Why OPT On Demand Chose ROQ Screen Printing Over DTF for Print-on-Demand at Scale

Print on Demand has become nearly synonymous with DTF (Direct to Film) and DTG (Direct to Garment) over the past few years. But for OPT On Demand, one of Europe’s leading merch fulfillment companies, that narrow definition just doesn’t cut it.

While many see DTF as the future of quick-turn fulfillment, OPT sees screen printing as the present—and future—of scalable, high-quality production. We caught up with Ondrej from OPT at FESPA because we wanted to find out more: screen printing still holds the crown when it comes to bulk production for fulfillment.

“Screen printing gives us better control, better finish, and better data,” Ondrej said. “DTF has its place, but it can’t match screen printing in these areas—especially at volume.”

Here’s why OPT continues to invest in screen printing:

• Superior Finish & Hand Feel: Customers notice the difference. The tactile quality of screen prints still stands out versus DTF.

• Larger Format Capability: Many of their artist-driven designs require bigger prints—something DTF can't reliably deliver yet.

• Data-Driven Control: Their ROQ presses give OPT precision over process metrics. Current DTF tech lacks this level of visibility.

• Durability: For long-lasting merch, screen printing still wins—especially for repeat wash and wear cycles.

• Efficiency at Volume: Nothing beats screen printing when it comes to high-output production at scale.

Why ROQ? Because Screen Printing at Scale Needs Intelligence

If screen printing is the engine behind OPT’s production power, ROQ is the high-performance platform that fuels it. Switching to ROQ wasn’t just about replacing machines, it was about revolutionizing their print operations for the future. Here's why >>

Speed and Efficiency Through Automation

With ROQ’s cutting-edge automation, setup times are slashed and changeovers are smooth. For OPT, that meant faster throughput and fewer bottlenecks.

“The 18-color large-format press gives us a serious edge,” Andre, OPT’s founder, told us. “Speed, scale, and precision—all in one system.”

Smarter Integration with ROQ Link

What really changed the game? ROQ Link.

“It gives us data we never had before,” Marek shared. “We can monitor performance, spot gaps, and optimize without guesswork.”

ROQ Link ties directly into OPT’s production system, offering real-time performance insights, predictive maintenance cues, and centralized control. For a company juggling global demand, that kind of intelligence is priceless.

A Platform for Global Print Consistency

Standardization matters when serving clients across time zones and territories. With eight ROQ presses now humming in sync, OPT achieves:

• Unified press environments for simplified training

• Replicable print quality across batches and regions

Massive throughput over 1 million impressions per month.

The Takeaway: POD Isn't Just DTF—It’s Also Smarter Screen Printing

OPT On Demand’s approach shows that print-on-demand success isn't limited to DTF. For companies looking to scale up their fulfillment capabilities, especially for high-volume or complex orders, screen printing is not just relevant, it’s essential.

And if you're going to screen print in a POD environment, you need equipment that keeps up. ROQ’s platform gives print shops the automation, insight, and consistency needed to succeed in the modern merch economy.

“We’re building a global platform,” Andre said. “ROQ helps us deliver that—from Prague to LA.”

For Screen Shops: Stay Relevant by Staying Efficient

Screen print shops eyeing the print-on-demand boom shouldn’t pivot to DTF alone, they should enhance their existing strength. ROQ's technology makes screen printing faster, smarter, and globally scalable.

For DTF/DTG-Only Shops: You're Leaving Work on the Table

Without a bulk production solution, high-volume jobs may be slipping through your fingers. With ROQ-powered automation, integrating screen printing into your mix means more opportunities and better economics.

Ready to Rethink Your Print-on-Demand Strategy?

Let ROQ help you scale smarter. Whether you’re looking for DTG, DTF, or Screen Printing automation for your print on demand strategy, let’s build a system that’s ready for where your business is headed.

Fill out the form below to connect with the ROQ Solutions Team to start your transformation: