How does DTG printing compare with other garment printing processes?

Have you ever wondered why you should choose DTG above other print methods? Managing director of Amaya Sales UK, Peter Wright, explores the differences and similarities.

Direct to garment printing is now a major player in the garment decoration market. It gives an excellent feel, gives very good washability, prints are in full colour and vibrant and the equipment is very easy to use. It can be used for small to medium production runs or one offs. You can print direct from your computer without having to make screens as in screen printing. You can print on to cotton based items and polyester mixes. Direct to garment printing gives the highest possible quality, unlimited number of colours and is economical to use. Printers start from around £7,450 and a quality heat press is required for curing.

So, what are the other processes for printing on to suitable products and how easy are they to apply?

Garment film and vinyl

This process is perfect for producing single colour text, numbers or simple logos. It caters for small to medium production and is easy to use. You would require a good heat press and vinyl cutter with set up costs from around £1,200 to £2,200. It creates a very vibrant finish that makes the message stand out.

Transfer printing

This kind of printing has improved significantly over the last few years and is now a low cost way of producing full colours prints on to dark and light garments. It uses the OKI C711WT white toner printer to allow white to be introduced into the design. The result gives a soft feel and can be printed onto any type of fabric. Some companies now provide RIP software that allows rasterising of the design which drastically improves the feel and the wash ability. Equipment required is the OKI white toner A4 or A3 printer and a quality heat press. For some of the paper systems you only require a standard laser or LED printer. The big advantage over vinyl is that you do not have any weeding to do. Equipment costs are from £2,450 to £4,000 using the OKI printer or from £900 using the standard CMYK laser printer.

Print and cut systems

There are a few manufacturers supplying this kind of system. Your design can be printed on to a PU material in full colour and is then cut out. The equipment is like a plotter/cutter but with printing capabilities. A printed badge is then produced which can be heat pressed on to a large range of products and fabrics. It will give a good quality finish with excellent wash ability. A heat press will be needed to attach the badge on to the product.  The price range is from £4,500 depending on the width of the cutter. There is also a cutting attachment out now that fits on to a normal vinyl cutter.

Dye sublimation printing

Dye sublimation printing uses a chemical process to help transfer the ink from the paper to any polyester garment or any polymer coated product. Full colour images, text, graphics can easily be printed on any coated item or polyester garment. When heated the dye (ink) changes to a gas which penetrates into the product. This provides a first class print which will not crack, fade or wash away.  The sublimation inks will only work on polyester fabric but can be used on a wide variety of products such has, mugs, mouse mats, phone covers, trophies and much more.  Prices start from £324 for the printer plus the appropriate heat press.

Screen printing

This is the most traditional way of printing but to be economical the production needs to be over 500 pieces. In addition to this screens have to be produced for the separated colours, making short runs expensive. Screen printing is high quality, professional looking, durable, and can be very price effective on volume orders.

So, to sum up, all these processes have a place in the garment and product decoration industry. You, as a decorator should make sure you have a good idea which process is best for a particular order. If you need help ask one of the suppliers out there. Try and find one that offers most of the processes, this will make sure they are not biased towards a certain set up.