The DTGColumn
Don’t overlook DTG printing Why it remains a valuable option amidst the DTF hype
In this month’s DTG Column, Charlotte Darling, director at Amaya Sales UK, explains why direct to garment printing remains a valuable option for garment decorators to have in their arsenal.
preferred choice for the larger retailers and brands.
• Versatility – with multiple choices of platens from all machine manufacturers DTG offers fl exibility across different product types of textiles.
• On-demand production – in today’s fast paced market DTG printing enables on-demand production better than any other process. With industrial systems printing around 140 shirts per hour from start to fi nish with one operator, there is no faster more effi cient way to decorate apparel and it is the reason that the big fulfi lment printers are using DTG not DTF. They will of course include DTF alongside DTG for some fabrics and diffi cult to print areas, but DTG will remain their go-to process.
• Cost-effectiveness – here you need to consider ‘real cost’ not just ink and consumables. Yes, a DTF transfer when produced in bulk, let’s say for a 100-shirt order may be in some cases cheaper in ink and fi lm than pre-treatment and ink, however two scenarios to consider:
I
n the last couple of years our industry has been fl ooded with a surge of interest in direct to fi lm (DTF) printing touted for its versatility and cost effectiveness.
Well established garment decoration names have taken various options of equipment into their portfolio and many new names have come to the market.
DTF has gained momentum due to its ability to print vibrant designs, at a low cost onto a variety of substrates including cotton, polyester, nylon, and blends. It has allowed many businesses to bring affordable and effi cient transfer production in-house rather than relying on outsourcing their transfer production which of course they prefer as they are in control of their production and the additional margin they enjoy due to producing their transfers at source, quickly recoup their capital investment.
However, it is really important not to believe that it is the only garment decoration process a successful business need, and to lose sight of the benefi ts of the more established digital process direct to garment (DTG) printing. I want to remind us all of the benefi ts and value of DTG printing:
• Quality – DTG printing is renowned for its exceptional print quality. By directly printing the design onto the garment using water-based inks, DTG technology will achieve a soft hand feel, superior to any transfer and will also achieve far greater detail as the ink is printing directly to the garment, rather than onto a fi lm that powder has to adhere to. Small fi ne writing and art will always work better with DTG.
• Durability – this is a big one as a DTG printed garment will withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking, making it more suitable for high-quality apparel and merchandise and a
| 34 | May 2024
a) Factor in the time it takes to print and powder with DTF and then the labour to apply with a heat press or weed with a vinyl transfer and then compare shirt by shirt with DTG. You’ll be surprised at your ‘real cost’. b) Consider you have an order for just one T shirt. Customer wants it now, print it in a few minutes with DTG and your cost is just the time and inks. Print it on DTF and you will need to set your machine up, run some fi lm through and then print just one image, so your materials are signifi cantly more than that used for the one design.
• Reliability – DTG has now been about in one form or another, I’d say for 20 years. Its maturity in the market coupled with ongoing development means it offers a very reliable solution for a business to invest in, with good support and back up from its suppliers. Developments are continuing in software, ink sets and opportunities to print on polyester so when choosing DTG you know you are working with an established and tested solution. And the biggest benefi t of DTG is… • Sustainability – DTG is by far the most eco-friendly garment decoration process available. Unlike traditional screen printing that requires extensive set up, use of chemicals and excessive waste, or DTF transfers which are printed on a PU non-recyclable fi lm, DTG printing with its water-based inks and solutions minimises environmental impact. With every one of us having seen climate change in our lifetimes, this is huge consideration for environmentally conscious businesses and consumers alike. So, let’s not discount good old DTG printing as the forerunner to DTF. Please consider its advantages and look where it fi ts into your business.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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