Screen printing and embroidery have been superseded by digital direct-to-garment (DTG) printing as technology has made it possible to put more intricate designs on consumer items like t-shirts. Although embroidery and screen printing are likely to remain popular, DTG printers are growing in popularity because of their quick turnaround and excellent artwork.
If you want to print colourful, attention-grabbing graphics on a variety of garments, you cannot afford to establish a startup or branded apparel business without a DTG printer. Custom products made for specific customers may result in a large boost in revenue in today’s market.
Entrepreneurs have a fantastic opportunity to launch their own business through the DTF printing on cloth industry. This business offers a modest start-up expense and the opportunity to generate large revenues. Finding a niche market and creating a solid marketing plan are crucial for success in this field. These easy suggestions might help you launch a profitable printing on fabric company.
Describe DTG Printing
This technique uses a unique ink-jet technology to transfer graphics directly onto the clothing. Simply said, you’ll use the printer to print straight on the fabric just like you would a piece of paper.
Steps for DTG Printing Include
Preparing the artwork
The fabric
Pre-treatment
Pre-heating
Printing
Methods for DTG Printing Include
Resemblances: Before transferring the image to the items, both procedures use white ink as their foundation. White ink usage in DTG, however, is not always required.
Distinctions: Pre-treatment is a necessary first step in the printing process when using DTG. This step is essential because it gets the fabric ready for direct printing by making sure the ink stays in the right places. As a result, you don’t need to be concerned about the ink messily spreading throughout the fabric. The garment must then be pre-heated in order for the pre-treatment to take effect before you start the printing procedure.
Pre-treatment is indeed not necessary while dealing with DTF, though. This is because a unique film is used for the print transfer. Additionally, pre-heat, which is crucial for curing pre-treatment in DTG, is irrelevant. It thereby minimises the steps you must complete before printing.
Basic Management Recommendations for DTG Printers
1. Maintaining an Environment That Is Printing-Friendly: To maintain the printer operating as it should, you must provide it with an environment that is printing-friendly for the t-shirt. In the meantime, you will routinely monitor the humidity, heat, and dust. Put your printer somewhere where the temperature doesn’t change significantly as a result.
2. Consistent Nozzle Maintenance: Check the nozzle daily before printing your shirt. It supports maintaining the peak performance of both your printing and your company. However, if the nozzle is not functioning properly, it must be fixed right away. A permanent obstruction will form if blockages are ignored, leaving your printer ineffective.
3. Seamless Ink Flow: If your printer is equipped with an agitator, it will continuously swirl the ink to keep it from settling. If it is absent, you could shake the cartridges sometimes and most definitely in the morning. It’s generally a fine decision to print something every day even if you don’t use your printer every day. To keep the ink running smoothly, you may print a few test t-shirts daily or at least once every three days.4. Upkeep of the Capping Station: A vacuum is created close to the nozzle plate to pump ink inside the capping station.Because of the pressure’s capacity to clean out the nozzles, inks are prevented from drying out. Demineralized water or other cleaning solutions ought to be employed to clean the surface as a result.
What is Printing in DTF?
This printing technique uses a heat press and a unique film to imprint images on various sorts of clothing.
DTF Printing Process (Direct to Film Printing)
What Do I Need for DTF Printing (Direct to Film Printing) Besides the Printer?
Methods for DTF Printing : “Print on the unique film.”
Use Glue Powder
Cold Peeling
Powder Melting
Transfer
Cold Peeling
Post Pressing
DTG involves directly printing the image on the fabric or garment, as the name suggests. And because of this, it’s a superior choice if you want a quicker graphic printing method. However, there is no requirement for image transfer. Contrarily, DTF calls for a unique transfer film that you’ll utilise to transfer the image to the cloth. This can be problematic because it makes printing take longer.
Glue Powder: To transfer an image using the DTF process, you must first apply adhesive powder to a freshly printed film. Direct to film printers can help you skip this stage even though it can be a manual procedure. These printers automatically sputter the powder onto the printing film. On the other hand, since DTG prints the image directly on the fabric, it doesn’t require the application of adhesive powder.
White ink can be used in both methods, but it’s not necessary for DTG, especially if the garment has a vivid colour like white. Additionally, it enables you to choose just where on the image you must utilise it if you do need to use it. DTF, however, demands the usage of White Ink. And the reason for this is that it acts as the foundation layer when the image is transferred to the fabric.
Printing Content: The DTG printing technique is only appropriate for cotton clothing. As a result, even when you want to explore different markets, it restricts you to this printing medium. DTF, on the other hand, works with various kinds of fabrics. Consequently, you have always had the option to change the type of fabric on which you print.
Photo Transmit: The final press, which sets the ink on the garment to complete DTG printing, is a step. Following this method, the clothes is now ready for usage. Contrarily, DTF entails the use of a heat transfer press. Even though it’s a manual procedure, it doesn’t take long.
DTG / DTF What’s the Difference? Video
Which of DTF Printing and DTG is Superior?
Both printing methods produce stunning graphic prints. They also allow print customization, which is something that consumers are more interested in. Additionally, they both have notable benefits and cons that make it difficult to choose which one prevails.
Here is a list of considerations to make when determining the best course of action to help you. Along with these criteria, take into account your professional interests.
White Ink: The clarity of the print is greatly influenced by the use of white ink. However, it may drastically raise production costs. While it’s necessary for the direct to film method, DTG printing enables you to restrict it. The best RIP software will enable you to minimise the use of White Ink during DTG printing. The production cost gets significantly diminished as a result.
Final Verdict
Both techniques result in high-quality graphic prints, but there is still a clear distinction. When employing Direct to Material, the print and the garment are fused together, giving the garment a rough texture. DTF print, on the other hand, gives the surface a smooth, plastic-like texture. The image feels realistic, which is a plus.Printout Material: DTG printing is only compatible with cotton clothing. However, DTF printing allows you to print on any kind of medium. Therefore, pay attention.
