Print Definitions, Methods, & Providers
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Definition
DTG stands for Direct to Garment and refers to a method for textile printing. Unlike other textile printing methods, such as heat transfer or dye sublimation, the DTG printing process uses specialized ink in order to print directly onto the garment, using a DTG printer. The fabric fibers soak up the ink and become part of the garment. This technology enables the creation of garment prints that do not crack, peel, or distort in other ways.
DTF (Direct-to-Fabric) Definition
In Direct-to-Fabric (also called ‘Roll-to-Roll’) the printing is performed directly on a roll of fabric. In comparison, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is done on the fabric that is cut and sewn into a garment.
Key differences between Direct-to-Fabric and DTG printing include:
- Fabric Type – Direct-to-Fabric has no fabric type limitations and can be used on any type of fabric as opposed to DTG which has some application limitations.
- Printing Speed – Direct-to-Fabric is a faster process as it prints on a roll of fabric in one continuous process versus the need to print on one garment at a time with DTG printing.
- Color Gamut – Direct-to-Fabric usually involves eight color channels, whereas DTG uses CMYK with no expanded gamut of lighter colors. The DTG printer may have six to eight color channels, but two to four of the channels are used for printing white ink.
- Finished Product – Direct to fabric printing requires sewing and cutting of the fabric post-printing. With DTG the product is ready to use when printing is done.
DTF (Direct to Film) Definition
Direct to film printing represents cutting-edge technology in the world of digital textile printing. This method involves printing designs directly onto a specialized film, followed by transferring these designs onto fabric using heat and pressure.
This process allows for high precision and vibrant color reproduction. That’s why it’s often the preferred choice for detailed and multicolor artwork. Unlike some traditional printing methods, DTF printing eliminates the need for pre-treatment of fabrics. It offers a streamlined approach to garment decoration.
The technology’s adaptability extends to a wide range of materials, from cotton and polyester to blends. This allows businesses to cater to diverse customer needs in various industries, including fashion and home decor. DTF printing ensures designs remain intact and vibrant through multiple washes.
Dye Sublimation Printing Definition
Dye sublimation is a digital printing technology that uses heat transfer to apply an image to the intended substrate. Also referred to as digital sublimation, the process is commonly used for decorating apparel, signs, and banners as well as other items with sublimation-friendly surfaces.
Dye sublimation printing features the following two-part process:
- Print graphics onto special transfer paper using a dye sublimation printer and inks
- Use a heat press to transfer the ink-on-paper to the substrate
In step 1, unique sublimation dyes are transferred to sheets of “transfer” paper via liquid gel ink. The ink is deposited on these high-release inkjet papers, which are used for the next step of the sublimation printing process.
In step 2, the printed transfer sheets are transferred through heat, which converts the solid dye into a gaseous form without going through a liquid form. Heat coupled with pressure causes the dye to penetrate the interior of the substrate, creating a permanent color bond. Once the heat is removed, the dye returns to a solid form and the process is complete.
As colors are embedded in the substrate or fabric, rather than printed on the surface, images on fabric won’t fade or crack even after multiple washings.
Print on Demand (POD) Definition
Print-on-demand (or POD) is an order fulfillment method where items are printed as soon as an order is made, often without order minimums. The term POD is often combined with dropshipping to describe a service where items are printed to order and shipped directly from the manufacturer to the buyer on behalf of the customer selling the goods. Relative to wholesale/bulk orders, POD means there is no need for holding finished inventory, the product is always effectively “in stock,” a wider range of product options can be offered, and fulfillers need only produce pieces that have already been sold. While this does mean production takes place entirely after an order is placed, state-of-the-art technologies are now able to complete that end-to-end order-to-shipment process very quickly.
PRINT PROVIDERS USED:
SwiftPOD
Technology & Inks
SwiftPOD uses Brother GTX to produce outstanding full-color direct-to-garment (DTG) prints, at 1200 DPI, using cutting-edge Innobella inks. Innobella Textile inks are water-based pigment inks that are OEKO-TEX, Eco-Pass certified and CPSIA-compliant. You can be confident that their print has high durability and washability because Innobella Textile inks have scored 4.0 or higher on the AATCC wash test. !! Please note that while the inner neck labels on SwiftPOD garments are printed using DTF (direct to film) technology, the rest of the garment is printed using DTG (direct to garment) printing technology.
InkBlot
Technology & Inks
Ink Blot prints exclusively with Brother GTX Pro DTG printers. They pre-treat both dark and light apparel with high-quality, undiluted Firebird pre-treatment for more vivid prints with better washability.
MWW On Demand
Technology & Inks
MWW On Demand uses a wide variety of dye sublimation and direct-to-fabric print machinery that utilizes the industry's best water-based pigment inks.
Subliminator
Technology & Inks
The technology used is dye sublimation. For inks: inkbank (RoHS standard; REACH standard; GOTS standard; OEKO-TEX standard).
Smart Printee
Technology & Inks
Smart Printee uses Grando XT00862 JEC Digital Printers that deliver consistent quality and high pixel clarity with environmentally friendly water-based inks for imaging.