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If you’re looking to expand your shop’s capabilities and you can’t quite decide which route to go, let’s take a look at two great options. For comparison purposes, here’s a chart that shows the differences between two different print technologies for apparel decorating:
DTG printing versus using heat transfer film printed on print/cut devices:
DTG Printer
Print/Cut Printer
Good for light and dark cotton T-shirts
Good for light and dark cotton T-shirts
Good for some polyester T-shirts
Good for polyester T-shirts and other types of materials; i.e. spandex and leather, depending on the film used
Different platens needed to print sleeves, youth garments and hats
No special platen needed
May need pre-treatment
No pre-treatment needed
Heat press is needed to set the inks onto fabric
Heat press is needed to activate the heat transfer film
Soft hand
Depending on film thickness, there may be a “plastic” feel on the fabric
Good for short runs
Good for short runs
Good for photographic images
Good for photographic images
Single platen units print one shirt at a time
Able to print multiple images across width of media
Daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance schedule, that can include flushing out ink system periodically (white ink set-up)
Minimal regular maintenance (usually monthly) with no ink flushing or purging requirements
Able to print directly on other blanks; i.e. wood, canvas, and hats
Able to print on other print media; i.e. banners, canvas, paper, vinyl decals, wall graphics
Josh is the VP of sales, dealer channel for Stahls'. He deals in the sales and implementation of heat-applied, apparel-decorating systems with a focus on customization. He holds skills in the production, sale, and marketing of customized apparel. He presents seminars at trade shows and contributes articles to trade publications, like Printwear magazine.
