The DTG Column
Are hybrid DTG/ DTF printers the future of DTG?
With the inception and rise of direct to film, what does the future look like for direct to garment printing? John-Paul Burton, managing director of YES Group, answers this question, assessing the diff erences between DTF and DTG while also delving into the realm of hybrid DTG/ DTF printers.
A
t one time, direct to garment printers were the digital T shirt printing option that was taking the market by storm. But in the past few years, that technology has been overtaken as the go-to digital option for screen printed tees by direct to fi lm transfer printers. While DTG offers a very low cost per print, an amazing colour gamut and print quality, the versatility, durability, and speed of DTF printing has quickly captured the attention of custom apparel businesses, both large and small. DTF printers allow for printing transfers that apply to wider variety of fabrics, including polyester and other synthetic materials, without the need for pretreatment. Additionally, DTF prints can be produced in bulk and stored for later use, making them an attractive option for high-volume orders and reducing waste in the process.
The rise of hybrid DTG/ DTF printers
The rise of hybrid printers represents an intriguing evolution in this landscape. These machines promise to offer the best of both worlds, combining the vibrant, high-quality prints of DTG with the versatility and effi ciency of DTF. With the ability to switch between DTG and DTF modes, these hybrid printers could potentially eliminate the need for businesses to invest in separate machines for different types of printing jobs. However, the question remains: will hybrid DTG/ DTF printers become the standard for custom apparel printing, or will high-volume DTF printers ultimately take the lead?
Hybrid printers offer several advantages that could make them a strong contender for the future of DTG printing. The ability to seamlessly switch between printing directly onto garments and creating
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Hybrid machines also allow DTG owners to get into the T shirt transfer business as well as make it far simpler to print on synthetic fabrics.
The DTF revolution
The Digital HeatFX 24H2 is an example of a DTF printer
Although hybrid DTG printers have an attractive story to tell, they still suffer from fundamental drawbacks: • DTG printers have gotten faster, but still are designed to print one item at a time (unless your budget is in the hundreds of thousands of pounds). While they perform better than some single sheet DTF printers, there’s no comparison to the output of a roll-to-roll option.
• Industrial, high volume DTF printers are a fraction of the cost of the truly high volume DTG printers and still outperform those.
The Epson F3000 is an example of a hybrid DTG/ DTF printer
fi lm transfers means that businesses can adapt quickly to different customer demands.
For example, a small print shop could easily handle both short-run, custom T shirt orders and larger batches of fi lm transfers for corporate clients, all with the same machine.
Moreover, hybrid printers are particularly appealing to startups and small businesses that are looking to maximise their investment. Instead of purchasing separate DTG and DTF machines, they can invest in a single hybrid unit that covers both needs.
This can lower the initial cost of entry and reduce the space required for equipment, which is often a crucial factor for small shops operating out of limited spaces.
• Hybrid DTG printers require separate powder applicators and dryers that are not typically included in advertised pricing, but are required to produce DTF transfers. DTF printing also offers a level of durability and fl exibility that traditional DTG printing struggles to match. The ability to print on a wider range of materials, including those that are not suitable for DTG, gives DTF a distinct advantage in the custom apparel market. Additionally, DTF prints are known for their superior washability and durability, which is a signifi cant selling point for end customers.
The future of custom apparel printing
As the market continues to evolve, it’s likely that both hybrid DTG/ DTF printers and high-volume DTF printers will play essential roles in the custom apparel industry. Hybrid machines may become the go-to choice for small to mid-sized businesses that are looking for the low cost per print and soft feel of DTG prints, and still want to participate in the DTF phenomena. But until they can match the production volumes and lower price of today’s roll-to-roll DTF printers, many shops may choose to purchase both.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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