Impressions - September 2017 - 48

4. Myth: DTG is too slow for real
production.
Truth: Using multiple machines to print
larger runs is becoming common.
Is it more efficient to print 500 shirts
using screen printing instead of DTG
printing? Yes, if you have the option of
performing screen printing yourself or
contracting out the job. DTG is best suited
for shorter runs; in fact, you can make
money by printing just one shirt.
However, the number of decorators with
multiple machines steadily is increasing.
Multiple machines means greater potential
for printing larger orders.And remember,
printing can commence almost instantly,
in contrast to the preparation and setup
times, and cleanup after the fact, necessary
for screen printing.
I have seen a single operator running
up to four DTG printers, along with a
conveyor dryer. In these facilities, the environment (temperature and humidity)
is better controlled compared to that of
a traditional screen-printing production
floor, so the conveyor dryer is a better fit.
5. Myth: DTG inks are too expensive
to turn a profit.
Truth: Other factors impact costs, and
the pricing standard for DTG is set high.
It's important not to be trapped into
believing your customers only will pay
a certain amount for decorated apparel. The limitations you put on your
money-making potential probably has
more to do with you than what your
customer is willing to pay.
Comparing the cost of a one-color
screen print to the thousands of colors
available with DTG isn't reasonable. Can
you do a one-color print on a DTG
printer? Sure, but the cost is the same to

The fact that many DTG users
have successfully printed on
polyester is a positive indicator
for the future of decoration
on the substrate.

do a full-color photographic image, so
offering that option to your customers
only makes sense.
All factors must be considered when
calculating total decorating costs. Many
people fail to consider the costs related to time involved in the preparation

and post-printing processes. While
screen-printing inks are far less expensive than DTG inks, the investments in
screens, chemicals, film and time - from
start to finish - make the costs much
more comparable.
DTG decorators have been given a
wonderful gift. Large online decorators,
nearly all of which use DTG technology,
have basically set the price for all who use
the technology. By publishing a healthy
price over DTG-printed garments - about
$20 - they have established an industry
standard. Ink costs vary among DTG ink
systems, but with an average cost of about
50 cents on a light garment and $2 on a
dark garment, there is much money to
be made. 
Terry Combs is a 35-plus-year veteran of the garment
printing industry, and has managed production shops
large and small across the United States. He currently
does sales and training with Equipment Zone, Franklin
Lakes, New Jersey. His recent books, "Screen Printing: A Practical Guide," and "Direct-to-Garment:
A Practical Guide," are available on Amazon. For

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Impressions - September 2017

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