What is Direct to Garment (DTG) printing?

Learn about the history of dtg printing and its current market trends. Discover step-by-step the dtg printing process and realize why you should use dtg printing.

The history of DTG printing

Direct-to-Garment printing (DTG), also known as digital apparel printing, is a ground-breaking technology that surfaced in the late 90’s. Following in the footsteps of ordinary home printers, Direct-To-Garment printers print designs directly onto garments instead of paper. It, essentially, uses inkjet technology to print directly onto various textiles and garments, also well known for printing customized prints on t-shirts.

This fairly new technology surfaced in the USA in 1996 by Matthew Rhome’s first commercial DTG printer, the “Revolution”. Revolutionary for its time, originating from injection printers (1950) that were available in every office, Rhome started to wonder if they could print on various materials other than paper. Matthew Rhome was granted the first DTG patent in 2000. In 2005 white ink was introduced to the market, solving the problem of printing on dark garments. Trying to surpass screen printing’s limitations, between 2000-2013 Brother, Mimaki, Kornit and Polyprint introduced various DTG printers to the market as a worthwhile alternative to screen printing.

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Why use DTG printing?

DTG printing is the cost-effective way of printing on-demand, personalized garments for small-medium production runs. The lower the quantity and higher the color count, the more reason to use DTG printing for the job.

DTG Benefits

It’s Digital

With as little as a computer, printer and a heat press and you are ready to go. No separations, screen exposures or vinyl to week with DTG printing. The very low setup cost per job is what makes DTG printing the best option for small runs.

High print quality

Print the smallest detail, with multiple color options. Get a photo-realistic result in minutes. Also, the amount of color is endless with DTG and not dependent on how many colors you have on a press, like screen printing.

Personalization

Satisfy even the most demanding customer at the lowest cost. Provide turn-key solutions for their every need on the spot.

Optimized for short to medium productions

Direct-To-Garment printing is ideal for entry level businesses. Its automation and ease of use can produce short runs in minimum time without ink waste. Receive the optimum results with quick Return on Investment (ROI). Without difficulty, DTG can be incorporated into various business models with its wide variety of applications.

Eco-friendly

DTG printing allows low energy consumption and minimum ink waste. The water-based inks are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT Certified) safe even for children.