DTG is a process by which the ink is sprayed onto the garment and gets soaked into the fabric's fibers. It's a fast process as there is little time needed to set it up beforehand. It has the advantage of being more eco-friendly than other printing methods and having a wider range of colors available to print and making more detailed prints. As opposed to more traditional printing methods like screen printing, DTG offers more versatility and customization using the latest digital technology.
DTG printers use water-based pigments that require a unique curing process. Since the inks are water-based, they work best for printing on natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, and linen. In addition, pre-treatment is typically applied to the garment before printing. The pre-treatment is heat-pressed into the custom garment causing the fibers of the garment to lay flat. The pre-treatment also allows the water-based inks to bond right onto the fibers and improves durability and extends the life of the print, particularly for shirts that require an under base. Once the custom garment has been properly pre-treated, this is then positioned onto a platten system designed to hold the desired garment in place. Then it is digitally printed according to the design provided.
Here's a list of the pros and cons of using this technology:
Pros:
Wide color range
Results in more detailed designs than other methods
Much faster than other methods
Optimal for small and big amounts of prints
Easy to access due to its low costs
Digital prints (no minimum opposed to screenprint)
Works on colored garments
Water-based (eco-friendly)
Cons:
Can only be used mostly on cotton-based garments for best results
Some printing methods are faster (depending on volume)
Pre-treatment machine and press/oven needed to cure the ink.
You can find more information about the printers we use for DTG printing here.