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DTG vs. DTF Printing: Which Method is Best for Your Apparel Business?

Picture of Ricoh DTG

Check out our new YouTube video where we dive deep into the world of apparel printing! We compare DTG and DTF methods, helping you decide which is the right fit for your business. Watch now: DTG vs. DTF Printing: Which is Right for YOUR Apparel Business? | RICOH DTG

 

Key Differences:

  • Printing Process & Feel:
    • DTG: Prints directly onto the garment, allowing ink to seep into the fabric fibers. This results in a softer feel and better breathability, making it comfortable, especially in humid environments. The print is also more transparent when held to light.
    • DTF: Involves printing onto a film sheet, applying glue powder, curing it, and then heat-pressing it onto the garment. The result is a more solid print that feels thicker, somewhat "cardboardish," and sits on top of the material like a sticker.
  • Color & Definition:
    • DTG: Offers a nice layout of colors with good definition. It enhances softness and breathability.
    • DTF: While still producing nice graphics, the definition may not be as precise as DTG.
  • Equipment & Workflow:
    • DTG: Only requires a DTG unit and a heat press for a RICOH Ri 4000 setup. Conventional DTG machines often need a separate pre-treatment machine.
    • DTF: Requires the DTF unit, a shaker (often with a built-in fume extractor), and a heat press. These machines may require 220V power and take up more space.
  • Ideal Business Use Cases:
    • DTG: Best for customizing individual pieces or small orders (e.g., 1 to 10 shirts). Ideal for small storefronts, single rooms in houses or businesses focused on custom designs.
    • DTF: More suitable for large production runs of the same graphic, such as printing 30-40 shirts or producing films for marketplace sales.

Ricoh's Innovative Solution:

The video also introduces RICOH Ri 4000 as a versatile option that can perform both DTG and DTF printing. A key innovation of the Ri 4000 is its ability to print on cottons, polyester (yes, polyester), or mixed blend T-shirts without requiring a separate pre-treatment machine, as it has a built-in enhancer that applies digitally only where ink is needed.

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