If you want to print your favorite design on a cotton t-shirt, DTG printing will be the perfect choice. Follow us to read this article and learn about mastering DTG printing!
What’s DTG Printing?
DTG printing involves printing water-based inks directly onto the fabric, which are then absorbed by the fibers and fused to them, creating a pattern of vibrant colors and rich detail. This process enables precise and intricate designs without screens or printing plates.
DTG printing has revolutionized customized clothing with its ability to print small customized batches, making it one of the essential choices for companies seeking flexible production and fast turnaround.
How does DTG printing work?
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a complex process involving several detailed steps to ensure high-quality prints on different types of fabrics. The following is a step-by-step explanation of how DTG printing works:
1. Design preparation
- Digital artwork: The design is created using graphic design software, considering the resolution, color separation, and layout suitable for printing on fabric. It is saved in formats such as PSD and PNG, which are best suited for printing.
- Image Optimisation: Optimise the design for the specific colors and ink types used in the DTG printing process using the Raster Image Processor (RIP) software with the DTG printer to convert the RGB files to CMYK files.
2. Garment preparation and pre-processing
- Pretreatment: Garments can be pre-washed to remove the stock and then treated with a liquid solution to help the ink adhere better to the fabric.
- Placement: Carefully place the garment on the print roller, ensuring it is flat and wrinkle-free to avoid print imperfections. Align the design with the garment; this is especially important for multi-color prints or designs that span different parts of the garment.
3. Starting to print
- Inkjet: The DTG printer sprays ink directly onto the fabric through a series of print heads spraying tiny droplets onto the fabric.
- Color Layers: The printer prints the design in layers, each printing a specific color or part of the design.
4. Drying and Curing
- Initial Drying: After printing, the garment is dried to prevent soiling and partially cure the ink.
- Curing process: The garment is then placed in a heat press or tunnel dryer to cure the ink at a high temperature and ensure that the ink is permanently fixed to the fabric.
5. Quality Inspection
- Checking the print: The printed garment is inspected for defects such as misalignment, color inconsistencies, or areas where the ink has not adhered correctly.
- Trimming: Any problems are corrected, and the garment may be reprinted or trimmed.
Advantages of DTG Printing
- High-quality prints: DTG printing offers high-resolution prints with vibrant colors and rich detail, ensuring highly reproducible prints. This makes it ideal for intricate designs and photographic quality prints.
- No color limitations: Unlike traditional screen printing, which is limited by the number of screens, DTG has no color limitations, allowing complex designs with multiple colors to be achieved.
- Wide range of print areas: Suitable for a wide range of garment types such as t-shirts, hoodies, and even bags and accessories, expanding the range of customizable products.
- Ideal for handling small orders: DTG printing enables on-demand printing, making it suitable for startups and small businesses needing a bespoke service without a significant inventory investment.
- Energy efficient and environmentally friendly: DTG printing uses less water than traditional methods. Because it is direct printing, there is less waste in the printing process. DTG printers use water-based inks that produce less hazardous waste, contributing to more environmentally friendly production.
Limitations of DTG Printing
- Material limitations: DTG printing works best on natural fibers such as cotton and less well on synthetics or heavy fabrics.
- High initial investment: DTG printers are more expensive, especially when compared to the entry cost of screen printing, which requires cheaper equipment initially.
- High operating costs: DTG printers use specialized inks that can be more expensive than other printing inks. In addition, the cost of pretreatment and post-curing processes adds to the overall cost.
- High machine maintenance and repair costs: DTG presses require regular, more expensive maintenance. They also have a complex system of print heads and nozzles that can be expensive to repair or replace if clogged or damaged.
- Slower production speeds: DTG printing is typically slower than screen printing, especially on large orders.
Difference between DTG printing and other printing methods
DTG printing, DTF printing, Screen printing, and Sublimation printing are the most common aspects of textile printing; they have advantages and disadvantages. Please follow our comparison and choose the best solution for you.
| Aspect | DTG Printing | DTF Printing | Screen Printing | Sublimation Printing |
| Print Quality | High-resolution, vibrant colors for photos and complex designs | High resolution for complex designs with a soft feel | Vibrant colors for large color blocks and simple designs | Vibrant colors for simple designs and a soft touch |
| Material compatibility | Applicable to a variety of fabrics, cotton fabrics have the best effect | Suitable for a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, nylon, leather, silk, and polyester | Mainly suitable for cotton fabrics | Ideal for 100% polyester fabrics |
| Print Durability | With average durability, colors may fade after many washes | High durability, suitable for long-term wear | High durability for long-term wear | High durability, ideal for long-term wear |
| Process Complexity | Direct printing, no plate making required | Need to print on film before transfer | Requires plate making, complex process | Requires transfer paper, simple process |
| Print Efficiency | Fast for small batches | Efficient for various materials | Best for large runs | Efficient for polyester items |
| Operating Costs | Higher initial investment, higher operating costs | Higher initial investment, lower operating costs | Lower initial investment, lower operating costs | Lower initial investment, higher operating costs |
| Order Volume | Ideal for small to medium batches | Suitable for small to large batches | Best for large orders | Best for small to medium batches |
| Environmental impact | Relatively low, using water-based inks | Relatively low, using water-based inks | Relatively high, using chemical pastes | Relatively low, using water-based inks |
Applications of DTG Printing
- Customized clothing: personalized T-shirts, hoodies, sportswear, etc.
- Custom Curtains and Bedding: Personalise your home décor by printing unique patterns and designs on curtains, sheets, and pillowcases.
- Upholstery and Fabric Art: Custom upholstery for furniture and fabric art with intricate designs.
- Tableware and accessories: Although DTG cannot be printed directly on the fabric, it can be used on fabrics to wrap items such as placemats, napkins, and table runners.
- Promotional merchandise: Create promotional hats and bags with high-quality graphics representing the brand well.
How to Choose a DTG Printer？
Choosing the right DTG printer for your business requires careful evaluation of multiple factors to ensure it meets your production needs, budget, and quality standards. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right DTG press.
Determine needs
- Consider your target market and customer groups to determine the type of garments to print, including fabric type and size.
- Determine the expected number of prints, from small batches to high-volume production.
- Evaluate the sophistication of your print design, such as a detailed graphic, photo, or simple logo.
Research printer models
- Research the different DTG printer models on the market and compare prices.
- Review and compare specs like print speed, resolution, and color capabilities.
Print quality
- Ensure the printer produces high-quality prints with accurate colors and precise details.
- Check whether the printer can handle the specific colors and ink types you plan to use.
Ink Compatibility
- Verify that the printer is compatible with the type of DTG ink you plan to use, as different printers may require specific inks.
Print size
- Choose a printer that can accommodate the size of the garments you plan to print.
- Consider whether you need a printer that can handle a variety of garment sizes and types.
Maintenance and reliability
- Printer maintenance requirements and replacement parts availability.
- Look for a printer known for reliability and low downtime.
Software compatibility
- Make sure the printer is compatible with your design software and can integrate seamlessly into your workflow.
Cost considerations
- Determine your budget for the initial purchase, including any additional costs for setup and installation.
- Consider ongoing costs such as ink, maintenance, and potential repairs.
Customer support and service
- Choose a printer from a manufacturer or supplier with solid customer support and after-sales service.
- Consider the availability of training and technical support.
ROI
- Calculate return on investment (ROI) and consider how the printer will fit into your business’s project expansion.
Environmental considerations
- Look for a printer that meets your environmental sustainability goals, such as one that uses water-based inks and has energy-saving features.
What can Winnerjet offer?
As an ink factory with over 15 years of R&D and production experience, Winnerjet provides customers with various printing solutions and has over 5,000 cooperative companies.
DTG printers, we recommend Models and Brands
- Epson SureColor F1070 F2270 F3070 Printer（Known for quality and ease of use.）
- Brother GTXpro Printer（Offers fast printing speeds and excellent detail.）
These two are perfect for startups and small businesses.
We recommend our DTG ink for compatible Epson and GTX Ink consumables for the Brother GTX printer series. Our ink prints are colorful and long-lasting. Factory wholesale prices are reasonable, and we provide technical support and customer service to protect your business.
Tips for successful DTG printing
- Buy a quality printer. A high-quality printer can provide excellent printing results and satisfactory results.
- Design optimization. Master your design software and design at the highest resolution to take full advantage of DTG’s printing capabilities.
- Color configuration. Create and save accurate color profiles to ensure consistent print colors.
- Test printing. Please do a sample test print before proceeding to mass production. This will ensure that your design appears precisely as you imagined on the fabric.
- Printer maintenance. Clean the print head and other parts regularly to prevent clogging and maintain print quality. Keep your printer in top condition by following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
- Handling and storage. Handle garments carefully to avoid staining or damaging the print. Store printed garments in a clean, dry environment to prevent fading or ink damage.
- Continuous learning. Stay current on the latest trends and advancements in DTG printing technology. Invest in regular training for operators to improve their skills and keep up with new technologies and best practices.
Conclusion: Embracing the potential of DTG printing
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing has become a transformative technology for the apparel and textile industry, offering a range of advantages and opening up new possibilities for businesses and designers alike.
All in all, DTG printing is not just a technology but an art. It is your gateway to new opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and growth in the dynamic world of fashion and textiles.
FAQS
What should I do if the print head is clogged?
Clean the print head regularly using the printer’s built-in cleaning function or a mild cleaning solution.
How much does a Dtg printer cost?
The price range can vary from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the brand of printer, features, print speed, and print quality. Entry-level may be in the $10,000 range, while high-end industrial-grade may be as high as $70,000.
How long does DTG printing last?
It can withstand 50 to 100 wash cycles without noticeable color fading or peeling.
Does DTG print crack?
Whether or not a DTG print will crack is usually related to the ink quality, printing, and curing process. The print may crack or peel during washing and wearing if unsuitable inks are used or cured insufficiently.
