Cost of Screen Printing vs DTF

When comparing the costs of screen printing versus DTF (Direct To Film), several factors come into play, including setup costs, production volumes, and the type of design. Here's a general breakdown:

Screen Printing

Setup Costs:

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial Setup: Higher due to screen creation and setup labor.

• Per-Unit Cost: Lower, especially for large orders. Economies of scale apply, so the more you print, the lower the cost per unit.

• Design Complexity: Simple designs and fewer colors keep costs lower. Complex, multi-color designs increase costs.

Best For:

• Large runs (typically over 50-100 units).

• Designs with fewer colors or larger areas of solid color.

DTF (Direct To Film)

Setup Costs:

• Transfers: Pre-made designs or custom transfers can be ordered.

• Equipment: Requires a heat press, which is a one-time investment.

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial Setup: Lower setup costs as there’s no need for screens.

• Per-Unit Cost: Higher for small quantities due to the cost of individual transfers. Prices decrease as volume increases but usually not as drastically as screen printing.

• Design Complexity: Ideal for complex designs with many colors or full-color images. The per-unit cost remains relatively stable regardless of complexity.

Best For:

• Small runs or one-off designs.

• Detailed, full-color images or gradients.

Summary

• Screen Printing: More cost-effective for large volumes and simple designs but has higher initial setup costs, but the print will last for years to come.

• DTF (Direct To Film): Better for small quantities and complex designs with more colors, with lower initial setup costs but higher per-unit costs for small orders, and the design usually only last for approximately 30 washes.

Choosing the right method depends on your specific needs regarding quantity, design complexity, and budget.