(English)
As T-shirt customization continues to trend in the online retail space, aspiring entrepreneurs have several printing processes to choose from. Each method—sublimation, digital direct jet printing (DTG), and offset short board heat transfer—offers unique advantages and challenges. Selecting the right printing machine can impact both product quality and operational efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore each of these printing methods, highlighting their suitability for an online T-shirt business.
To decide on the most suitable printing machine, consider these factors:
The traditional sublimation process involves several steps: printing on transfer paper, using an edge-finding plotter to cut the design, manually weeding out excess material, and finally using a heat press to transfer the design onto the fabric. This multi-step process is time-consuming, with a higher chance of errors.
To streamline the process, some companies, such as Mimaki, have developed integrated printing and cutting equipment. This combination reduces labor and improves efficiency by merging steps. However, sublimation prints adhere to the fabric surface, leaving a gel-like texture and limiting breathability. This method is often unsuitable for T-shirts meant for daily wear, as washing, stretching, or exposure to heat can cause cracking and fading. While sublimation can produce vibrant colors, its drawbacks in terms of comfort and durability make it less ideal for high-quality T-shirt businesses.
Digital direct jet (DTG) printing directly applies pigment ink to the fabric and heat-fixes it to achieve vibrant, high-quality prints. Known for its superior color range and soft, breathable finish, DTG printing has become the preferred method for high-end garment customization. Unlike sublimation, DTG does not use an intermediate carrier, which simplifies the process and enhances the overall appearance and comfort of the T-shirt.
One challenge with DTG, especially on dark fabrics, is white ink printing. White ink typically contains titanium dioxide, which enhances brightness and opacity but has a tendency to settle and cause clogging due to its large particle size and high surface tension. The industry faces ongoing challenges in optimizing white ink flow and adhesion on fabric, particularly when stored for extended periods. Despite these limitations, DTG remains a popular option for online T-shirt businesses looking to offer high-quality, breathable products with minimal setup requirements.
A recent innovation in the T-shirt printing industry is the offset short board heat transfer, also known as the powder shaker method. This process combines the advantages of sublimation and DTG to create highly saturated, photorealistic prints that are stretchable and washable without the need for traditional screen printing plates. In the powder shaker method, pigment ink (including white ink) is printed directly onto PET film, followed by a layer of hot melt powder. The design is then heat-pressed onto the fabric, achieving a durable and vibrant print.
Unlike DTG, where white ink is sprayed directly onto the fabric, powder shaker printing applies white ink to PET film, which is more accommodating to the ink’s consistency and adhesion. While this process does share similarities with sublimation, it has a lower barrier to entry, making it especially suitable for entrepreneurs starting out in the T-shirt industry. However, powder shaker printing may be less suitable for large-format designs due to potential limitations in breathability and comfort.
| Printing Method | Key Features | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | Multi-step transfer process with transfer paper | Vibrant colors, affordable for small-scale operations | Gel-like texture, low breathability, potential cracking |
| Digital Direct Jet (DTG) | Direct ink application with heat fixation | Rich color range, breathable, soft feel | High entry cost, white ink clogging issues |
| Offset Short Board (Powder Shaker) | Pigment ink on PET film with hot melt powder and heat pressing | Photorealistic, washable, lower entry barrier | Less breathable, limited for large-format designs |
For a T-shirt business that values high-quality and breathable prints, DTG printing is the optimal choice. However, for businesses aiming for a balance of quality and affordability, offset short board heat transfer offers an excellent alternative with fewer technical challenges and a lower barrier to entry. Each process has its unique benefits, but the decision ultimately depends on the specific needs and scale of your online T-shirt business.
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