Is there Finally a Clog Free DTF Printer?

Are you on the hunt for a clog-free DTF printer with easy maintenance for your business or t shirt shop? Until recently I would have told you it's not possible.

But after spending some time learning and operating Uninet's new direct to film printer that includes patented auto wet capping to avoid clogs - I may be changing my mind.  Read on to learn more about the Uninet Xpress DTF Printer. 

As you guys know I have a dozen or more DTF printers...they're all pretty high maintenance requiring daily printing to keep the ink flowing and avoid clogs.  White ink, specifically, is a problem child. 

So when a manufacturer claims their DTF printer is different because it's "clog free"... I'm skeptical. 

But the 17" Uninet Xpress has some seriously impressive built-in technology that makes maintenance almost automatic and clogs nearly non existent.  I'm talking auto cleanings, auto maintenance cycles, and even auto wet capping.

Daily maintenance on this is literally under a minute. The machine will beep at you daily to remind you remove the white ink cartridges and shake them for 50 seconds. It will even count down the 50 seconds for you. That's literally it. 

Weekly maintenance takes just five to 10 minutes and involves cleaning the wiper and capping station with a foam swab and solution and applying some grease along the track where the print heads move. 

When the printer is not in use for more than a few hours it goes into auto wet capping mode. This is what makes this printer so unique. Many DTF printers cycle or circulate the ink automatically (dumping ink into the waste tank), but the Uninet Xpress actually keeps the print heads moist for you minimizing wasted ink while preventing clogs.

In addition to the regular CYMKW cartridges, you also have two cleaning cartridges that stay in the printer at all times. When you do a nozzle check, those cartridges actually print so you can confirm the cleaning cartridges are working when in wet capping mode. 

Most DTF printers, if not printed on for days or weeks, would require A LOT of manual maintenance to get back up and running. Admittedly I haven't used the Xpress long term, but Uninet tells me they've left it without printing for more than a week and it fired right up after the weekly maintenance and nozzle checks.  

Here's what I've learned about DTF printers in my years of using, maintaining, and review them..you get what you pay for.  Many transfer print shops will tell you - you HAVE to have more than one DTF printer for no other reason so you can keep printing when one goes down. But I'm not sure that would be the case with the Uninet Xpress.  

You're getting ease of use - just pop the cartridges in, load the roll of film and start to print. You're getting an intuitive UI right at your finger tips on the 7" touch screen. You're getting easy maintenance and the newest technology to avoid clogs.  Basically - you're getting a reliable, easy to use and maintain DTF printer.  

 

With that type of quality comes a five figure price tag. I know, I know.  And if you don't have a shaker and oven, you'll want to bundle an inline system with the printer as well increasing the initial investment.

It's definitely an investment for those serious about printing high quality DTF transfers. Is it "no maintenance"? No printer is truly maintenance-free. But it's definitely LOW maintenance compared to most DTF printers I've used and Uninet's no clogs claims are promising.

You can get your first look at the Uninet Xpress and see how quickly I learned to use it during my visit to Uninet in this video.  I'll also be sharing more on the Uninet DTF Xpress soon including a details look at the daily and weekly printer maintenance. 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine.