A new A3 DTF printer from AM.CO.ZA aims to make Direct to Film printing more accessible for small businesses, freelancers, and home-based entrepreneurs in South Africa, providing an affordable and efficient entry point into custom garment and merchandise printing.
-- AM.CO.ZA has introduced a compact A3 Direct to Film (DTF) printer aimed at providing small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs with accessible entry into the expanding custom printing market.
The newly launched A3 DTF printer is designed to help entrepreneurs produce high-quality prints on a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, leather, and nylon. With support for both manual and automatic powdering workflows, the printer offers a flexible solution for businesses looking to adopt DTF printing without high startup costs.
"This A3 DTF model is a direct response to the needs of local creators and small businesses," said Eric Yin, founder of AM.CO.ZA. "We wanted to deliver an option that balances affordability, performance, and simplicity. Our goal is to lower the entry barrier into garment printing."
DTF printing, which transfers full-color designs to film and then onto garments or other surfaces, has gained traction globally for its ability to handle diverse fabric types without the complexities of traditional screen printing or vinyl cutting. The process includes printing on DTF films, applying DTF adhesive powder, curing the film, and pressing it onto the substrate.
The A3 DTF printer features an EPSON XP600 printhead and includes InkRIP™ software for color management and ink optimization. With a 300mm printing width, bi-directional printing, and a continuous ink supply system, the unit is engineered to prevent pigment settlement, especially when handling white DTF inks. These features cater to the demands of both short-run orders and on-demand customization.
Use cases include custom apparel such as T-shirts, tote bags, uniforms, and branded merchandise. The A3 format allows smaller batch production without the space requirements of large-format printers. That size efficiency, along with its compatibility with DTF films and inks available locally, is what makes the printer particularly suitable for freelancers and emerging entrepreneurs.
"We're helping individuals and micro-businesses take charge of their production," Yin said. "Rather than rely on outsourced services or imported equipment, they can now manage printing operations in-house, which improves turnaround time and supports business growth."
In South Africa, where import costs and delivery timelines often pose challenges for small enterprises, AM.CO.ZA's locally available solutions provide a viable alternative. The company has positioned the A3 DTF printer to meet demand in both metropolitan and rural areas by offering support, consumables, and training through its network.
Recent interest in print-on-demand services has grown, driven by shifts in consumer preferences and greater demand for customized products. With more people seeking side businesses or ways to expand existing offerings, DTF printers have emerged as a solution to meet that demand. The printer supports a broad range of DTF films and DTF inks, available from AM.CO.ZA's Buythis online store.
"We believe that the availability of A3 DTF printers within South Africa will allow more people to explore product creation and build niche brands," said Yin. "Our customers include freelancers, crafters, and even visual artists who want to turn their designs into marketable items."
The printer is sold through AM.CO.ZA's dedicated product site, https://a3dtf.co.za, with options for manual or automatic powdering ovens. Bundled packages include setup assistance and training, and AM.CO.ZA also provides remote technical support for troubleshooting and maintenance. Customers can purchase compatible DTF inks, DTF films, and powder directly through the Buythis platform, enabling them to manage the entire printing process within a single ecosystem.
The printer's launch aligns with a broader strategy to support self-employment and business creation across the country. By focusing on reliability and ease of use, AM.CO.ZA aims to make the transition into DTF printing smoother for those unfamiliar with the technology.
"We see ourselves as partners in our customers' success," Yin added. "The equipment is only one part. What matters just as much is the long-term support and access to materials."
While AM.CO.ZA has long provided printing and manufacturing equipment to medium-sized businesses, this A3 DTF model represents a shift toward enabling the micro-enterprise market. It reflects the company’s view that sustainable local manufacturing and creative entrepreneurship are essential to long-term economic resilience.
DTF printers, especially compact models like this one, are part of a trend toward decentralizing production and allowing smaller operators to respond quickly to market demands. As DTF printing continues to evolve, machines tailored for efficiency and usability — such as A3 DTF printers — are becoming tools for business growth rather than just technical devices.
The AM.CO.ZA team expects to see uptake from a range of users, from event organizers printing uniforms and giveaways to artists selling printed merchandise at local markets. The company is also exploring partnerships with local training hubs to expand awareness and usage of the printer in underserved communities.
For more information about the A3 DTF printer and related consumables, visit https://a3dtf.co.za.
About AM.CO.ZA
Advanced Machinery (Pty) Ltd, trading as AM.CO.ZA, is based in Johannesburg and supplies a wide range of printing, signage, laser cutting, and CNC solutions across South Africa. Through its Buythis platform, AM.CO.ZA provides access to consumables, spare parts, and ongoing support, making high-performance technologies available to businesses of all sizes.
Contact Info:
Name: Sales Team
Email: Send Email
Organization: AM.CO.ZA
Address: 2 Makro Place (Blue Gate) Sunnyrock, Johannesburg
Phone: 0606006000
Website: https://am.co.za/
Release ID: 89157296
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