DTG Technology Comparison
View this DTG comparison matrix to compare different garment printing technologies to see which type is right for your particular needs. You can see how adding a DTG printer to an existing vinyl heat transfer, silkscreen or embroidery business can increase profit margins and keep smaller custom on-demand jobs in-house.
Which apparel printing process is right for me?
| Direct to Garment | Dye Sublimation | Thermal Transfer | Screen Printing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic technology | Inkjet, direct on garment | Print images on a release paper, then transfer image to garment by heat press | Transfer preprinted images to garment by heat press | Screen printing directly on garment |
| Graphics | Full digital color | Full digital color | Color separations | Color separations. 4-color simulated process approximates digital |
| Technology History | 10 years | 50+ years | 50+ years | 50+ years |
| Supported substrates | 100% cotton, high cotton blends, polyester, canvas, hemp and linen | 100% white polyester | Synthetic, poly blends | Any fabric type |
| White ink supported (for impressions on dark or black shirts) | Yes | No | Not applicable | Yes |
| Ink and Environmental Concerns | Water-based pigment ink is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. No fumes. | Typically solvent-based ink. VOC and environmental concerns. | Ink is already on transfer paper. | Ink is already on transfer paper. Commonly plastisol ink with environmental concerns. Produces VOC and waste water problems. Water-based inks available but cost more. |
| Printed Garment's Tactile Feel | Soft and natural cotton feeling, depending on ink quality. | Natural feeling | Depends on the character of transfer paper used | Thick hardened plastisol. "Tarp" feeling |
| Profitability of short runs | High | High | High | Not feasible, especially for multiple colors. Runs below 25 prints are cost prohibitive |
| Capital Equipment Investment | $10,000 to $50,000 | $2,000 to $10,000 | $2,000 to $10,000 | $5,000 to $250,000 |
| Ideal Owner Profile | Professional commercial system, small scale commercial, hobbyist | Hobbyist or small scale commercial | Hobbyist or small scale commercial | Professional Commercial System |
| Shop Footprint | 50-100 sq. ft. | 50-100 sq. ft. | 50 sq. ft. (heat press only) | 250 sq. ft. and up |
| Set-up Time | 2-5 minutes | 2.5 minutes | zero | 2-4 hours, depending on many variables |