DIRECT TO GARMENT PRINTING VS. DIRECT TO FILM (Pros & Cons)
Ricoma TV・16 minutes read
DTG and DTF printing methods are popular in apparel decoration due to their speed, quality, and profitability, with DTG involving direct garment printing and DTF printing onto a film before heat pressing. While DTG offers fast printing speeds and durable designs, DTF provides versatility and the ability to stock pre-printed designs, with both methods having high profit margins and the option to combine functionalities in printers like the Ricoh Ri-1000 and Ri-2000.
Insights
- Direct to garment printing (DTG) and direct to film printing (DTF) are popular in apparel decoration for their speed, quality, and profitability, with DTG requiring pre-treatment but offering durable designs and fast printing, while DTF skips pre-treatment, is versatile, but has more labor-intensive steps.
- Ricoma's printers like the Ri-1000 and Ri-2000 offer both DTG and DTF functions, allowing for full-color designs and bulk orders with DTG, and specific designs on various substrates with DTF, providing versatility and cost-efficiency without needing separate equipment.
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Recent questions
What are the main differences between DTG and DTF printing?
DTG involves direct printing on garments, while DTF prints on film then transfers.
What are the advantages of DTG printing?
DTG offers direct printing, durable designs, and fast speeds.
What are the drawbacks of DTF printing?
DTF printing requires more materials and labor-intensive steps.
How much does it cost to start a DTG printing business?
DTG startup costs range from $13,000 to $20,000+.
How can businesses benefit from investing in a Ricoma DTG printer?
Ricoma DTG printers offer versatility with DTG and DTF functions.
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Summary
00:00
Comparing DTG and DTF Printing Methods
- Direct to garment printing (DTG) and direct to film printing (DTF) have gained significant popularity in the apparel decoration industry for their speed, quality, ease of learning, and profitability.
- DTG involves printing directly onto a garment after pre-treating it with a special liquid, curing it under a heat press, and then printing the design using a printer before curing the ink again.
- DTF, similar to DTG, prints the design onto a special film, coats it with adhesive powder, heat presses it onto the garment, peels off the film, and optionally cures the ink again for durability.
- DTG's pros include direct printing without transfer paper, durable designs, and fast printing speeds, with cons being the need for pre-treatment and limitations to flat substrates.
- DTF's pros include skipping pre-treatment, versatility in substrates, and the ability to stock pre-printed designs, with cons being the need for more materials and labor-intensive steps.
- DTG startup costs range from $13,000 to $20,000+ with print costs varying from $0.50 to $3.50 per print, while DTF printers cost $2,000 to $5,000 with print costs adding $1 to $1.50 per print.
- DTG printed shirts can be sold for $25 to $40, while DTF printed shirts can be sold for $20 to $30, with potential premium pricing for DTG due to smoother finishes.
- Both methods offer high profit margins due to low material costs, with DTG potentially charging a premium for full-color vibrant designs.
- Despite their differences, both DTG and DTF printing methods have seen significant growth in the industry, with the option to use both functions in some printers like the Ricoh Ri-1000 and Ri-2000 from Ricoma.
12:54
Ricoma DTG Printer: Two Machines in One
- Investing in a DTG printer from Ricoma not only provides DTG function but also includes the option for DTF function through a simple software upgrade, essentially offering two machines in one. This versatility allows for utilizing DTG for full-color designs and bulk orders, while switching to DTF for specific designs on substrates not compatible with DTG, without the need for additional equipment investment.
