Introduction
DTG(direct-to-garment) printing is not just for large-scale businesses; it is suitable for small businesses, too. So if you’re just starting out, a small DTG printing business can grow into a much larger operation. This printing technique is effective and produces intricate multi-colored designs.
According to stats, the DTG printing market is expanding to a multi-billion dollar market and is projected to reach around $3.9–4 billion in 2030, up from $1.9–2 billion in 2024. It reflects a CAGR of 12–13%. The progress is due to the customer’s rising demand for custom-printed apparel, and data shows that 6.8% of customers are willing to pay more for such products.
So, if you are ready to start one or just upgrading your equipment, you just need to choose the right DTG printer for your small business. This article lists the best DTG printers for small businesses. Let’s explore these options so you can make an informed decision.
What factors should small businesses consider when purchasing a DTG printer?
Although the choice mainly depends on your business needs and requirements, here are some factors you must keep in mind so you don’t overspend on the wrong choices.
- Budget: First comes the budget. Start by setting a realistic budget range and the features you aim to include. But it should not be too low. Also, when deciding on the budget, don’t forget ongoing expenses like repairs and maintenance.
- Order Volume: Your expected order volume determines the print speed you need. If you want a fast printer to boost your production rate without compromising quality, ensure the printer is reliable. Speed must be balanced with high-quality printing.
- Comparison of Key Parameters: Some important parameters include print head technology, print area, resolution, speed, and white ink circulation system. In different DTG printer models for small businesses, these parameters vary. So, you must research and compare these based on models from high-quality manufacturers.
- Technical Support: When it comes to training and technical support, they are critical, especially if you are new to printing. Check the details and ask your manufacturer about it. A reliable manufacturer offers long-term after-sales support.
DTG Printers Suitable for Small Businesses
LINKO GA-P1 DTG Printer
Linko is a leading brand, known for its reliability and high-quality equipment, offering the GA-P1 DTG Printer. Available with three printhead options, it can be adjusted between 4-pass and 6-pass for high speed and resolution. Its highly productive design supports multi-style production across a wide range of compatible media.
Ideal for a growing business, the printer allows for cost-effective printing. This means the cost per print remains under $0.15 without compromising print quality. Additionally, the reduced ink and material waste definitely saves a lot of cost.
Anyone, especially beginners, can operate it easily as it eliminates the need for plate-making. You can print custom designs just by uploading the image, easy to manage by a single person. With all this, you also get after-sales technical support from expert professionals.
LINKO GA-P2 DTG Printer
Another model from Linko, the GA-P2, is also an outstanding DTG printer choice. It produces highly detailed, durable prints that result in soft, breathable, long-lasting fabric.
It shines for its high-quality industrial-grade build, which not only ensures the longevity of the equipment but also safer operations. It has 4 Epson 3200A1 printheads. The GA-P2 DTG Printer offers fast printing speed with one-pass CMYK and white ink printing with no alignment required. So, it’s perfect for low-volume or custom batches and is best for small businesses.
It has a compact design and offers increased production capacity with a dual-station platen. Additional features include a white-ink circulation system, automatic nozzle cleaning, and an auto-lift system. The printer is works well with Windows 10 and 11.
Epson SureColor F2100
When it comes to fast DTG printers, the Epson SureColor F2100 is a reliable choice for small businesses.
It offers a print area of 16″ x 20” that easily handles different garment sizes. This incredible printer incorporates advanced features like Precision Core printhead technology that uses UltraChrome DG garment inks. These features help produce vibrant, long-lasting printed apparel.
The inline cleaning cartridge and self-cleaning feature enhance the printer’s efficiency, enabling daily maintenance to reduce downtime. With more unique features, you also get technical after-sales support.
Brother GTX Pro / GTX600
Then we have DTG printer models, GTX Pro and GTX600, from a prominent printer brand, Brother. These printers offer fast printing speeds and are suitable for small businesses. Built with durable, long-lasting material for stable operations.
GTX Pro offers both DTG and DTF printing capability, and is lauded for its large platen size. The GTX600 is a next-level printer with a changeable platen size up to 61cm x 61cm (24“ x 24“). While the height can be adjusted accordingly.
They are equipped with a built-in humidifier and use premium, Brother-manufactured inks. This results in vibrant, long-lasting designs. These DTG printers are beginner-friendly, as operating them is a breeze. Both models come with company-created software and are compatible with Mac and Windows 10/11.
Ricoh Ri 1000X / Ri 2000
If you are starting out, these budget-friendly options, the Ricoh Ri 1000 and Ri 2000, offer a great choice packed with features for a small business. These models are compact yet powerful print heads for high printing speed, precision, and durability. They handle unlimited colors, giving high-resolution prints up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.
You can easily operate the printer and adjust its settings with a touchscreen. This makes it easy for users without much experience to operate the printer, eliminating the hassle. The printer comes with software that controls the workflow as well as the cost.
Now, cleaning and maintenance are not a problem. They feature an automatic cleaning function to reduce downtime. With this, they provide their customers with video and online training resources, along with lifetime online technical support.
FAQs
What is a DTG printer?
A DTG or direct-to-garment printer is a specialized printing device that prints directly onto the garment, just like an inkjet printer does on paper. After the garment is pre-treated, the printer sprays textile-based digital inks onto the fabric. This technology delivers high-resolution, full-image, detailed designs. The printing process is fast and reliable for on-demand fabric printing.
How does a DTG printer work?
The DTG printer’s operation is fast and straightforward. Here is the process of how it works:
- After the design is prepared and loaded. The process begins with garment pre-treatment.
- Once pre-treated, the garment is loaded into the DTG printer for printing. The printer works on its own, applying ink onto the garment.
- Then the garment is carefully unloaded and heat pressed to cure the design.
- When the shirt is cooled, it is inspected carefully and ready to wear.
What are the benefits of using the DTG printer technology?
There are plenty of benefits of DTG printing. Here are some of the advantages of a DTG printer you may know:
- DTG printing is the best technology for on-demand printing, which is why it is suitable for small businesses.
- It is eco-friendly as it uses ink free of harmful chemicals.
- The process produces full color, detailed, photo-realistic images.
- The printing technology works with any color, whether lighter or darker fabrics.
How durable is DTG printing in terms of washability?
If answered directly, DTG-printed garments are very durable; they are expected to last the life of the garment. High-quality prints will last 50 to 100+ washes easily, if the garment is carefully maintained.
Does the DTG printing technology work for large-volume production?
No, DTG printing does not cater effectively for large-scale production. The reasons for this are that the cost and time of printing individual garments work well for small custom orders.
Which fabrics work well with DTG printing?
DTG printing works best on natural fabrics. This mainly includes 100% cotton, linen, bamboo, knitted fabric, canvas, and hemp.
