bundle includes everything except the printer and press, so you can launch quickly with confidence.
Do I need special ink for DTF printing?
Yes. DTF printing requires specially formulated white and CMYK inks. DTF Gears inks are designed for vibrant colours, smooth flow and reliable performance in modified EcoTank printheads.
Software & compatibility
What software is required for DTF printing?
You'll need RIP software like CADlink Digital Factory to manage white ink layers, colour accuracy and print settings for professional results.
Can I use a Mac for DTF printing?
No. You'll need a Windows laptop or Windows desktop PC to run the RIP software for this setup.
Setup & maintenance
How do I set up my DTF printer?
DTF Gears provides detailed setup guides, video tutorials and optional one-on-one support to help you get started quickly and correctly. Your kit includes a 30-minute session with our technical team.
How do I maintain my DTF printer?
Regular maintenance includes daily ink movement, nozzle checks and occasional printhead cleaning. Proper care ensures long-term performance and consistent print quality.
How do I prevent white ink clogging?
Shake white ink daily, print regularly to keep ink flowing, and keep your printer powered on. Perform nozzle checks frequently, clean only when needed, and maintain proper humidity (40–60%) to reduce clogging.
Printing & application
How do I apply a DTF transfer to a shirt?
Print your design on DTF film, apply powder, cure the print, press onto the garment, let it cool, peel, and repress for durability.
Our bundle includes step-by-step instructions for consistent results.
What type of film should I use?
Use high-quality DTF transfer film for strong adhesion and vibrant output. DTF Gears offers premium film tested for professional use.
What fabrics work best for DTF printing?
DTF works on cotton, polyester, blends and more — making it ideal for t-shirts, hoodies and a wide range of apparel.
Everything you need, tested together
One box, one support session, one setup that works on the first try. Still weighing it up? Tell us what you plan to print and we'll tell you straight.
