Recommendation for DTG Printer

Rogelio · April 6th, 2009, 11:36 PM

My company is looking for a direct to garment printer and I overwhelmed by the number of different manufacturers and models available. Our company sells game-related products and we can sell anywhere from 10-100 t-shirts/day but we're thinking we can seriously increase the number of shirts we can sell by increasing the number of different designs. Historically, we have had our t-shirts printed by a local screenprinter but we're seriously considering a direct to garment model.

It's really amazing how you can read on one website a number of reviews about how wonderful a particular model is, then on another website see an equal number of reviews about how awful it is. This is especially true of the fast t-jet 2 and anajet models. Some people love them, others tell me how they never worked properly. It seems the only brand that I haven't seen a bad review about is Brother, but they are very expensive and the white ink printer isn't even available yet.

Help! We're located in Tennessee, by the way.

I should also mention that our primary concern is quality, something that will look good after numerous washings and will not require hours of upkeep a day to stop clogs. The new Brother looks awesome, but $50k is outrageous.

Earl Smith · April 7th, 2009, 04:26 AM

Hi Rogelio.
I too am looking into these machines. You will see a nearbye post on a similar subject. You are right. One forum says one machine is wonderful and the next says its rubbish. Go to one fair and some machines are working and the next fair the same machines are down. Its confusing. BUT as you will see from the responses to my post it seems to be all about looking after the machine and the operator. The machine must be treated with TLC. Looked after just like you would a screen printing setup. Dont keep changing operator. Let one person operate and look after the machine.
You nsay the Brother is expensive. Sure is but if you are selling up to 100 pieces a day then the machine is paid for in only 6 months. Buy a cheaper machine and maybe it cant cope with the quantity. Breaks down etc.
Just my thoughts .
Earl.

TraciAEL · April 7th, 2009, 10:02 AM

My name is Traci; I'm with AEL Services, Inc. We are a repossessing and remarketing company in West Virginia. We have just acquired a Fast T-Jet 2 and it appears to be in good working condition. We also have a few other direct-to-garment items that might be of interest to you. I would love to speak with you about the products we have and to find out if there is any other equipment you might be looking for, as I may be able to assist you. Please send me your email address and I would be happy to send you some information.

Traci Gould
Remarketing Agent
AEL Services, Inc.
[email address]

EmbroideryTech · April 7th, 2009, 03:43 PM

Hello all,

I have been a Technician in the industry for over 15 yeras and have tested several Garment Printing machines. I can say that if you are looking for ease of use and great reliability then you should consider that price may not be a shopping point. There are many machines as you mentioned and many of these can be less then commercial quality. The comment about some working at trade shows and then the next show they are not can be attributed to shipping. I have worked those booths before and we have received a machine in shipment that was working great at the office but arrived in less then working condition. Since most shows are on weekends it makes it tough to get parts to arrive and have the machine repaired for the show. I would hate to have that be a consideration. Also, many comments on websites are based on the user's ability to work the machine and not the machine itself.

With that all being said, I would highly recommend the Brother GT-541 Garment Printer. It is easy to use and train along with fairly straight forward maintenance. You replace ink, clean the print heads, replace drain tanks, etc. Very simple for the most common user. It is not the most highly priced but not the cheapest either. It does not print WHITE ink but in reality you probably do not need that as much as want it. Just like screen printing you have to upcharge for dark color fabrics. So if you tell a customer the price difference they usually want the less expensive costs, especially right now. Don't get suckered into the sales reps telling you that you need white ink. If you are making the quantity of shirts that you seem to be thinking you will, then buy the Brother and then in six months add a machine that does white ink if you see a need. You will have paid for the first one and now you can double your production output with a second machine.

As a side note, Brother has its main facility in Bartlett, TN with the Garment Printer team based there. Can anyone else provide that kind of service?

I would love to spend a few minutes with you to discuss the machines and why this machine is my choice. I spend hours of time with small to medium businesses in this industry going over what is best for them. I base my income on the consultation of those businesses, so if they do not succeed I lose a customer when they close. My success is based on your success. Feel free to call me at my office. We also offer technicians and trainers that specialize in garment printers. I have one based in TN as well and they specialize in the Brother Brand.

Thanks,

Supertprinting.com · April 7th, 2009, 06:57 PM

Here are a few suggestions- if you are buying used check out www.dtginks.com for support after the sale on Epson based printers. It is a forum for printer owners only just to help each other out.

If you buy new- buy from the company with the nearest tech support and with whom you hav a good relationship.

The brand matters less than the proximity of support in a new machine IMHO.

DoxaGarments · April 13th, 2009, 12:20 PM

one thing for sure you want to have a machine that prints white ink since a lot of people chose dark shirts over white shirts.

spbsportswear · May 9th, 2009, 03:32 PM

FYI - T jet is out going out of business and therefore I would not recommend buying one if you are concerned for parts and service in the future.

I personally have a Flexijet and enjoy the white ink capability, extended printing area, and flatbed design that allows me to print easily on other items as well as t-shirts.

Make sure that whichever model you get, you learn who to contact for service and technical help, and that you are prepared to maintain the printer to keep it in good working order. All brands require specific cleaning methods as well as particular environments.

Eric · May 13th, 2009, 03:13 PM

I own a mimaki, and I think its fantastic, however, not set up for darks. I am actually thinking of either adding / upgrading to a kornit in the very near future.

kocoleman · December 22nd, 2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric

I own a mimaki, and I think its fantastic, however, not set up for darks. I am actually thinking of either adding / upgrading to a kornit in the very near future.

Check the M & R I-Dot. Without a doubt the best prints on black and the best support available.

Brother · August 28th, 2013, 12:56 PM

The Brother™ GT-3 Garment Printer series is a great option to consider. GT-3 printers feature high quality photo printing and a 16" x 18" print area. It will help enable you to expand your product offerings and you can even print both CMYK and white ink, simultaneously (GT-381). The series has USB, Ethernet, and LAN connectivity, so it is easy to use in various working conditions. It also includes GraffixPro Studio® T-Shirt Design Software for east t-shirt designing. For more information, visit www.gt3printers.com