What is digital printing (DTG)?

sopyes September 19, 2023September 19, 2023 0 Comments dtg printing

Digital printing (DTG) is a profitable business development printing technology for those who want to start a business in the field of t-shirt printing, etc. So what is digital printing (DTG)? What should you keep in mind when digitally printing (DTG) t-shirts? From the platform of DTG printing Dallas we are presenting the following article that will help you have a clearer view of this method.

What is DTG printing? What is digital printing (DTG) of t-shirts?

DTG (Direct to Garment) digital printing directly on fabric is the use of specialized inkjet technology to print directly on textile materials. Accordingly, DTG printers keep the material in a fixed position and use special ink to spray directly onto the fabric with the print head. This ink is absorbed by the fibers of the material, helping to avoid distortion when using other textile printing technologies.

Digital printing (DTG) of t-shirts is a process that uses nozzles and ink to print directly on the surface of the t-shirt. Then, a heat press is used to make the ink adhere tightly to the fabric fibers and create maximum durability for the print.

DTG digital printing method is like printing photos on paper, providing high sharpness to the printed image and does not cause discomfort to the wearer because the image is imprinted on the shirt. DTG printers use specialized printing software and print heads, ensuring very high image resolution and maximum sharpness for printed images.

Currently, there are many different types of digital printers on the market, some of the most popular brands are Epson, Brother and Texjet.

Classification of DTG printing techniques

Currently, there are two most popular DTG printing techniques:

Direct digital printing on elastic fabric: Direct digital printing on elastic fabric (DTG) is a method of printing directly onto the surface of elastic fabric using an inkjet printer, allowing for printing detailed images and quantities. Unlimited colors.

In particular, this technique also allows printing on many printing surfaces and many types of materials. Some professional digital printers like brother pro can also print on dark fabrics. This is suitable for the need to print small quantities of t-shirts and need immediate delivery. However, direct digital printing prices are often higher than other printing methods.

Indirect digital printing (heat transfer t-shirt printing) : Indirect digital printing, also known as heat transfer t-shirt printing, is a method of printing t-shirts that uses heat transfer paper to transfer ink to the fabric. This printing process usually includes steps such as designing and printing images on thermal transfer paper. Then, place the paper on the surface of the t-shirt and use heat and pressure to transfer the image onto the fabric.

The heat transfer t-shirt printing method can be used on different types of fabrics. At the same time, it allows printing high-resolution images and an unlimited number of colors. However, it has some limitations such as not being able to print directly on fabric, the price is higher than regular printing and the printed image may peel off after a period of use.

Digital printing technology (DTG)

Digital Textile Printing (DTG) is a method of printing on fabric using a digital printer. This technology allows printing directly on fabrics and helps produce T-shirts printed with arbitrary patterns or images quickly and effectively. In particular, DTG printing can print on many different types of fabrics, including cotton, silk, polyester, duffel, wool and many other fabrics.

Compared to traditional printing methods, DTG provides superior benefits including printing more colors and more accurately. Print small quantities and diversify printing products, minimizing material waste and ensuring more reliable printing quality. This makes DTG a popular printing method in the fashion and print industries.

Advantages & Disadvantages of DTG printing technique

Advantage

Printing directly onto fabric allows the creation of detailed designs and complex images with high resolution.
Unlimited number of printed products and variety of colors.
Allows printing of on-demand designs and small orders.
Print color gradients, 3D designs, and small, colorful details that other technologies would be limited by.
Sharp prints, high print durability (print durability from 60 – 80 washes)
There is no need for a printed template for production, which saves costs and time.
Good image quality is not needed to start production.
Can be printed on all shirt colors, including dark shirts

Defect

The cost of DTG printers can be more expensive than traditional printers.
Ink and nozzle costs may be higher than with other printing techniques.
Limited to printing on certain fabrics, not suitable for rough, thick or silk fabrics.
Print product size may be limited due to the machine’s printing area.
Achieving the best print quality requires expertise in color management and the use of design software to optimize the printing process.

Current digital printing (DTG) process

Digital printing method is a method of using machines for automation. The image to be printed will be loaded into the digital printer, then the machine will analyze and print the product immediately. The DTG printing process includes 6 main stages as follows:

Step 1: First, prepare the print file and import it to the DTG printer

Step 2: Then, prepare printing materials: To prepare for the printing process, it is necessary to prepare printing fabric materials and heat press to flatten the fabric surface. Before spraying ink, it is necessary to spray liquid on the surface of the fabric. Then, prepare the ink and install it all into the printer.

Step 3: Check the printer: Before starting to print, make sure the product is completely flat in the printer. This helps avoid gaps after printing caused by wrinkles, which compromise the printing process.

Step 4: Perform automatic printing: If the preparation work is done according to the correct procedures and requirements, the automatic printing process will take place effectively. However, it should be noted that the printing process should not be done in a hurry or the quality will not be as expected.

Step 5: Drying: After the printer finishes printing, you need to wait for the ink to dry or use a dryer to save time. Immediately after that, gently remove the shirt from the DTG printer.

Step 6: Check and finish the printing process: After printing, you need to check the quality of the printed image and product. If the results are good, the printing process is finished and the product is ready to be shipped to the customer.

Is digital printing (DTG) durable?

When digital printing (DTG) on fabric, the quality and durability of the product depends on many factors, including the quality of the ink, fabric material, printing technology, and how to preserve the product after printing. print. With the latest digital printing technologies and good quality fabric materials, DTG printed products can achieve relatively high durability, retaining colors and printed images for many years.

However, it should be noted that DTG printed products are not as durable as screen printing or embroidery printing. Therefore, it needs to be properly preserved and cared for to maintain the durability and brightness of the colors.

Applications of digital printing technology (DTG)

DTG digital printing technology has many applications in different fields, including:

Printing t-shirts and clothing: DTG printing technology allows direct printing on fabrics such as cotton, wool, polyester, etc., helping to create unique and personalized t-shirts and clothing products for customers.
Printing on items and accessories: DTG technology can be used to print directly on items and accessories such as bags, hats, shoes, keychains, phone cases,…
Printing photos and art: DTG digital printing technology allows printing small quantities of photos, images and paintings on different types of paper and materials.
Printing advertising and marketing products: DTG printing technology allows printing promotional products such as jackets or t-shirts for brand promotion and marketing for events and advertising campaigns.
Interior Decoration Printing: DTG technology can be used to print directly onto decorative fabrics, wall panels and other interior decoration products to create unique and personalized designs.
Printing on stationery products: DTG technology can be used to print directly on stationery products such as notebooks, folders, folders,…

DTG digital printing technology is becoming increasingly popular in many fields due to its flexibility, fast printing speeds and ability to produce unique and personalized products.