When it comes to creating custom t-shirts, there are several types of t-shirt printing machines you can use. Each has its own unique process, benefits, and drawbacks. So, let’s break them down!
Heat Press Machines
What It Is
A heat press t-shirt printing machine operates like large irons that use a combination of heat and pressure to transfer designs onto fabric. The process involves placing a pre-made design onto the t-shirt and then using the heat press to bond the design to the fabric permanently.
These t-shirt printing machines come in different types, like clamshell models, where the top opens and closes like a clam, and swing-away models, where the top platen swings away from the lower platen. Heat presses are incredibly versatile and can be used with various transfer methods, including vinyl transfers, DTG (direct-to-garment) transfers, and sublimation.
What It’s Best For
Heat presses are perfect for…
- Applying pre-made designs to t-shirts, making them the ideal t-shirt printing machine for a small business or hobbyists who want to create custom apparel quickly and efficiently
- Being versatile, being able to be used on a wide range of materials and products, not just t-shirts. Heat presses can apply designs to mugs, hats, phone cases, and mousepads, making them a versatile tool for creating custom merchandise.
- Curing ink in DTG printing, ensuring that the ink bonds properly with the fabric.
Disadvantages
Heat press machines are relatively affordable and easy to use, making them the ideal t-shirt printing machine for small businesses.
However, heat presses aren’t great for:
- Creating original designs directly on the fabric. Instead, you need to create the design separately and then transfer it using the heat press.
- Being loose with the temperature and pressure settings, as incorrect settings can result in poor adhesion or damage to the fabric.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
What It Is
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a modern digital printing method that operates much like an inkjet printer for fabrics. Instead of printing on paper, DTG printers use specialized water-based inks to apply designs directly onto the garment.
What It’s Best For
DTG printing is a popular choice for small to medium-sized orders, particularly when customization is essential. This t-shirt printer machine is perfect for…
- Designs with intricate details, vibrant colors, gradients, and even photographs.
- Making soft and breathable prints natural materials like cotton.
Disadvantages
DTG printing does have its limitations. It may not be the best for…
- All DTG prints require pre-treatment, but you can buy pre-treated t-shirts. Ricoma’s DTG printers don’t have issues with black t-shirts, since it prints a white underbase. Our Vision DTG printer also has DTF capabilities, making it an incredibly versatile dual printing system.
Sublimation Printers
What It Is
Sublimation printers are a unique type of printing technology that utilizes heat to transfer dye onto materials, most notably polyester fabrics and polymer-coated substrates. Unlike traditional printing methods that apply ink on top of the surface, sublimation printing involves a fascinating transformation.
The solid sublimation inks are printed onto a transfer paper and then subjected to high temperatures in a heat press. This heat causes the inks to sublimate, meaning they transition directly from a solid to a gas state without passing through a liquid phase.
In this gaseous form, the dyes penetrate the fibers of the polyester or the coating on the substrate and solidify, resulting in a permanent, full-color image that is embedded within the material itself.
What It’s Best For
Sublimation printing is a great option for a wide array of applications, like…
- Producing vibrant prints for creating eye-catching designs on t-shirts, especially those made of polyester. Ricoma’s Luminaris printer prints both print transfers and sublimation transfers.
- Having exceptional durability and resistance to fading, cracking, or peeling, even after numerous washes. Due to these qualities, sublimation printing is frequently used for custom sportswear, team uniforms, and various promotional items like mugs, phone cases, and photo panels.
Disadvantages
However, sublimation printing has some limitations…
- It’s limited to certain materials, as it primarily works on polyester fabrics or items with a polyester coating.
- Requires a heat press which increases the expenses or process for those new to this technique.
Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printers
What It Is
DTF printing is a relatively new technology in the t-shirt printing industry. It involves printing designs onto a special film using water-based inks, then applying a powdered adhesive to the film. The design is then transferred onto the garment using a heat press.
This method combines some of the best features of DTG and heat transfer printing — which is why our Luminaris printer is one of our most popular printers!
What It’s Best For
DTF printing is great for high-quality, full-color designs on a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even leather. They’re great for:
- Producing durable prints that are resistant to washing and stretching.
- Offering a soft hand feel, similar to DTG printing.
- Being more eco-friendly than some other printing methods, as it uses water-based inks.
- Has bundled roll-to-roll printer prices
- Has affordable options when they’re bundled, like our roll-to-roll printers, so you can have everything together.
Disadvantages
While DTF printing has many advantages, it’s not without its drawbacks:
- The initial setup costs can be high, as you need specialized equipment including the DTF printer, powder shaker, and heat press. However, if you use the Vision DTG, you won’t need a powder shaker or dryer — and if you use our roll-to-roll printers like our Revel 1202 and Revel 2402, you’ll be able to do large-scale productions easily!
- The process involves multiple steps, which can be time-consuming for large production runs if you don’t have a roll-to-roll printer.
No Matter Your Printer, Ricoma’s Got You Covered!
At Ricoma, we excel in all things embroidery and printing. Whether you prefer the detailed awesomeness of DTG, or want to explore DTF printing, we have a machine that’s right for you!
Learn more about growing your printing business by subscribing to our Ricoma Prints YouTube channel and make the prints of your dreams!
