5+ Best DTG Printer For Small Business | Unrivalled Guide 2022

If you want to produce impressive custom garments as quickly as possible without compromising quality, it is important to choose the right  DTG printer for your business.

However, not everyone knows about DTG printers, and a great many business owners end up choosing inferior products or printers that do not meet their needs. So how can you choose the best DTG printer for your small business?
The Web-to-Print revolution has revolutionized today’s printing practices with the introduction of DTG printers, which have transformed the printing process by increasing efficiency.

Advances in technology and the need for more detailed and intricate prints on t-shirts have caused the printing industry to move away from traditional screen printing and embroidery to more digital direct-to-garment printing.

While screen printing and embroidery continue to be popular, the DTG printing industry is seeing higher growth in sales of DTG printers, which are capable of printing high-quality artwork with quick turnaround times.

Here we take a look at seven of the most popular DTG printers on the market and examine the pros and cons of each. Ultimately, it will be a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to know what you can expect from each option.

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What is DTG printing?

DTG stands for Direct to Garments, a state-of-the-art technology that guarantees superior performance and high-quality production. Although the technology has made great advances, it is only being used by small and medium-sized businesses.

Direct to Garment digital printing is the opposite of what has been done with labour-intensive methods. These printers integrate inkjet printing technology with multiple colour reproduction programs and long-lasting print performance.
DTG printers, as the name implies, print designs directly on garments. With these printers, beautiful customized garments can be created with fast, high-quality prints. This “web-to-print” innovation makes it super easy to create intricate prints on t-shirts because the material does not expand.

Many companies use printers to print on fabric, but they are not DTG printers. Many companies use highly accurate inkjet printers or home dye-sublimation printers, which can be costly and time consuming. However, people who know about DTG printers do not know enough about DTG printers. Therefore, they buy printers that do not meet their needs.

With DTG printers, you can delegate highly technical tasks to technology. It is easy to find the best DTG printer for your small or medium-sized business, with high or low maintenance costs depending on the model. By choosing a Direct to Garment (DTG) printer that guarantees excellent printing accuracy, you can enhance your company’s reputation.

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Best DTG Printer For Small Business | Comparison Table 2022

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Best DTG Printer For Small Business | 2022 Products Overview

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Buying Guide

Garment printing for small projects requires an eye for finding the best DTG printer for your small business. The relatively low initial cost of this printer allows you to find a DTG printer within your budget as well as one with a high initial cost.

However, that brilliance is not golden. Don’t chase the lowest price to save money and don’t be tempted by expensive printers in the name of high performance. To make this difficult process easier, we offer the ultimate guide.

Below are some important factors to consider when looking for the best direct-to-garment printer. Take a look.

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1.) Print Resolution

When choosing a DTG printer for high-volume or small-scale production, it is very important to look for a printer that offers exquisite resolution. Therefore, it is important to choose a production-quality printer.

The minimum dpi (dots per inch) required for high-quality DTG prints is about 1440 dpi; less than 1440 dpi will result in poor image quality and blurred images. So remember to invest your money in a printer with a resolution of 1440 dpi or higher.

2.) Printing speed

For high-volume printing, a DTG printer with a high print speed is considered advantageous because it can increase production and save a lot of time. There are printers on the market that promise high volume production in a few hours.

Despite the printing speed, there are also features that can help apparel brands increase productivity, such as single-pass printing. Therefore, be sure to spend your money on a quality printer.

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3.) Ease of use

In general, using DTG printers and understanding their various functions can be complicated and tedious for novice users. However, the majority of DTG printers today are designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate so that users will have no trouble using a DTG printer.

We recommend that you look for a printer that is easy to use. Epson printers are representative of DTG printers that are not only convenient but also easy to use.

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4.) Printable area

Maximizing the efficiency of your apparel business is not just about owning a DTG printer with fast print speeds. That’s right, have you heard? By choosing a printer with a much larger print area than usual, you can now produce multiple high-quality prints at once.

Depending on your budget, you can choose an industrial grade machine with the ability to print 4-5 shirts in one pass, or a classic compact model that will be available in the mid-range price range.

5.) Print Quality

One thing to keep in mind when spending money on a high-end DTG printer is print quality. We recommend that you print sample T-shirts to check the print quality; if this is not possible, you should look at customer reviews, as the majority of reviews on DTG printers are about quality and speed. Our suggestion is to install a DTG printer with high resolution quality output and colour accuracy.

6.) Type of garment

The use of DTG printers is not limited to printing regular T-shirts. Aprons, sweatshirts, and even shopping bags can now be printed with DTG printers. Just be sure to check the size and capabilities of your printer.

Many of the DTG printers on the market have extensive features that allow you to decorate T-shirts and other garments, so make sure you put your money into the right printer for your garment business.

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7.) Total Cost of Ink

DTG is a heavy one-time investment, so you will be looking for every possible way to maximize profits and save on expenses. An important part of earning efficiency is the total cost of ink: calculating the average ink cost per T-shirt or garment can give you an idea of the money you are spending.

With this information, you can choose whether to print in black and white or colour; the more frequently you use your DTG printer, the higher your ink costs will be.

What are the benefits of Direct to Garment printing?

DTG printers are considered the ideal short-run production equipment for printing directly on fabric. Their ease of use compared to competing methods is one of the main reasons for choosing this technology. These printers require very little preparation before setting up the garment.

These printers are capable of printing small batches, from a single piece of cloth to several pieces of cloth, and we invite you to read on to learn more about the wonderful benefits of DTG printing.

1.) Ease of use

Unlike the labour-intensive jobs that only a skilled person can do, DTG printing is super easy. The biggest reason these printers are so attractive to small businesses is that anyone can use them. This means you don’t have to rely on anyone else.

They can be used just like regular printers in the home or office, so once you know how to use them, you can easily get the job done with a DTG printer.

2.) They are relatively inexpensive

It is also worth noting that these printers come at an affordable price point with low running costs: since the DTG printer is connected to the PC before printing, there is no need to create a separate screen to reproduce the design. This minimizes the overall print setup. Since no separate screens are needed, printing can be done at very low production costs.

3.) Colour printing

There is nothing better than having a printer that can print all colours at once. Yes, DTG can do this. Even the most complex printed material can be printed in a variety of colours in a single operation. However, on darker coloured fabrics, single pass printing may not work well and may require ironing to get very clear and sharp saturation.

4.) High flexibility

The DTG print industry is expanding into a variety of industries, not just garment printing. Although popular for fabric printing, it can be used in other areas as well. As a result, a market that can attract a large audience is being developed. From fancy dress to everyday wear, DTG printers have a wide range of capabilities.

5.) Can print on different fabrics

A decent DTG printer can handle all the common types of fabrics: t-shirts, shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, pants, and other cotton garments can all be printed on this printer. Additionally, designs can be printed on fabrics such as stretch leggings, baby bodysuits and bibs, sleeves, socks, underwear, silk pockets and scarves.

6.) Fast delivery time

Every customer appreciates fast service from brands, and a competitive DTG printer is needed to meet this demand from customers. This essential piece of equipment is a great feature, especially for small businesses that print on a wide variety of garments.

As a buyer, you always want to deliver your products within 24 hours. Think like a buyer. This printer will be irreplaceable for you. This machine should not be overloaded because less than 20 is super convenient.
It is efficient at loading small batches and can process orders in a fraction of the time. Thus, the short set-up time will increase overall production with precision.

7.) Great detail

Will a print that looks good on a computer also look good on a shirt? DTG printers, with their high-definition digital printing capabilities, look brilliant on fabrics as well as screens.

These printers print high-quality graphics that do not disappoint customers. In addition, DTG printers are ideal for giving unique items to friends and family. Easily print on polyester, silk, and cotton; in addition to t-shirt printing, printing on cylinders, canvas bags, and cell phone cases is a new trend. Ideal for small businesses, DTG printers allow you to create your own fashionable collection.

8.) Sustainable Printing

Most buyers fear that their prints will crack over time. However, direct-to-garment printers ensure that this does not happen. The machine does not require an extra layer to cover the fabric and prints directly with ink, which prevents chipping of the print.

This makes the DTG printer an ideal item for commodity businesses. The ability to print custom T-shirts and other fabrics that will not crack over time and at such a low cost is a deal not to be missed at all.

DTG Printer Maintenance Tips :

01. Maintain a good printing environment

In order for the printer to function as it should, it must provide a suitable environment for T-shirts. During this time, regular attention should be paid to humidity, heat, and dust. Therefore, it is wise to keep the printer in an environment that is free from sudden temperature changes.

02. regular nozzle maintenance

Each day, before printing a T-shirt, perform a nozzle check. This will keep your prints and business at peak performance. If the nozzle is not working properly, it needs to be taken care of immediately. Also, if the obstruction is left unattended, it will become a permanent obstruction and render the printer unusable.

03. smooth ink flow

If the printer is equipped with an agitator, the agitator will continue to agitate the ink to prevent it from settling. However, if it is not, periodically and certainly shake the cartridges before the start of the day. It is wise to do this daily, even if you do not use the printer every day. It is a good idea to print a few sample T-shirts every day or every three days to avoid running out of ink.

04. keep the capping station clean at all times

The capping station is designed to create a vacuum around the nozzle plate, which feeds ink into the station. The pressure releases the nozzles and prevents the ink from drying out. Therefore, they must be cleaned with a cleaning solution such as demineralized water.

Best DTG Printer For Small Business| Video Explanation

Best DTG Printer For Small Business| Infographic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the DTG business profitable?

DTG printing can significantly reduce the cost of your business. The average price of a custom t-shirt is $20-25, while the cost to design and produce one t-shirt with digital printing is only $1-3.

Do I need a pre-processing machine for DTG printing?

Yes! Each dark-coloured garment that you intend to print with DTG requires the application of a pre-treatment solution. If your work is primarily white ink, you will need to pretend the colour folder. Likewise, if the work is primarily coloured ink, the white shirt will need to be treated as well.

How do I maintain my DTG printer?

Usually, the printer’s noteworthy routine is to inform someone of the day’s schedule. Usually, they shake out the ink left in the tank, turn on the noisy copy heads, start checking the nozzles, fill the lower tank with water, run the standard cycle, and make a few copies of whatever trash or unwanted items are around.

Can I print on hoodies with a DTG printer?

Yes, you can; DTG printers can print on thicker materials such as hoodies and pants, but it is the best idea to examine the product before purchasing to be sure!

What fabrics can be used for DTG printing?

DTG prints work best on fabrics such as cotton, combed cotton, and linen, but can also be used on lighter coloured polyester.

Final Thoughts

Printing is a comfortable process only if you get the right printer. When looking for the best DTG printer for your small business, keep everything in mind. Everything from budget to type of printing needs to be known in advance.
Our honest advice is: “Don’t just look at the printer’s features, but determine if the printer is right for your needs. Also, think about how you can get the most out of it. Doing so will make the product selection process less stressful.