Table of Contents
- 1 How Does Direct-To-Garment (DTG) Printing Work?
- 2 What is the price of a Direct to Garment Printer?
- 3 A Complete Buying Guide for the Best Direct to Garment Printer
- 4 What Are the Benefits of Direct to Garment Printing?
- 5 What Is the Best Direct to Garment Printer on The Market?
- 6 What is the Best Direct to Garment Printer for Small Business?
- 7 Top 5 Best DTG Printers for Small Business with Affordable Price
- 8 1. RICOH Ri 100 – The Entry Model for Garment Printing
- 9 RICOH Ri 100 Specifications:
- 10 2. Polyprint Texjet Echo 2
- 11 3. Epson SureColor F2100 Direct-to-Garment Printer
- 12 Epson SureColor F2100 Specifications
- 13 4. Brother GTXpro Direct to Garment Printer
- 14 Brother GTX PRO Features:
- 15 5. DTG Digital M2 Direct to Garment Printer – Durable, Productive, Professional T-Shirt Printing
- 16 DTG Digital M2 Specifications
- 17 What is the most effective Best Direct to Garment Printer for Small Business?
“Having the correct DTG printer for your small business allows you to create your own items, design your own swag for your company, and much more. Some printers can only handle lightweight t-shirt materials, but others can handle heavier clothing. A4 DTG printers, in general, use less space than others.
There are hundreds of DTG printers on the market. Because of the expensive cost, we recommend that print businesses buy their first DTG printer only after they have contracted thousands of dollars in DTG prints from their company. It is critical to know what kind of work you want to undertake before buying a DTG machine.”

Best Direct to Garment Printer for Small Business – DTG-G4 Black-Shirt-Machine
Best Direct to Garment Printer for Small Business – Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing (also known as D2 printing) is an apparel decoration process that involves inkjet printing designs and pictures directly onto pre-sewn T-shirts, caps, hoodies, children’s and infant outfits, shoes, tote bags, throw pillow covers, and other fabric goods.
Many DTG printers are utilized in screen-printing enterprises that adorn clothes for brands, sports teams, and merchants in large quantities. DTG printing allows screen printing firms to take smaller-run, quick-turnaround orders, as well as embellish shirts with changeable data or full-color photographic patterns.
DTG printers are frequently utilized in small enterprises, gift stores, and promotional items firms. Amazon and Fanatics employ fleets of DTG printers to complete online orders from consumers all throughout the United States.
DTG printing takes up less floor area than screen printing and does not need the creation, cleaning, and storage of several screens. Furthermore, the learning curve for DTG printing is less steep than that of screen printing, which is particularly appealing to young creative professionals who have grown up with digital cameras and graphics programs.
How Does Direct-To-Garment (DTG) Printing Work?
DTG printing, a newer process that uses a digital print head to print graphics directly onto various surfaces, is seeing significant development.
Direct to garment printer printers perform similarly to standard inkjet printers used in the home or business. The procedure is substantially the same: the printer digitizes a picture and then prints it straight onto the t-shirt or garment. Print heads that are precisely controlled spray ink onto the surface.
DTG printing inks, like screen printing inks, need curing to attach permanently. To cure their goods, most DTG printing firms employ a curing dryer or a heat press.
DTG printers differ in size from tiny desktop devices to big climate-controlled garage units.
Many people anticipate a future in which clients purchase online and a DTG printer creates the shirt automatically. Many firms have tried this, but the technological and labor obstacles have been enormous (even for Amazon). DTG printing is more than just pressing a button; there are other variables and elements to consider.
What is the price of a Direct to Garment Printer?
A comprehensive and competent DTG printing system costs at least $20,000 to $30,000. The most costly DTG printing equipment may easily approach $250,000, however higher-end versions sometimes include a full warranty and maintenance package.
Because of the expensive cost, we recommend that print businesses buy their first DTG printer only after they have contracted thousands of dollars in DTG prints from their company.
A Complete Buying Guide for the Best Direct to Garment Printer
Finding the greatest DTG machine may seem to be a difficult task. There are hundreds of possibilities, and they all seem to be pretty similar at first sight. However, there are several things you should look for when selecting a DTG printer to get the most out of your investment. Furthermore, many utilize sublimation printers to print t-shirts.
In this part, we’ll examine the elements that make one DTG solution superior than another, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your own DTG Printer.
1. The Budget
When acquiring a DTG printer, make sure you have a budget in place first. How much money are you willing to spend on the device? If you are unwilling to spend more than two thousand dollars, it may be better for your company if you choose for a cheaper model at first, even if it does not operate precisely as intended.
Alternatively, if paying three or even five thousand dollars isn’t a huge concern for your organization, and rather something that might assist fuel future business development, getting more costly model may be the preferable alternative despite its higher operating expenses.
2. Function
It is critical to know what kind of work you want to undertake before looking for a DTG printer. For example, if you want to print T-shirts or fabric, you need make sure that the machine supports such materials. There are several types available, each with its own monthly fees, so you must determine what is best for your company. Other models come in a variety of materials, so it’s a good idea to check into more than one before making a decision.
3. Dimensions of the printer you wish to use, since they will decide how wide or thin your print bed/canvas may be. Many DTG printers specialize in one area of printing, however a few have been created to cover a little greater area if you need assistance with huge tasks.
4. Speed
Another critical factor, just as crucial as the price, is how rapidly the printer produces. When comparing models, be sure to choose one with high-speed printing capabilities since it will reduce the amount of time you spend waiting. Furthermore, this capability is very important when finishing huge projects since it may reduce the time necessary to produce a final output.
5. Construction Quality
When you spend a large sum of money in anything, it is your job to evaluate the build quality of your goods. Also, ensure that the manufacturer assists you with warranty and customer service.
What Are the Benefits of Direct to Garment Printing?
Direct to Garment Printers are great for short-run manufacturing since they print directly on cloth. One of the primary reasons to choose this technology is that its functions are simpler to utilize than competing approaches. Before loading the clothing, these printers need very little preparation.
Whether you need to print a single cloth or many, this printer can handle a small batch with ease. Continue reading to learn more about the incredible benefits of DTG printing.
1. Simple to Use: Unlike labor-intensive work that requires special abilities, DTG printing is very simple to use. The fact that these printers can be managed by almost anybody makes them desirable to small firms. You don’t have to depend on someone to accomplish the task for you this way.
Because these printers function similarly to ordinary home/office printers, if you know how to use them, you can easily work with DTG printers as well.
2. Relatively Inexpensive: It is worth noting that these printers are reasonably priced and have a low operating cost. Because the printing will be done after connecting your DTG printer to a computer, you won’t have to make separate screens to copy the design. This reduces the total printing setup time. The printer has an incredibly cheap manufacturing cost since no individual screens are required.
3. Full-Color Printing: What could be better than a printer that can print all colors at once? Yes, the DTG is capable. This printer can print a broad spectrum of colors in a single pass, regardless of the intricacy of the print. However, one-pass prints will not work on darker fabrics, and you may need to pass it again for exceptionally clear and crisp color saturation.
4. High Flexibility: The DTG printing sector is not confined to garment printing but also includes a variety of other enterprises. Though it is most often used for fabric printing, it may also help in a variety of other sectors. This broadens the variety of marketplaces to investigate, each of which has the potential to yield a large audience. DTG printers provide a lot more than just fancy outfits and casual daily wear.
5. Can Print On Various Fabrics: A competent DTG printer can print on all common fabric kinds. The printer is capable of printing on cotton clothing such as t-shirts, dress shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, and jeans. You may also print patterns on flexible leggings, baby bodysuits and bibs, sleeves, socks, undergarments, pockets, or silk scarves, among other things.
6. Speedy Turnaround: Every client enjoys quick service from brands, and in order to meet this requirement, you need a competitive DTG printer. This must-have equipment is a fantastic feature for small enterprises, particularly those who print on a range of clothes.
We all want our purchases to be delivered within 24 hours, don’t we? Consider yourself a buyer. This printer seems to be nothing short of a miracle to you. You must not overburden this machine since anything under 20 is really handy for it.
Maintain its efficiency by loading small batches and watch it quickly turn around orders. As previously stated, its fast prep time boosts total productivity while maintaining excellent accuracy.
7. Excellent Details: Do you want to know whether a print that appears great on your computer will also look great on a shirt? Well, the digital high-definition printing performed by these flexible DTG printers looks fantastic not only on the screen but also on fabric.
These printers provide high-quality graphics that do not let clients down. Furthermore, it makes DTG printers an excellent alternative for presenting one-of-a-kind goods to friends and family.
Because of the fine details, you may print on polyester, silk, and cotton with ease. Along with t-shirt printing, cylinder printing, canvas bag printing, and phone case printing have all grown popular. Using the finest DTG printers for small businesses, you may design your own trendy collection.
8. Long-Lasting Prints: Most consumers are concerned that the prints may shatter over time. Direct-to-garment printers, on the other hand, do not allow this to happen. The prints aren’t chapped since this machine prints straight into the cloth without the need for extra layers to cover it.
This makes DTG printers an excellent complement to any merchandising setup. Custom t-shirts or other textiles printed at such a cheap cost per print that do not break over time is a value not to be missed.
Many DTG Printer manufacturers provide their clients with extra tools. These capabilities enable you to avoid purchasing these things individually, saving you time and energy while doing hassle-free chores.
What Is the Best Direct to Garment Printer on The Market?
This is a challenging question to answer. No direct to garment printer is suitable for every purpose. When acquiring a DTG machine, we advise businesses to analyze their business strategy. DTG printing might be a good investment if they have a continuous flow of low-volume orders. If they do not have an infrastructure in place to manage order processing, printing, and delivery, DTG may be a costly hassle.
For desktop-style DTG printers, the most trusted brands for DTG printing are Brother and Epson. Kornit, ROQ, and M&R are the top-tier DTG printer manufacturers.
If bought fresh, all of these manufacturers produce high-quality DTG printers. You could get a good price on secondhand DTG equipment, but keep in mind that DTG printers do not maintain their resale value as well as screen printing presses.
Because maintenance and upkeep are so vital, most experts advise against acquiring secondhand DTG equipment (and you have no way to verify if it was done correctly).
If you purchase secondhand DTG printers, be prepared for extra repairs, charges, maintenance, and troubleshooting – and be aware that you will most likely not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty!
What is the Best Direct to Garment Printer for Small Business?
A comprehensive direct-to-garment printing system may range in price from a few thousand dollars to more than $30,000 on the high end.
With so many options to analyze and compare, small company owners may find it challenging to choose which DTG printer is best suited for their needs. To assist guide your search, we suggest answering the following questions.
- How much do you print?
If your company demands a high print volume, the A3 DTG printer can handle greater print volumes at faster rates. - What is the size of your office?
To ensure you have enough area to work, measure your workspace and compare it to the size of your selected printer. A4 DTG printers, in general, use less space than others. - What kind of cloth do you usually print on? Some printers can only handle lightweight t-shirt materials, but others can handle heavier clothing.
- What is the price of printer ink?
Printer ink is consumable and may rapidly add up to be a substantial operational expense for your company. Consider all suitable DTG ink brands and the continuous ink cost while making your printer purchase. - Do you usually demand personalization on your orders?
High-resolution printing may be required for detailed, bespoke printing. Consider the DPI capability of the machine while printing high-quality clothing. - What is your financial situation?
Determine which DTG printer range is suitable for you. Remember that many printer manufacturers provide financing. You might also consider leasing to keep your monthly costs low while you establish or grow your firm.
Top 5 Best DTG Printers for Small Business with Affordable Price
Having the correct DTG printer for your small business allows you to create your own items, design your own swag for your company, and much more! DTG printers are a useful tool to have on your team, and you will appreciate how easily you can create fabrics and garments with creative designs.
If you’ve been wanting to start manufacturing goods with creative designs but aren’t sure which printer to use for the job, you should look into these printers. All of these printers can create gorgeous goods and assist you in easily diversifying your product range or creating your own brand swag.
This is a really great machine that will easily meet all of your printing requirements. There are devices that can print sophisticated and vivid graphics of any size. You will have access to a machine that can handle both low-volume and high-volume printing projects. Nothing beats being able to print on fabric, and you’ll appreciate being able to sell custom-made things or make your own advertising and company swag.
1. RICOH Ri 100 – The Entry Model for Garment Printing
The RICOH Ri 100 prints images directly onto clothing fabrics using state-of-the-art DTG technology. The highly portable printer features an all-in-one design that is safe and easy to use. Since all printing is on-demand, you only need to keep a minimum stock of materials on-hand. The RICOH Ri 100 can fit into a space as small as 399 x 698 mm (w x d, installation), making it one of the smallest DTG printers. Easy-to-operate design software lets you import and edit images before printing, with no specialized knowledge or skills required. Periodic maintenance is carried out through a simple process (automatic and semiautomatic).
RICOH Ri 100 Specifications:
Printing Method | Direct to garment printer | |
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Technology | On-demand piezo inkjet system | |
Resolution (dpi, bit/pixel) | Speed Mode: 600 x 600 Fine Mode: 600 x 600 Vivid Mode: 1200 x 1200 |
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Dimensions | 15.7″ x 27.5″ x 11.5″ (Installation) 15.7″ x 29.9″ x 11.5″ (Operation) |
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Weight | 55.1 lbs. (24.99 kg) | |
Printable Area | A4 Tray 11.7″ x 8.3″ A5 Tray 8.3″ x 5.8″ |
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Printable Garment Types | Fabric: Light cotton garments or up to 100% light poly. Not intended for dark cotton or poly garments. Color: Light garments only Media: T-shirts (from baby to adult sizes), tote bags, sweatshirts, polo shirts |
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Fabric Thickness | A4/A5 Tray: Less than 0.16″ (4mm) | |
Rating Power Spec. | US/Japan Version: 100 – 120V, 50/60Hz EU/Asia/China Version: 220 – 240V, 50/60Hz |
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Power Consumption | Active: Less than 27.5W Energy Saving Mode: Less than 2W Power Off: Less than 0.5W |
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Operating Conditions | 59F (15C) – 89.6F (32C) Humidity 15% – 80% RH | |
Warm-up Time | Less than 35 seconds | |
Compatible File Formats | PNG, JPG (TIFF, PDF, BMP output available through design software of choice) |
2. Polyprint Texjet Echo 2
TexJet® echo² offers superior results, simple use and maintenance, excellent efficiency, and quick ROI. With a print area of 41×60 cm (16.1×23.6 in), 10 quick-swap platens, and the ability to use our hybrid* process, this machine is a versatile yet economical choice. This DTG printer keeps data logs, so our support team can remotely diagnose problems, and detailed archives of your print counts.
TexJet® echo² TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MAX PRINT AREA | 41×60 cm (16.1×23.6 in) |
PRINTABLE TEXTILES | Cotton, light coloured polyester, cotton/poly blends, linen, viscose, leather, canvas, denim and more. |
PRINT RESOLUTION | CMYK +4W: 720×720, 1080×720, 1440×720, 1080×1440, 1440×1440 dpi 2x CMYK: 720×360, 720×720 dpi |
PRINT-HEAD TYPE | Piezoelectric DOD, 8 channels, 180 nozzles per channel |
HEAD HEIGHT | 2,5 mm (0.1 in) |
MEDIA THICKNESS | 18 mm (0.71 in) max |
PRODUCTION SPEED* *Including loading/unloading time. |
35 Light – 15 Dark t-shirts/hour CMYK: 720×720 dpi – W: 1440×720 dpi Design size: 25×20 cm (10×8 in) |
INKS | CMYKW, Water-based textile pigment inks |
INK FEED | Pressurized Delivery Standard: Vacuum-sealed cartridges, 140 ml (4.73 fl oz) Optional: Pressurized refillable cartridges, 160 ml (5.41 fl oz) |
CONNECTIVITY | USB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100 |
OPERATING SYSTEM | Windows 10 |
SOFTWARE | CADlink Digital Factory Apparel | Polyprint Edition v10 |
POWER | AC 110-230V, 50-60Hz, 60-80W |
OPERATING CONDITIONS | Range: 10-30° C (50-86° F) with 30-70% relative humidity Ideal: 20° C (68° F) with 55% RH |
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT | L1280xW750xH458 mm (L50xW29xH19 in), 95kg (209.4 lbs) |
PLATENS | Included Standard: 34×52 cm (+frame)Optional Max size: 41×60 cm (16.1×23.6 in) Hoodies: 33×27 cm (12.9x 10.6 in) Polo: 30×43 cm (11.8×16.9 in) Shoe Platen Face Mask Platen 14×30 cm (+frame) (5.5×11.8 in) (+frame) 15×15 cm (5.9×5.9 in) (+frame) 27×32 cm (10.6×12.5 in) (+frame) 27×40 cm (10.6×15.7 in) (+frame) 30×45 cm (11.8×17.7 in) |
3. Epson SureColor F2100 Direct-to-Garment Printer
Designed exclusively for direct-to-garment printing, the SureColor F2100 offers an entirely purpose-built system for high-quality prints at production speeds. It was developed using the latest advancements in performance imaging, including Epson PrecisionCore TFP printhead and Epson UltraChrome DG garment ink technology. Some of the world’s largest DTG printers rely on Epson to help them create printing solutions to meet virtually any production goal – now and in the future.
Epson SureColor F2100 Specifications
SCF2100WE | SCF2100SE | |
Max Image Area | 16″ x 20″ | 16″ x 20″ |
Color Configuration | CMYK + White | CMYK |
Print Head Technology | Epson PrecisionCore | Epson PrecisionCore |
Print Head Chip Design | TFP (one-inch wide) | TFP (one-inch wide) |
Ink Cartridge Configuration | 6 Cartridges (W W Y M C K) | 6 Cartridges (K Y M M C C) |
Nozzles Dedicated to Color | 720 nozzles per color | 720 nozzles per color |
Nozzles Dedicated to White | 1,440 nozzles | Not Applicable |
Number of Industrial Print Heads | Combo Head/8 Channels | Combo Head/8 Channels |
Operating System | PC/Windows or Mac | PC/Windows or Mac |
Standard Connectivity | USB 2.0 & 10/100 Base-T Ethernet | USB 2.0 & 10/100 Base-T Ethernet |
USB Thumbdrive Compatibility | Up to 128GB, Fat32 formated | Up to 128GB, Fat32 formated |
Maximum Print Resolution: Color | 1,440 x 720 dpi (16-pass) | 1,440 x 720 dpi (8-pass) |
Maximum Print Resolution: White | 1,440 x 1,440 dpi (8-pass) | Not Applicable |
Ink Technology | Epson UltraChrome DG | Epson UltraChrome DG |
Ink Cartridge Size | 600 ml | 600 ml |
Maximum On-Board Ink Capacity (Color/White) | 3,600 ml | 2,400 ml |
Electrical Voltage | 120 volts – Standard Plug | 120 volts – Standard Plug |
Phase | 50/60 Cycles; 1 Phase | 50/60 Cycles; 1 Phase |
Amps | 5 | 5 |
Print Speed – 10″ x 8″ Upper Chest (Production Mode – No White) | 0:15 min:sec | 0:15 min:sec |
Print Speed – 10″ x 8″ Upper Chest (Production Mode – With White) | 0:50 min:sec | Not Applicable |
White Ink Pre-Treatment Required | Yes | Not Applicable |
Estimated Machine Weight (LBS) | 180 lbs | 180 lbs |
Estimated Shipping Crate Size | 61″ x 47″ 33″ | 61″ x 47″ 33″ |
Estimated Shipping Weight (LBS) | 320 lbs | 320 lbs |
Estimated Machine Dimensions | 39(w) x 59(l) x 20(h) | 39(w) x 59(l) x 20(h) |
Warranty | 1 Year Standard 2 Year optional |
1 Year Standard 2 Year optional |
4. Brother GTXpro Direct to Garment Printer
Brother GTXpro Direct to Garment Printer Great for start-ups, upgrades and any garment decorators looking to grow. The Brother GTXpro is designed for innovation and versatility, pushing the boundaries of DTG printing beyond just t-shirts. Features include standard, operator-friendly features and a large print head to substrate gap.
Brother GTX PRO Features:
- The new industrial white print head
The newly designed white print head with internal ink circulation reduces the amount of white ink needed for cleaning. - High-speed print mode
The newly designed white print head has even more nozzles than its predecessors. This allows printing in high-speed mode, up to 10 % faster! - Optimized maintenance – less time consuming
The automatic cleaning processes have been reduced to increase productivity drastically! - Environmentally friendly
OekoTex Passport and GOTS 5.0 certified Innobella textile inks - Authorized dealer network
Installation and training will be done by an authorized DTG technician of Brother
- Additional height sensor
For excellent print quality, the new sensor technology controls the optimum height of the print platen in order to prevent ink mist - Less waiting time
By starting to print automatically without manual confirmation at the end of systemically relevant processes, like print file loading or automatic cleaning e.g. - Flexibility
Easy printing on a variety of garments like trousers, shoes, caps, and many more. In addition, you can print on cotton, silk, and polyester, all with the same ink. Exactly! All with the same ink! - Compact machine design
Our compact machine design gives you the possibility to react to varying production numbers and to optimize processes in a flexible way.
5. DTG Digital M2 Direct to Garment Printer – Durable, Productive, Professional T-Shirt Printing

Best Direct to Garment Printer for Small Business – DTG_M2-with-Pullouts
DTG Digital M2 Specifications
Printhead | Piezo 180 nozzles per channel |
Colour | 8 (Dual CMYK or 4 White plus CMYK) |
Print Area | 610mm x 450mm (24” x 18”) |
Inks | DTG inks – Piezo compatible pigments |
Ink Delivery | Bottle – pressurised CYMK, Bottle – pressurised re-circulation – white (WIMS) |
Drive | Processor driven conveyor |
Operating System | Vista, XPRIP, Win7-10 – DTG Rip Pro |
Electrical | AC 110-240V, 50-60Hz, 10A, Consumption – 55W or less, Standby – 5W, Off – 1W |
Dimensions | 1220(W) x 550(H) x 1000(L)mm – 48”(W) x 21.7”(H) x 39”(L) |
Weight | 96kg (212lb) [boxed weight will vary] |
What is the most effective Best Direct to Garment Printer for Small Business?
The optimal DTG printer for a small business/company relies greatly on the volume and cost of printing. There is a wonderful DTG printer for almost any budget, thankfully.
If you are just starting out in the garment printing sector, get a low-end printer that is simple to use and offers excellent technical assistance. Consider investing in a mid- to high-end DTG printer if your small company expands and demands more output. These pricier machines have more automated functions that save time and save maintenance costs, allowing for greater growth.