Technology Comparison
See how DTG compares with other garment printing processes
Which apparel printing process is right for me?
View this DTG comparison matrix to compare different garment printing technologies to see which type is right for your business 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. Plus, our printers are also capable of doing DTF.
| 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 |