From Trophies to DTF: a new revenue stream that now represents 45% of business
EDES | Spain
EDES has built a track record by adapting to the needs of the market: first trophies, then promotional items, then onto engraving, digital printing, and, over the last four years, DTF. With the addition of the Roland DG TY-300, the company has strengthened a business line that already accounts for approximately 45% of its overall activity.
More reliability and versatility in DTF production
For more than three decades, EDES has worked to gradually expand its offering. About four years ago, it introduced direct-to-film printing in order to meet the growing demand for textile personalisation.
Today, DTF is used to produce T-shirts, bags, backpacks, caps, polo shirts, and other promotional items. As orders increased, the company needed a solution that offered consistent quality, greater production stability, and a reliable technical service.
That need led EDES to invest in the Roland DG TY-300 direct-to-film printer.
“The difference, in terms of quality, reliability, and peace of mind, more than makes up for the investment.”
Our Product Manager speaks with the owner of EDES about their experience with DTF technology and adding the Roland DG TY-300 to their production process
Responding to growth in DTF market
Before offering DTF to its customers, EDES conducted numerous application and wash tests in order to understand the effect of the film, adhesive powder, temperature, and material.
This experience enabled the EDES team to take on custom jobs as well as large production orders, including projects of approximately 50.000 caps y 25.000 bags
Why the number of print heads is no longer the deciding factor
EDES started with a two-head DTF printer and then moved on to a four-head machine, hoping to significantly increase productivity.
However, experience has shown that the number of heads alone does not determine actual performance. Over time, the previous machine began to have issues related to print heads, white ink, and maintenance. Banding and other inconsistencies resulted in film waste, repetition, and increased operator intervention.
EDES was therefore looking for a real improvement in print quality, stability, workflow efficiency, technical service, and long-term reliability.
Putting the Roland DG TY-300 to the test
To evaluate the TY-300, EDES brought their own files to the demonstration, including designs that had proved difficult to reproduce with their previous equipment.
The Roland DG TY-300 successfully reproduced the designs, delivering the detail, tonal transition, and consistency the company was looking for.
"I brought a USB with several logos that had previously been a problem for us. The printer reproduced them correctly, and that convinced me."
Despite using two heads, the TY-300 delivered better real performance than their previous four-head machine.
High-quality DTF printing for complex designs
Since setting up their Roland DG TY-300, EDES can now take on more demanding jobs with greater confidence.
One of their recent projects included small inner garment labels requiring a level of detail that would probably have led the company to reject the job with their previous machine.
The new machine has also reduced their need to outsource. For an order of 1,500 T-shirts, the banding required approximately 700 metres of DTF transfers to be outsourced. That same design was then successfully printed with the TY-300.
“With our current machine, we would definitely have produced that order in-house.”
EDES owner shows headset case they will customise with DTF technology
More consistent production, with less waste
The TY-300 has also improved the day-to-day management in their DTF production.
This machine generates fewer defects and reworks, needs less manual cleaning, and reduces film waste. In addition, EDES bundles related jobs via nesting in order to limit work interruptions and better organise the production process.
Automated maintenance for greater stability
White ink management is one of the main challenges of DTF. With their previous equipment, EDES had to print CMYK colour control bars in order to keep colour channels active, generating additional ink and film consumption.
With the TY-300, automatic maintenance routines help keep the ink system stable and reduce operator intervention.
Although the owner initially had doubts about using cartridges versus bulk ink, the experience has been positive:
“I’ve already noticed fewer cleaning cycles and much more stability.”
The Roland DG TY-300, integrated into EDES’s DTF production process alongside the shaker
Installed and producing on the same day
Downtime was critical for EDES, since DTF is an important part of their business.
Thanks to their previous experience with Roland DG machines and the VersaWorks RIP software, they were able to adapt quickly. The TY-300 was installed and began producing commercial jobs that same day.
"We couldn't afford to go an entire day without DTF production. We had a plan B, but it wasn't necessary."
More control with Roland DG Connect
EDES has also started using Roland DG Connect to view information on printer activity, including operating hours, ink consumption, and maintenance.
This data helps with controlling costs and planning production.
Quality, speed, and reliability
Technical support and assistance from the distributor were also important factors in EDES’ decision.
When asked to describe the Roland DG TY-300 in three words, the owner’s response is clear:
“Quality, speed, and reliability.”
Roland DG distributor, Global Managing, with EDES owner during their site visit
The company expects DTF printing to continue growing and believes there are still many applications and materials to explore.
For other companies considering investing in a DTF printer, their recommendation is to look beyond the price or technical specifications.
"It’s not just about the data sheet or the price. You have to see the machine working with your own files and in a real environment."
For EDES, that process confirmed that the Roland DG TY-300 could deliver the quality, stability, reliability, and support needed to develop their DTF business further.
Learn more about Roland DG’s TY-300i and transform your garment printing workflow.