Direct-to-garment (DTG) printers have come a long way since the first models were introduced at the 2004 SGIA Expo. Engineers, software developers, and chemists have made remarkable advances in printheads, equipment design, inks, workflow, and software.
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printers have come a long way since the first models were introduced at the 2004 SGIA Expo. Engineers, software developers, and chemists have made remarkable advances in printheads, equipment design, inks, workflow, and software.
They have some powerful economic incentives to do so. According to an online presentation by AnaJet regional manager Charles Burwell, garment printing in the US is a $23 billion industry. While the garment printing industry is still about 95% screen, digital printing is gradually becoming more prevalent.
As the technology has moved from entry-level to production-grade, more and more garment decorators are adding DTG capabilities to their businesses. Harry Oster of Equipment Zone notes that, “Initially, many DTG machine buyers were starting a business based solely on that machine.” Today, screen printers, embroiderers, promotional-products firms, and apparel manufacturers are buying DTG equipment to complement their existing production equipment. Other buyers of DTG equipment include digital and in-plant graphics printers, sign shops, educational and non-profit institutions, sports retailers, e-commerce companies, and home-based studios and start-ups.
As the customer base has expanded and become more diverse, so has the selection of machines and accessories. Firms that have been in the DTG business for years have introduced upgrades that reflect some of the ease-of-use and productivity improvements their customers have requested. New DTG printers from companies such as M&R, Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Kornit, and Aeoon Technologies reflect a deep understanding of the needs of higher-volume screen printers as well as textile and apparel manufacturers.
While the proliferation of DTG printers has enabled more companies (and individuals) to get into the decorating business, screen printing firms have some advantages that newcomers to the business can’t match. For one thing, screen printers already have relationships with apparel vendors and many of the biggest potential customers for DTG output, such as corporate brands, non-profits, and sports teams. Plus, experienced screen printers already understand how to prepare designs and graphics for garment printing. They are equipped with heat presses and dryers, and have systems for inventory management and pricing.
According to a spokesperson for AnaJet, screen printers who incorporate DTG technology may be pleasantly surprised by some of the changes digital printing can bring. For example, they may be able to price their garments higher per piece for small-quantity orders. Full-color orders and intricate graphics may command higher prices per piece. Oster added, “What we commonly see is a screen printer buying DTG to handle the orders they might otherwise turn down. The job might involve a full-color image with an order of only a few dozen pieces.”
Some screen printers use DTG machines to print full-color event-sponsor logos on the backs on shirts that have been screen-printed with a one- or two-color left chest image on the front. One helps a client test the market appeal of new T-shirt designs using the client’s e-commerce site and the screen printer’s DTG equipment. Once enough orders start coming in, the client commits to a longer run of shirts that will be produced on the screen presses. DTG printers are also useful for printing sample shirts. Bringing a personalized sample shirt to a potential new customer can be a terrific way for a salesperson to make a positive first impression.
From entry level to production
Some observers believe the DTG printing business got off to a shaky start when entrepreneurs began launching modified versions of Epson printers with printheads originally engineered to print photographs on coated papers. Things started to improve when companies such as Brother and AnaJet recognized the need for heavier-duty printers designed specifically for printing directly to garments.
Since then, many of the first-generation DTG models have been retired in favor of more robust printers. Most newer models use more durable, industrial-grade printheads from companies such as Ricoh, Spectra, Kyocera, and others. Last year, Epson made waves in the DTG market by introducing its SureColor F2000 printers with new PrecisionCore TFP printheads that are better suited to the specific requirements of textile printing. Some distributors that built a customer base selling modified Epson printers are now authorized resellers of Epson SureColor F2000 printers.
The DTG Sourcelist
We’ve compiled a comprehensive sourcelist of DTG printers to help you see the enormous variety of printers that are now offered. (Go to http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/STMG/sp_20140607/index.php#/28 to view the sourcelist.)
Some machines are clearly designed for ease-of-use in start-up businesses, offices, sign shops, and storefront environments. Other printers are geared for higher-volume production of T-shirts and other promotional products. The type of DTG printer that’s right for you depends partly on your business goals and partly on the requirements and expectations of your existing customer base. For example: Do you want to use the printer to produce promotional products other than T-shirts? Do you want a machine that can work with your existing screen-printing equipment? Will you use DTG equipment to fulfill a steady stream of small-run or one-off orders for custom shirts that come in through an online storefront? Do you want a portable DTG printer that you can take to conventions, sports tournaments, music festivals, and other events?
Here are few things to keep in mind about the specs on the sourcelist.
Comparing 4-color process printing experimental techniques at SPAI Tech Symps ’91.
The donation supports children in northern and western Honduras who have been awaiting surgery.
Three new water-based ink training courses – Water Ink 101, Process Inks, and What is…
Print Panther Direct honored with "Best of Show" award for its Digital Extreme Guide 4.
Each tree in your forest has its own unique characteristics, growth patterns, and risks.
Infinity supplied merchandise to Samaritan Shops and presented caps to volunteers as a token of…
This website uses cookies.