By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Desktop/tabletop, entry-level, and small format direct to garment (DTG) printers are an easy and affordable way to add revenue for print for pays, or add promotional capabilities in an in-plant environment. Here, we highlight a selection of available DTG devices.
Anajet
Available from Anajet, the RICOH Ri 100 is a compact, all-in-one custom garment printing system for light colored garments. The portable printer features a safe and easy-to-use design, ideal for events, retail environments, and home studios. It can fit into spaces as small as 399×698 mm and its finisher can be stacked to maximize functionality without sacrificing space.
The RICOH Ri 100 is compatible with 50 to 100 percent cotton t-shirts, tote bags, sweatshirts, and polo shirts. It handles thicknesses up to 4 mm with a maximum 291×204 mm print area.
Brother
Brother International Corporation features the GTX DTG printer featuring a maximum print size of 16×21 inches. The device itself weighs 260 pounds and measures 55x51x21 inches for small spaces. The GTX utilizes two printheads and eight ink channels.
Epson
The Epson SureColor F2100 is a DTG printer for high-quality prints. It offers a 14×16-inch platen with optional platens up to 16×20 inches. The device handles 100 percent cotton materials to 50/50 fabric blends. “Designed exclusively for DTG printing, the SureColor F2100 offers a purpose-built system for high-quality prints at production speeds,” shares Matthew Rhome, business development DTG, Epson America.
Developed using the latest advancements in performance imaging, including the Epson PrecisionCore TFP printhead and Epson UltraChome DG garment ink technology, the SureColor F2100 achieves up to twice the speed of the previous generation. Additional features include a quick-load platen, Epson Garment Creator Software, and an all-new integrated self-cleaning system. The SureColor F2100 retails for $49,995.
Kornit
The Kornit Digital Kornit Breeze is a portable DTG printer for small to mid-sized digital t-shirt printing businesses, online, and retail shops. It handles both light and dark garments with CMYK and white ink. The Kornit Breeze prints up to 14×18 inches with up to 1,200 dpi. Printable substrates include cotton, cotton-polyester blends, denim, leather, linen, lycra, polyester, silk, and wool.
Roland DGA
Released in January 2019, the Roland VersaSTUDIO BT-12 DTG printer offers a printable area of 8×11.5 inches. The device is compatible with materials that are 50 to 100 percent cotton. It is simple to operate and comes with user-friendly software, durable stainless steel printheads, and CMYK inks for sharp, colorful graphic results.
According to Lily Hunter, product manager, textiles, eCommerce and supplies, Roland DGA, the VersaSTUDIO BT-12 is a complete, low-cost solution that includes a finisher unit, cassette tray, and cleaning accessories. It also offers a small footprint—comfortably fitting in any store, office, kiosk, workshop, or home environment. The DTG printer is available for $3,495.
Customized Garments
DTG printers offer fast speeds and high resolutions for apparel printing. Print providers considering apparel printing should first determine the shop’s needs for pricing, speed, and compatible materials. dps
Read part one of this series, Add Revenue.
Jun2020, DPS Magazine
