Brian Walker offers some buying tips for businesses looking to invest in their first direct-to-garment digital
garment printer…
Maybe you’re a newcomer to garment decoration and, having
weighed up the pros and cons of the various processes,
decided that digital print is the way to go. Or maybe you run
a successful embroidery operation and feel the time is right
to expand into print. Or perhaps you are a textile screen printer looking to
attack the short run end of the market, (and defend your existing business
against the potential competitors
outlined above).
No matter; whatever your
reasons and motivation,
launching a direct to
garment digital printing
operation is like launching
any new business, which
means that you need a
business plan. So, before
you even consider writing
a cheque for equipment
sit down and draw up that
plan!
As anyone who has launched a (successful)business will know,
putting this plan on paper actually makes the whole concept of the business
more ‘real’, and gives you a starting point from which you can develop
and expand.
Start by writing down the concept of your business. Is it going
to be a retail store front, mall kiosk, or home-based business? Who
are your customers going to be, and what products are you going to sell
to them? How and where are you going to market these products, and to
whom? How are you going to produce the product: will you need volume
production, versatility, or a combination of both?
I tell people to think of their business as a living being – you give birth
to it, feed it, and watch it grow. But it all starts with conception, which is
the point at which you write your business plan!
After you have the plan in place, you can start looking at the equipment
you will need. The basics will include some sort of inkjet garment printer;
a computer and software to create, store and print the graphics for the
garments; and a way to cure the finished garment.
The Inkjet garment printer
It seems as though there is a new printer coming into the market every
month or so. You will find that most printers are utilising an Epson-based
printhead system, similar to those found on Epson’s popular desktop
printers. There are a few that use what are often described as ‘industrial
printheads’. These include the Kornit machines and the Brother GT-541.
While the price tags of the various printers range from the sub $5000
mark to in excess of $90,000, and their capabilities vary accordingly, each
machine performs essentially the same basic function – printing on to
garments.
I highly recommend that those looking for information and advice on
specific inkjet garment printers visit a trade show or two. At events such
as FESPA and the SGIA,you will be able to see the machine run, get an accurate idea of how
it operates, and fully appreciate its capabilities (and any drawbacks). It is
also well worth sounding out the views of actual owners on
forums such as www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com
This can be a source of expert information direct from the ‘horses mouth’
as it were. You’ll find most forum members more than happy to share information
on, and experiences with, their brand of machine.
To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of questions
to ask when researching and purchasing your first digital
garment printer. The most important thing to keep in mind,
however, is that the machine you intend to purchase is the
one that provides the best possible fit with your business
plan.
Before you visit a trade show or dealership, create some artwork
that covers all the types of printing that you plan on
doing – photographic, line art,spot colours and so on. (The
12 MB sample artwork, see above, can be downloaded for free from www.screenprintinguniversity.
com)
Have each machine on your list of potential purchases print a sample of the same artwork while you watch. Use a
permanent marker to write on the shirt which machine printed that shirt.
I would also advise that you draw up and print out a chart containing the
aforementioned list of questions, for each printer you see demonstrated.
Record as much information on the chart as possible. The type of information
you should be asking for includes…
How long it takes to load the shirt
How long it takes to RIP or spool the file to the printer
How long it takes to print the file
How long it takes to unload and cure the shirt
The maintenance procedures for the machine
The maximum printable area of the machine
The manufacturer’s posted throughput rates for the machine
Once you have this data, talk to existing owners to see if the data tallies
with their experience of the machine’s performance under real world
production settings.You’ll also want to know…
The size and costs of the ink bottles/cartridges
Whether the machine has the potential to print white ink for dark
coloured shirts
The curing time for the inks
When choosing an inkjet garment printer, create some artwork that you can use to compare
the performance of different printers. Take it with you to a trade show or two and have the
manufacturers print it on their machines.
Whether the inks be cured in a heat press or do they require curing in a
conveyor dryer
The average per print cost for a design such as your artwork
Whether the machine reports how much ink was used.
Finally, there are the support and warranty questions…
Are there additional items or equipment for the machine that can be
added to the machine to make it run better or faster? (A white ink printing
option, for example.)
What level of technical support does the manufacturer offer;
and is the support charged for?
Does the manufacturer visit you in the event of a machine
problem (on-site support); or do you have to return the
machine to the manufacturer (return-to-base)?
What type of warranty is included in the purchase price?
What types of materials can be printed on the machine?
What is the cost of the machine?
Here’s an important tip: when considering purchasing an inkjet
garment printer do not be tempted to purchase solely on the
price of the machine. You’ll notice that I put the purchase price
last in the above list of questions. All the other items listed
above should go into determining whether or not a machine is
right for you – not just the price alone. Dealer support, maintenance,
ease of use, production rates… these should all play a
crucial role in determining your final purchasing decision.
Another essential factor to consider before making any purchasing
decision is the expected return on investment (ROI)
when purchasing your printer: how long will it take you to make
back the money you have invested in the equipment? Clearly,
the sooner the ROI, the faster you will become profitable.
I have put together an ROI calculator in an Excel file at www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com This will allow you to input your own set of figures, based on your business plan, to calculate
your individual ROI. You might be surprised to find that
with the more expensive machines your ROI could be sooner
than you think, making it a better bargain, and the less expensive
machines a false economy. Try it and see for yourself.
Curing equipment
Since most digital garment printers use water-based ink systems
you will need some way to properly cure the ink. This
involves the heating of the printed area to the ink manufacturer’s
suggested temperature and time. There are two main ways
that are currently being used to cure the printed shirts: heat
presses and conveyor dryers.
Depending on the production capacity of your chosen inkjet
garment printer, you are likely to find that a single heat press
will be more than suf. cient to handle your production and
maintain a steady production cycle. Most printed shirts will
require between 30-90 seconds of cure time at between 166°C
(330°F) and 182°C (360°F). (Be sure to check the temperature/
time requirements for the ink you are planning to use with the
manufacturer/distributor.)
If you are printing white ink on dark shirts with multiple
passes the cure time will be longer, because of the increased
ink layer thickness and the requirement to evaporate the water
from this ink film.
A standard clamshell or swing away heat press will work well
for your purposes. I would recommended that you use a Teflon
cover sheet, (or similar), to keep the ink from staining the heating
surface of the transfer press. No matter which press brand
or type you choose, I definitely recommend that you go with
one that has an all digital control system for time and temperature.
You should also strongly consider a heat press that automatically
releases and raises after the preset time has expired. This way
you won’t have to worry about scorching a shirt if you accidentally forget
it was being cured.
The other option for curing your printed garments is to use a standard
conveyor dryer. This may be an attractive option for screen printing shops
that are moving into digital garment printing and already own such equipment.
However, I would suggest that you avoid locating your expensive
(and sensitive) digital garment printer in the same room as a screen printing
press, especially if you are using spray adhesive. The airborne spray
adhesive is extremely sticky and will wreak havoc on your digital
garment printer and especially its print heads. My advice: don’t even
think of trying to put these pieces of equipment in the same room if
you use spray adhesives in your screen printing process.
When using a conveyor dryer you will find that there are some differences
in curing compared with a heat press. First, you need to make
sure that the conveyor dryer has forced air and a lot of it. To cure,
water-based inks require the curing temperature to be reached and
held until all of the water has evaporated from the ink. This means
that when you use a conveyor dryer you are likely to have to allow for
a longer dwell time in the heating chamber than you would with a
regular plastisol ink print. This in turn means that you will have to slow your dryer belt down to allow for a
full cure. Indeed, the dwell time for water-based inks is often longer in a
conveyor dryer compared with a heat press.
Computers and Software
Since you will be dealing with digital files you are going to need a computer
with graphic design software to allow you to create and send the files
to be printed to the printer. As you would expect, the faster the processing
power of your computer, the faster the RIP/spool times of the digital
garment printer. However, under most circumstances, a new set-up will
be able to use a general art machine, loaded with Photoshop and Corel/Illustrator,
to output to their garment printer.
With regard to operating systems, some digital garment equipment
manufacturers offer both Mac and Windows interfaces or drivers. But you
should always check with the manufacturer before purchasing.
As referred to above, the most common graphics programs used by
digital garment printers are the same as those used in the screen printing
industry: Corel Draw, Photoshop, and Illustrator. However, any design SHOPTALK
program that allows you to create the graphic will work. Find one that
you are most comfortable with and become highly proficient at using
it.
Bear in mind that a great looking shirt is made by the artwork – its
originality and composition. And the only way you are going to be able to
produce great artwork is to be proficient at one or more of the professional
graphics software packages.
Putting it all together
You will find that once you have
your business plan written out and
you have an idea of where you want
to take the business, you will have
an easier time finding the right
pieces of equipment to help make
your business a success. You will
undoubtedly put a lot of time and
effort into the research phase of
your business when deciding which
equipment to purchase; however, with the large sums of investment involved
it is time well spent, and it is certainly the best way to ensure that
you are purchasing the correct equipment to match the requirements set
out in your all-important business plan.
Machine and Labour Costs
IMAGES is published by: CN Publishing, 9a, Kings Road, Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1ED, England.
Tel: 01525 718890/717655
IMAGES website designed and hosted by Cyberscreen Internet Services
Brian Walker started in the industry in 1987 while still in high school, and shortly after opened his first screen printing business.
He graduated from the Ohio State University in 1994 with a BSBA in Business Administration/Transportation & Logistics.
While building his screen printing business he started the software company CD Tees Software, developer of the T-Quoter shop management software package. In 2005, he purchased his first DTG machine, for CD Tees (his screen printing and embroidery store front). The same year CD Tees was appointed as a distributor for the Brother GT-541.
Direct2Shirt.com is the company's digital sales side, which covers the sales of inkjet garment printers, supplies, transfer presses, conveyor dryers, inkjet printable films for screen printers, as well as other items.
Brian's company is also responsible for the fast growing DTG forums at www.inkjetgarmentprinters.comwhere people can find information on many of the digital garment printers on the market and keep up with the current trends in the industry.
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Most recent articles by Brian Walker:
Profiting from Digital Printing
Brian Walker turns his attention to how garment decoration businesses can profit from adopting direct-to-garment digital printing technology.
Inkjet garment printing: creating a buzz
Brian Walker kicks off a new series of articles looking at how garment decorators can profit from the latest direct-to-garment digital printing technology. Here, he provides a general introduction to the DTG process: what it can do, and what it can’t…
Most recent articles in the archive:
Natalie Thomas
Calculating the Correct Exposure
Natalie Thomas, of MHM Direct GB, explains why every printshop should own, and use,
an exposure calculator.
Dane Clement
Optimising Photos for Print
IMAGES' computer graphics expert, Dane Clement provides some essential tips on how to manipulate
photographic files to give the best possible printed results…
Will Pearson
Process Control 5: Looking after your most valuable asset
In his latest article on process control in screen printing, Will Pearson, of Phantom Screenprint, focuses
on achieving smooth workflow in your printshop, and how to get the best out of your staff…
Pat Williams
Profiting from Corporate Embroidery
Embroidery expert, Pat Williams shares practical tips and advice on how to succeed in the corporate
identity apparel market…
Will Pearson
Process Control 4: the squeegee and floodbar
In the fourth of his series of articles on process control in screen printing, Will Pearson, of Phantom
Screenprint, looks at the squeegee, floodbar and accurate diagnostics…
Dane Clement
How to create a Multiple Outline Effect
Adding multiple outlines to text and numbers is a great way to add interest and value to your T-shirt
prints. Graphics expert, Dane Clement shows you how it's done
Will Pearson
Process Control 3 - The Stencil
In the third of his series of articles on process control in screen printing, Will Pearson, of Phantom
Screenprint, turns his attention to stencil-making.
Will Pearson
Process Control: Mesh Tension
Will Pearson of Phantom Screenprint, continues his series of articles on process control in screen
printing by outlining the reasons why every printshop should be using high mesh tension…
John Lynch
How to survive and prosper in an economic crisis
John Lynch, CEO Lynka, outlines the 'seven essentials for surviving a crisis' – principles that will allow your business not only to survive the current recession, but also to emerge stronger and more profitable on the other side
SG Brand launches with BTC
SG is being launched in the UK following the merger with BTC activewear by Falk&Ross in March of this year. The merger allows BTC activewear to truly provide their customers with the very best support and service in the industry, and it now enables them to exclusively bring SG to you. With their mid-year CataList out now the BTC activewear team thought it was ideal timing to introduce the SG brand to the UK market.
So who is SG?
SG is the brand new clothing line from pan European distributor Falk&Ross and introduces a simple, clear and competitive clothing range to the UK market.
The perfect canvas is a simply great garment
Created by Steve Ross and Jacqui Gale, whose combined prowess in distribution and a brand development have already made it a definite recipe for success. Falk&Ross founder Steve is well known in the industry for leading the way in the distribution of products across Europe whilst Jacqui has a proven history in creating and developing strong brand awareness across a host of household and industry names.
Having seen that there was a need for a new brand, a brand that had experience of what customers wanted, an understanding of the quality required for decoration today and met the current market and customer needs of being competitively priced, SG was created. Focusing on a range of core products including Tee’s, Polo’s, Sweats, Hoodies and Fleece, SG’s offering is simple; garments for men, ladies and kids with colours and sizing consistent throughout.
Steve comments "We want our customers to have choice; choice of brands, of products, of colours so we can meet all their needs. With the acquisition of BTC activewear we are now able work with an experienced and dynamic UK distributor who puts the customer first with logistics, stock, customer service and product offering – all the things that the Falk&Ross brand stands for. And by introducing SG we bring a high quality garment at a competitive price. We’re using our market experience to offer better quality and better value."
The brand has a uniquely open approach. Via their website www.sg-clothing.com they welcome people to share their views on the product, marketing or anything really by emailing any member of the team. They see themselves, together with BTC activewear as working towards becoming true partners with customers, so they bring you the very best products, sales help, marketing support, stock availability and delivery. And with the first 6 months under their belts’, SG has a right to be excited, having seen a fantastic uptake within the market, with the SG15, lightweight t-shirt available in 20 colours doubling their expectations.
Steve Pope, Joint Managing Director of BTC activewear says, "We are extremely excited to join forces with the strongest continental distributor, and to be able to bring SG to the UK market, offering a meeting of like-minded organizations with a passion to deliver the best support and service to our customers"
For more information on the brands' product range and to get to know them a bit better, feel free to visit www.sg-clothing.com, www.btcactivewear.co.uk or request the BTC activewear CataList by emailing c10@btcactivewear.co.uk.
They love hearing from customers and so invite you to directly email them at hello@sg-clothing.com with any comments, questions or just to say hello!
SG is fully committed to promoting ethical standards in all of its factories and fully endorses the WRAP programme. All clothing is also produced in accordance with Oeko-Tex which sets stringent standards on all substances used during the manufacturing process.
SG Brand launches with BTC
SG is being launched in the UK following the merger with BTC activewear by Falk&Ross in March of this year. The merger allows BTC activewear to truly provide their customers with the very best support and service in the industry, and it now enables them to exclusively bring SG to you. With their mid-year CataList out now the BTC activewear team thought it was ideal timing to introduce the SG brand to the UK market.
So who is SG?
SG is the brand new clothing line from pan European distributor Falk&Ross and introduces a simple, clear and competitive clothing range to the UK market.
The perfect canvas is a simply great garment
Created by Steve Ross and Jacqui Gale, whose combined prowess in distribution and a brand development have already made it a definite recipe for success. Falk&Ross founder Steve is well known in the industry for leading the way in the distribution of products across Europe whilst Jacqui has a proven history in creating and developing strong brand awareness across a host of household and industry names.
Having seen that there was a need for a new brand, a brand that had experience of what customers wanted, an understanding of the quality required for decoration today and met the current market and customer needs of being competitively priced, SG was created. Focusing on a range of core products including Tee’s, Polo’s, Sweats, Hoodies and Fleece, SG’s offering is simple; garments for men, ladies and kids with colours and sizing consistent throughout.
Steve comments "We want our customers to have choice; choice of brands, of products, of colours so we can meet all their needs. With the acquisition of BTC activewear we are now able work with an experienced and dynamic UK distributor who puts the customer first with logistics, stock, customer service and product offering – all the things that the Falk&Ross brand stands for. And by introducing SG we bring a high quality garment at a competitive price. We’re using our market experience to offer better quality and better value."
The brand has a uniquely open approach. Via their website www.sg-clothing.com they welcome people to share their views on the product, marketing or anything really by emailing any member of the team. They see themselves, together with BTC activewear as working towards becoming true partners with customers, so they bring you the very best products, sales help, marketing support, stock availability and delivery. And with the first 6 months under their belts’, SG has a right to be excited, having seen a fantastic uptake within the market, with the SG15, lightweight t-shirt available in 20 colours doubling their expectations.
Steve Pope, Joint Managing Director of BTC activewear says, "We are extremely excited to join forces with the strongest continental distributor, and to be able to bring SG to the UK market, offering a meeting of like-minded organizations with a passion to deliver the best support and service to our customers"
For more information on the brands' product range and to get to know them a bit better, feel free to visit www.sg-clothing.com, www.btcactivewear.co.uk or request the BTC activewear CataList by emailing c10@btcactivewear.co.uk.
They love hearing from customers and so invite you to directly email them at hello@sg-clothing.com with any comments, questions or just to say hello!
SG is fully committed to promoting ethical standards in all of its factories and fully endorses the WRAP programme. All clothing is also produced in accordance with Oeko-Tex which sets stringent standards on all substances used during the manufacturing process.
