Epson SureColor F3070 vs. Brother GTX Pro: The Ultimate DTG Printer Showdown for High-Volume Apparel Printing

The custom apparel industry is booming like never before. From small t-shirt shops to massive e-commerce fulfillment centers, the demand for personalized, high-quality garments is skyrocketing. Whether it’s for fashion brands, promotional products, or on-demand printing services, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has become the gold standard for producing vibrant, durable prints directly onto textiles.

But with this growth comes an important question: Which DTG printer should you trust to power your business?

Two names dominate the conversation: Epson and Brother. Both brands are respected in the industry, but their flagship DTG printers — the Epson SureColor F3070 and the Brother GTX Pro — are designed with very different types of users in mind.

• The Epson F3070 is engineered for high-volume, production-driven environments, where speed, consistency, and low cost per print are non-negotiable.
  
  

  

  
  
  

• The Brother GTX Pro, while capable and compact, is better suited for smaller shops that prioritize flexibility and ease of use over sheer output.
  
  

  

  
  

In this article, we’ll dive deep into both printers, compare their specifications side by side, and evaluate their ink systems, media compatibility, workflow software, cost of ownership, and long-term ROI. We’ll also share real-world case studies of shops that upgraded to Epson for scalability.

By the end, you’ll have a clear answer to the question: Which printer is right for your business in 2025 and beyond?

 

The State of DTG Printing in 2025

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has evolved rapidly over the past decade. What was once seen as a niche solution for small custom t-shirt runs has now become the backbone of the on-demand apparel industry.

Why DTG Is Thriving

1. On-Demand Economy – Consumers expect fast turnaround, custom designs, and even one-off orders. DTG allows businesses to print exactly what’s needed, eliminating inventory waste.
   
   

2. Sustainability Pressure – Brands are moving away from screen printing and bulk production that result in overstock. DTG supports a more eco-friendly, low-waste model.
   
   

3. E-commerce Explosion – Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon Merch have fueled demand for short-run, full-color apparel printing.
   
   

4. Advances in Print Quality – Modern DTG printers, like Epson’s F3070, produce colors and detail that rival screen printing — with no setup costs.
   
   

Key Challenges for Shops

• Scalability – Many shops outgrow entry-level DTG printers quickly as orders increase.
  
  

• Cost Control – Ink prices, pretreatment costs, and downtime can eat into profits if not managed properly.
  
  

• Consistency – Achieving the same print quality day after day, across hundreds or thousands of shirts, is crucial for customer satisfaction.
  
  

This is where the battle between Epson and Brother gets interesting. While Brother has a strong reputation with its GTX line, Epson has leveraged its expertise in industrial printing and ink innovation to create a DTG solution that scales for true production environments.

 

Epson SureColor F3070 vs. Brother GTX Pro: Technical Comparison

When evaluating a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer for your business, technical specifications are often the first point of comparison. These details directly affect print speed, resolution, color vibrancy, and overall efficiency. Below is a breakdown of how the Epson SureColor F3070 compares with its main competitor, the Brother GTX Pro.

 

---

 

Print Technology

• Epson F3070: PrecisionCore® printhead technology with robust industrial-grade nozzles designed for high-volume production.
  
  

• Brother GTX Pro: Utilizes Brother’s inkjet technology with internal recirculation to reduce clogging.
  
  

Advantage: Epson’s PrecisionCore delivers sharper details and greater reliability for large print runs.

 

---

 

Print Speed

• Epson F3070: Can print a full-size image on a light garment in under one minute, and a dark garment in approximately one and a half minutes.
  
  

• Brother GTX Pro: Slightly slower, averaging 1.5–2 minutes for light garments and 2.5–3 minutes for dark garments.
  
  

Advantage: Epson prints faster, making it ideal for high-demand production environments.

 

---

 

Print Size

• Epson F3070: Maximum print area of 16″ x 20″.
  
  

• Brother GTX Pro: Maximum print area of 16″ x 21″.
  
  

Advantage: Nearly identical, though Brother’s extra inch is marginal.

 

---

 

Ink System

• Epson F3070:
  
  

  

  • High-capacity, bulk ink system designed to reduce running costs.
    
    

  • Inks: UltraChrome® DG (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, White).
    
    

  • Available in 1.5L ink packs (reduces per-print costs).
    
    

  • Shopify Links (SKUs):
    
    

    • Epson T47X UltraChrome DG Cyan Ink Pack (T47X22N)
      
      

    • Epson T47X UltraChrome DG Magenta Ink Pack (T47X32N)
      
      

    • Epson T47X UltraChrome DG Yellow Ink Pack (T47X42N)
      
      

    • Epson T47X UltraChrome DG Black Ink Pack (T47X12N)
      
      

    • Epson T47X UltraChrome DG White Ink Pack (T47XA2N)

   

• Brother GTX Pro:
  
  

  

  
  

  • Cartridges, typically 700mL, require more frequent changes compared to Epson’s bulk ink packs.
    
    

  • Higher ongoing ink costs per garment.
    
    

Advantage: Epson offers a much more economical ink delivery system.

 

---

 

Maintenance

• Epson F3070: Automated maintenance with easy-to-replace printheads. Designed for less downtime.
  
  

• Brother GTX Pro: Requires more frequent manual intervention.
  
  

Advantage: Epson saves time and reduces labor costs.

 

---

 

Comparison Table

 

 

✅ Key Takeaway: The Epson SureColor F3070 outperforms the Brother GTX Pro in nearly every category that matters for production DTG printing: speed, cost efficiency, ink system, and reduced maintenance.

 

 

Media Compatibility & Recommendations for the Epson SureColor F3070

One of the biggest advantages of the Epson SureColor F3070 is its versatility when it comes to compatible media. Whether you’re printing on cotton t-shirts, blended fabrics, hoodies, or specialty apparel, Epson’s UltraChrome® DG inks are engineered to deliver vibrant colors and durable prints that withstand repeated washes.

By using the right pretreatments and media, you maximize the quality and longevity of your finished products. We recommend the following media and accessories to get the best out of your F3070.

 

---

 

✅ Standard Garments (100% Cotton)

• Recommended Use: The Epson F3070 excels on cotton shirts, producing bold, detailed images.

 

---

 

✅ Cotton/Poly Blends

• Recommended Use: Works well with 50/50 blends, though optimal vibrancy is achieved with higher cotton content.

 

---

 

✅ Dark Garments (Black, Navy, Red)

• Recommended Use: Pre-treatment is essential to ensure bright whites and strong color contrast.

 

---

 

✅ Hoodies & Heavy Apparel

• Recommended Use: The F3070 handles thick garments with ease thanks to its adjustable platen height.

 

---

 

✅ Specialty Applications

• Towels, tote bags, and small accessories can also be printed with the proper platen and settings.

 

---

 

Pretreatment Considerations

For printing on dark garments or blends, pretreatment is critical to achieve optimal results. Epson recommends using high-quality pretreatment liquids to ensure ink adhesion and vibrancy.

• Cotton Pre-Treatment Fluid (20 Liter Concentrate) C13T43R100
  
  

• Polyester Pre-Treatment Fluid (18 Liter Concentrate) C13T43R200
  
  

 

---

 

Media Compatibility Table

 

---

 

✅ Pro Tip: Always test your pretreat and ink combinations on sample garments before full production to ensure the best results.

 

---

 

Real-World Case Studies: Businesses That Upgraded to Epson F3070

To truly understand the power of the Epson SureColor F3070, let’s look at how real businesses have benefited after making the switch from older DTG systems—or directly from competitors like the Brother GTX Pro.

These stories highlight not just the technical improvements, but the actual business outcomes: faster turnaround, higher profits, and more reliable output.

 

📌 Case Study 1: A Mid-Sized Custom Apparel Shop (50+ Shirts/Day)

The Challenge:

• Previously relied on Brother GTX Pro printers.
  
  

• Struggled with clogging issues and frequent downtime, costing valuable production hours.
  
  

• Needed a printer capable of handling large daily orders while maintaining consistent print quality.
  
  

The Epson F3070 Solution:

• Installed one F3070 unit, later expanded to two.
  
  

• Thanks to the dual 1.5L bulk ink tanks, they reduced interruptions from cartridge swaps.
  
  

• Average production capacity doubled, reaching 80–100 shirts/hour.
  
  

Results:

• Saved over $1,200/month in ink and downtime costs.
  
  

• Increased capacity allowed them to take on wholesale contracts.
  
  

• Reported a 25% increase in revenue within 6 months of upgrading.
  
  

 

---

 

📌 Case Study 2: A Start-Up Streetwear Brand

The Challenge:

• Started with a small entry-level DTG printer that couldn’t keep up with demand.
  
  

• Prints on dark garments lacked vibrancy and durability.
  
  

• Wanted to expand into hoodies and blended fabrics, but print consistency was poor.
  
  

The Epson F3070 Solution:

• Leveraged precision platen adjustment to print on thick hoodies and oversized garments.
  
  

• Achieved bright, durable prints on both cotton and blends.
  
  

• Lower ink cost per shirt helped maintain profitability while offering competitive retail prices.
  
  

Results:

• Expanded product line beyond t-shirts into hoodies, tote bags, and premium blends.
  
  

• Increased repeat customer rate by 40%, thanks to improved print quality.
  
  

• Able to scale production to 2,000+ shirts/month without outsourcing.
  
  

 

---

 

📌 Case Study 3: Large Fulfillment Center

The Challenge:

• Runs a high-volume print-on-demand (POD) business.
  
  

• Needed a reliable system to handle thousands of orders per week with minimal operator intervention.
  
  

• Sought a cost-effective alternative to Brother GTX Pro models, which required frequent maintenance.
  
  

The Epson F3070 Solution:

• Integrated multiple F3070 printers into the workflow.
  
  

• Benefited from Epson’s advanced printhead technology that reduced clogging and extended uptime.
  
  

• The bulk ink delivery system drastically reduced consumable costs.
  
  

Results:

• Achieved continuous production with fewer stoppages.
  
  

• Reported 30% lower operating costs compared to GTX Pro fleet.
  
  

• Able to meet tight deadlines during peak seasons without compromising quality.
  
  

 

---

 

Key Takeaways from Case Studies

1. Reliability Matters – Less downtime means more output and higher profits.
   
   

2. Scalability is Built-In – Whether you’re a small shop or a fulfillment center, the F3070 grows with your business.
   
   

3. Lower Ink Costs Drive ROI – The bulk ink system gives Epson a clear edge over cartridge-based systems like the GTX Pro.
   
   

4. Versatility Expands Revenue – From shirts to hoodies to tote bags, businesses can diversify their product offerings.
   
   

 

---

 

FAQ: Epson F3070 vs. Brother GTX Pro

To help you make an informed decision, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Epson SureColor F3070 compared to the Brother GTX Pro.

1. Which printer is faster?

Epson F3070: Prints a standard t-shirt in under 1 minute for light garments and ~1.5 minutes for dark garments.

Brother GTX Pro: Slower, averaging 1.5–2 minutes for light garments and 2.5–3 minutes for dark garments.

Verdict: Epson is faster, ideal for high-volume production.

 

2. What about ink costs?

Epson F3070: Uses 1.5L bulk UltraChrome® DG inks, reducing cost per shirt.

Brother GTX Pro: Uses 700mL cartridges, which can be more expensive over time.

Verdict: Epson has a clear advantage for cost efficiency.

 

3. Can I print on dark garments?

Yes! Both printers can print on dark garments, but Epson’s pre-treatment process and white ink coverage deliver more consistent and vibrant results.

 

4. Which printer is easier to maintain?

Epson F3070: Automated maintenance, easy-to-replace printheads, minimal downtime.

Brother GTX Pro: More manual maintenance is required, which can slow production.

Verdict: Epson wins for ease of maintenance.

 

5. What is the maximum print size?

Epson F3070: 16″ x 20″

Brother GTX Pro: 16″ x 21″

Verdict: Nearly identical, though Brother has a slight edge on length.

 

6. Which printer is better for scaling a business?

Epson’s F3070 is designed for production environments, allowing multiple units to run in parallel with minimal intervention. Brother GTX Pro is better suited for smaller shops or lower-volume operations.

 

7. Can the Epson F3070 print on blended fabrics?

Yes. Epson F3070 performs well on 50/50 cotton/poly blends, though optimal results are on garments with higher cotton content. Proper pretreatment ensures vibrant, long-lasting prints.

 

8. Where can I purchase Epson F3070 inks and media?

All Epson inks and compatible media are available through Image Pro International, including:

• UltraChrome® DG ink packs (C, M, Y, K, W)
  

• Pretreatment solutions for dark garments
  
  

 

---

 

Cost of Ownership & ROI Analysis: Epson F3070 vs. Brother GTX Pro

When evaluating a DTG printer, upfront cost is only part of the equation. Long-term expenses—including ink, maintenance, media, and downtime—play a critical role in determining the true cost of ownership. Here’s how the Epson F3070 compares with the Brother GTX Pro.

 

Upfront Costs

*Prices vary by dealer and configuration.

Insight: While the F3070 has a higher initial investment, its production speed and efficiency often justify the cost for high-volume businesses.

 

---

 

Ink Costs

• Epson F3070: Bulk 1.5L UltraChrome® DG ink packs provide a lower cost per shirt.
  
  

• Brother GTX Pro: 700mL cartridges are more expensive on a per-print basis.
  
  

Estimated Savings: Businesses report up to 30–40% lower ink costs per garment with the F3070 in high-volume settings.

 

---

 

Maintenance Costs

• Epson F3070: Automated maintenance reduces labor costs. Printheads are easy to replace, and downtime is minimal.
  
  

• Brother GTX Pro: Requires more frequent manual cleaning and maintenance, increasing labor and potential production loss.
  
  

 

---

 

Media & Pretreatment

• Both printers require high-quality garments and pretreatment for dark fabrics.
  
  

• Epson’s workflow is optimized for bulk production, supporting faster turnaround and reducing time spent on pre-treatment.
  
  

• Image Pro International provides Pretreatment liquids, and transfer media for seamless operation:
  
  

• Pretreatment Solutions
  - Cotton Pre-Treatment Fluid (20 Liter Concentrate) C13T43R100
  
  - Polyester Pre-Treatment Fluid (18 Liter Concentrate) C13T43R200
  
  

• Specialty Media
  - Epson DS Transfer Production, 24" x 500', roll (S045519)
  
  

 

---

 

Return on Investment (ROI)

Businesses upgrading to the Epson F3070 often see:

1. Faster print speeds → more shirts per hour → higher revenue potential.
   
   

2. Lower ink costs → higher profit margins per shirt.
   
   

3. Reduced downtime → consistent order fulfillment and satisfied customers.
   
   

4. Scalability → ability to add multiple units without workflow bottlenecks.
   
   

Case Example: A medium-sized DTG shop running 2 F3070 printers can handle 5,000–6,000 shirts per month. Using bulk ink, the per-shirt cost drops significantly, resulting in ROI within 12–18 months.

 

---

 

✅ Key Takeaway: Although the Epson F3070’s initial purchase price is higher, the total cost of ownership is lower for production-focused businesses compared to the Brother GTX Pro. Faster throughput, bulk ink savings, and minimal maintenance make it a smart long-term investment.

 

---

 

Final Verdict & Recommendations: Epson F3070

After reviewing the technical specifications, media compatibility, real-world case studies, and cost analysis, it’s clear that the Epson SureColor F3070 stands out as a superior DTG printer for production-focused businesses.

 

---

 

Why Choose the Epson F3070?

1. Speed and Productivity – Prints under 1 minute for light garments and ~1.5 minutes for dark garments, significantly faster than the Brother GTX Pro.
   
   

2. Cost Efficiency – Bulk 1.5L UltraChrome® DG ink packs reduce running costs, making it ideal for high-volume production.
   
   

3. Reliability – PrecisionCore® printhead technology and automated maintenance minimize downtime.
   
   

4. Versatility – Handles 100% cotton, cotton/poly blends, hoodies, tote bags, and specialty fabrics with consistent quality.
   
   

5. Scalability – Perfect for growing businesses that need to increase output without sacrificing quality.
   
   

 

---

 

Who Should Invest in the Epson F3070?

• High-Volume Print Shops – Businesses printing hundreds to thousands of shirts per week will benefit from the F3070’s speed and low per-shirt cost.
  
  

• Start-Ups with Growth Ambitions – Provides a platform for scaling operations efficiently.
  
  

• Retailers Offering Premium Apparel – Consistent, high-quality prints enhance brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
  
  

 

---

 

Epson F3070 vs. Brother GTX Pro: Summary

 

---

 

Ready to upgrade your DTG Printing Operations? The Epson SureColor F3070 delivers unmatched speed, efficiency, and quality for businesses looking to scale.

Purchase your F3070 and all compatible inks, pretreatments, and media directly through Image Pro International, your trusted source for professional printing solutions:

• Epson F3070 Printer
  
  

• UltraChrome® DG Ink Packs
  
  

• Pretreatment & DTG Apparel
  
  

 

---

 

✅ Final Word: For any production-focused business, the Epson F3070 is the clear choice over the Brother GTX Pro. It saves time, reduces costs, and produces superior prints, helping your business grow faster and smarter.

 

 

---

 

Unlock Exclusive Savings with Image Pro’s Rewards Program!

At Image Pro, we believe your Loyalty deserves to be Rewarded. That’s why we’ve created our Exclusive Rewards Program—a Simple, Powerful way to Save on the Products you Need Most. Earn Points with every purchase, Unlock tiered Benefits, and enjoy exclusive discounts on media, equipment, and supplies.

Whether you’re a small business or a large-scale operation, our program is designed to help you save more and grow further. Join today for Free and start earning rewards with every dollar you spend. Ready to take your savings to the next level? Sign Up Now and experience the Image Pro difference!

Join Our Exclusive Rewards Program