Mtnview

I don't know which topic category to post this in so I will start here. For those who have experience with both dtg and heat transfers, which is more economical to print with, a dtg printer or plastisol heat transfers? To start most of my prints will be one or two colors. I have been looking at both the Hotronix Maxx and Phoenix Phire auto openers but what is a good dtg if I decide on that route?

 

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pezlo4750

Quote: Originally Posted by Mtnview I don't know which topic category to post this in so I will start here. For those who have experience with both dtg and heat transfers, which is more economical to print with, a dtg printer or plastisol heat transfers? To start most of my prints will be one or two colors. I have been looking at both the Hotronix Maxx and Phoenix Phire auto openers but what is a good dtg if I decide on that route?

I suppose it's going to ultimately depend on the quantities. If you're doing jobs that are very small in number, then DTG is best. But as the jobs get bigger, it's FAR more economical to use plastisol transfers. Luckily, as you stated, your designs are simple 1 or 2 colors. Because it's very difficult to create good plastisol transfers with complicated multicolor art. DTG printers are NOT cheap. But they will pay for themselves in a short amount of time. The main problem is the difference in look. If you sell one job via the DTG for 5 shirts @ $20-$30 apiece, and later this customer comes back wanting the same thing but now wants 100 shirts. This would be far more economical to do with screenprinting. However, it won't be the same. Plastisol transfers look and feel different than DTG prints. So your customer should be aware of this. Generally speaking, however, DTG printers are mainly for very small jobs with complicated designs. Just to save time from shooting 6-7 screens to print a couple shirts. But like everything else, it just depends on YOUR market and YOUR needs. Hope this helps. Oh and as far as a good DTG printer, just do some research. You'll find all kinds of info.

 

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frommarz

I have to agree with pezlo on the "feel" being a big factor. I have several clients who used to only get screen printed shirts from me, UNTIL they felt the direct-to-garment. Now, they will beg for me to run even the larger orders on the dtg because they really love the fact that the print feels like it's part of the shirt.

We got our DTG printer in 11/07, and it took about 1.5 years for it to pay itself off... even in a bad economy. I'd definitely go that route if you can afford to.

Here's where I'd start in researching which dtg machine to buy: What DTG machine do you own and how did you make your decision on it :)

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pezlo4750

Quote: Originally Posted by frommarz I have to agree with pezlo on the "feel" being a big factor. I have several clients who used to only get screen printed shirts from me, UNTIL they felt the direct-to-garment. Now, they will beg for me to run even the larger orders on the dtg because they really love the fact that the print feels like it's part of the shirt. We got our DTG printer in 11/07, and it took about 1.5 years for it to pay itself off... even in a bad economy. I'd definitely go that route if you can afford to. Here's where I'd start in researching which dtg machine to buy: What DTG machine do you own and how did you make your decision on it :)

That's awesome! I wish more clients liked the DTG print. It's a lot more profitable! But unfortunately, most of our clients don't like to pay what you need to charge for a DTG print. Plus many people just prefer the screenprint. It's always more vibrant even though it has more of a hand.

 

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Rodney

Quote: Originally Posted by Mtnview I don't know which topic category to post this in so I will start here. For those who have experience with both dtg and heat transfers, which is more economical to print with, a dtg printer or plastisol heat transfers? To start most of my prints will be one or two colors. I have been looking at both the Hotronix Maxx and Phoenix Phire auto openers but what is a good dtg if I decide on that route?

The equipment costs and learning curve of owning and operating a DTG machine will be much higher than the equipment costs with heat transfers.

With heat transfers, all you need is a heat press. You can outsource the 1-2 color transfers to a company that prints plastisol transfers and put lots of your designs on one sheet to save costs.

If you wanted to do more of the production yourself, you could also invest in a vinyl cutter. That would enable you to cut t-shirt vinyl which is applied with a heat press and is great for 1-2 color jobs.

There's also this new heat transfer paper for Color Laser Copiers (Imageclip Koncert T) that does a great job at 1 color designs. Check out pictures here: Imageclip Dark and Imageclip Koncert T Results!

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