Discuss the various aspects of direct to garment printing. DTG printers include Brother, T-Jet, Flexi-Jet, DTG Kiosk, Kornit, Mimaki, Tex-Jet and others! Discuss and learn about this up and coming printing technology.
I'm a n00b to t-shirtforums.com and after spending a few hours on here, I have learned a lot.
I'm looking for a DTG printer in NJ. One of our t-shirts for next season will require getting a rendering of the attached picture printed on a white shirt.
I have never used DTG to print a shirt, but I believe this is the only way I can get this picture onto a t-shirt. Am I wrong?
From what I've read so far, there are a few different DTG machines. I'm sure I will get mixed reviews, but which DTG machine should I be looking to get this printed on?
Unfortunately the forum doesn't allow service requests/recommendations, as they inevitably lead to self-promotion and advertising. You can post in our TF Classifieds when you have fifteen posts, if you want to.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eatsleepRACE
I have never used DTG to print a shirt, but I believe this is the only way I can get this picture onto a t-shirt. Am I wrong?
You're wrong about it being the only way, but probably not wrong about it being the most practical way for what you're doing. Dye sublimation, digital heat transfer, and process screenprinting can all put a full colour image on a t-shirt... but each has their own drawbacks that ultimately make DTG likely to be the most suitable for the job.
but which DTG machine should I be looking to get this printed on?
If recent posts are any indication, I'd say someone elses. I realize that people only really post when they are having problems, but there seems to be a lot of unhappy users.
If you're intent on DTG, then I'd sub it out. If you want to do it in-house, look at sublimation. The blanks cost a little more, but I think it offers the most durable photo quality print. The equipment costs are also many, MANY thousands less.
So my question is...can anyone recommend me a manufacturer to call?
There are only 2 "manufacturers" of this type of equipment that you can call directly in the USA.
If you would like to set up an appointment or talk with our friendly technical support staff our number is 727-329-9483, we would be happy to discuss your needs or direct you to an Flexi user.
Mark
Belquette Inc
Last edited by Rodney; September 28th, 2007 at 03:27 PM.
Reason: removed URL as per forum rules
There are a number of users of all the machines in the marketplace. While only 2 - repurpose the printers here in the US (actually 3 - can't forget Anajet) - the core print engines are all manufactured in Japan (Epson, Brother) - or Israel (Kornit). The print quality on any of the real contenders with equally skilled operators will be very similar - yes, even from the T-Jet. I would suggest that you look at these and other forums for folks who advertise that they do contract work.
There are a number of users of all the machines in the marketplace. While only 2 - repurpose the printers here in the US (actually 3 - can't forget Anajet) - the core print engines are all manufactured in Japan (Epson, Brother) - or Israel (Kornit). The print quality on any of the real contenders with equally skilled operators will be very similar - yes, even from the T-Jet. I would suggest that you look at these and other forums for folks who advertise that they do contract work.
Happy printer searching!
Well hello my friend,
The point I was getting at is that there are only certain manufacturers, (not reps of manufacturers or distributors) where the actual engineering is being developed you can call directly. True the core print engines are made overseas, but as you know there is a great deal of design and changes necessary to develop a flatbed printing system that's practical. So, even though 2 systems may start out with a similar core (print engine) it's comes down to everything around that engine and how well you compensate for it's shortcoming (all prints engines have them) and use it's strengths to turn it into a robust and stable device.
An analogy would be taking a Northstar engine and dropping it into a Nascar frame.
Now we have a much different animal.
The best engineering and support team (pit-crew) surrounding the 'similar engines" always prevail.
All manufactures have there own approach to design and functionality, and I do see some improvements in the DTG manufacturer's designs, Kudos for you.
At the end of the day end users never rest and want to go faster and farther without a pit stop, and we (Belquette the manufacturer) are doing our best to listen.
Which DTG printer should I use? 
