xTool, recognized in the DIY laser engraving sector, has announced its expansion into the apparel printing market with the launch of its Apparel Printer on Kickstarter. The fundraising campaign achieved its goal within 1.5 hours and has since raised approximately $4 million from over 689 backers. This marks a significant entry into the Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing industry for the brand.
Market research identified several challenges associated with traditional DTF printing, including complex setup processes, limited compatibility with various fabrics, and high maintenance demands. Jasen Wang, founder and CEO of xTool, stated, “Our users love apparel printing but are frustrated by existing options.” The xTool Apparel Printer aims to resolve these issues by offering a one-click operation that is compatible with cotton, leather, polyester, and spandex, producing quality prints on both dark and light fabrics. The printer’s full-lifecycle auto-maintenance feature alleviates the need for manual nozzle cleaning, a common requirement for traditional printers.
The technology used in the xTool Apparel Printer is designed for precision. Howie Zhu, Product Director at xTool, explained that the printer is equipped with an industrial-grade print head, specifically the Epson I1600 Dual Head, which is typically found in high-end DTF printers priced over $10,000. The system also includes a 16MP AI Smart Camera for automatic calibration, ensuring consistent quality from the first print.
To further enhance the user experience, xTool offers Creative Space software, which aids in design optimization, image enhancement, and layout refinement. This software is intended to maximize print quality while reducing material waste, making professional garment customization accessible to both businesses and individual users.
With a user base exceeding 500,000 and over 80 million creative projects completed, xTool is now broadening its focus to include apparel customization, allowing users to produce high-quality garments with greater ease.