Looking to start a custom printing business in India? Whether you want to print on t-shirts, caps, hoodies, denim jackets, bags, or trackpants, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printers are a great choice. They let you print detailed and colorful designs directly onto fabric. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best DTG printers in India for your business.
What is Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a method for printing designs and graphics directly onto fabric. It uses specialized inkjet technology to apply ink to the surface of the material.
With DTG, you can create high-quality prints with full-color designs and intricate details. This makes it an excellent choice for custom t-shirts and tees.
DTG printers are popular in the custom apparel industry because they’re versatile. They can handle a variety of fabrics and are ideal for small to medium production runs, allowing you to print as few or as many T-shirts as you need.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a DTG Printer
Before we jump into our list of the best DTG printers in India, let’s take a look at the key factors you should consider when choosing a DTG printer for your business:
- Print Quality: Look for printers that deliver high-resolution prints with vibrant colors and fine details. You want clear, vibrant prints that look great on t-shirts and other items.
- Speed: Consider the printing speed, especially if you plan to scale your business.
- Reliability: Pick a printer from a well-known brand that has great customer support and reliable service after you buy it.
- Cost: Balance your budget with the features you need. Look for printers that offer a good return on investment.
- Features: Do you need a printer that can use white ink for printing on dark fabrics? Are automatic features like auto head height adjustment or white ink circulation important to you?
- Maintenance: Check for ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts.
- Compatibility: Make sure the printer works with the design software you like to use and can print on different types of fabric.
Top DTG Printers in India
Here are some of the best DTG printers for printing on t-shirts, caps, hoodies, denim jackets, bags, trackpants and more.
Budget-Conscious Champions
Digitech Fabrica
The Digitech Fabrica DTG Printer is designed for printing custom designs on clothing and textiles, like T-shirts, hoodies, caps, and bags. It uses Direct-to-Garment (DTG) technology to create high-quality, detailed prints with vibrant colors.
This printer is a great choice for businesses that need to produce custom apparel because it’s versatile and can handle different types of fabric. It also works quickly, so it’s suitable for smaller and medium-sized production runs.
Industry Type: Garment printing (T-shirts, hoodies, bags, etc.)
Technology Used: Piezoelectric inkjet technology that can print using white ink.
Speed and Efficiency: The printing speed varies based on how complex the design is and the resolution you choose. But overall, the Digitech Fabrica is a good choice for low to medium print volumes.
Printing Area: It has an A3 printing area (about 297mm x 420mm). This means you can print bigger designs or even print on multiple T-shirts at the same time.
Color Configuration: CMYK + White ink. This allows printing on both light and dark colored fabrics.
Pros
- Affordable price point (Approx. ₹2-3 lakhs)
- Easy to use for beginners
- A3 printing area (suitable for larger designs or multiple T-shirts)
Cons
- Might not be ideal for high-volume printing businesses due to potential limitations on speed or durability.
- Limited after-sales service network compared to bigger brands.
White Rhino Viper
The White Rhino Viper is a DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printer that strikes a good balance between being affordable and having great features. This makes it a popular choice for startups and small businesses in India. Here’s a quick look at some of its key features:
Industry Type: Garment printing (T-shirts, hoodies, bags, etc.)
Technology Used: Piezoelectric inkjet technology with white ink capability
Speed and Efficiency: The White Rhino Viper’s printing speed can change depending on how detailed the design is and what resolution you choose. However, it’s generally seen as a good fit for low to medium print volumes.
Printing Area: The platen size can accommodate printing on adult T-shirts and smaller garments.
Color Configuration: CMYK + White ink. This allows printing on both light and dark colored fabrics.
Pros
- Reasonable price (Approx. ₹2.5-₹3.5 lakhs)
- Platen size that can handle adult T-shirts and smaller garments
- White ink capability for printing on dark fabrics
Cons
- Research online reviews to get a sense of user experience and maintenance requirements.
- Replacement parts might be less readily available compared to established brands.
Mid-Range Mavericks
Brother GTXpro B
The Brother GTXpro B DTG printer is a powerhouse made for businesses that need to print a lot and want professional-quality results. Here’s a quick summary of what it offers:
Industry Type: High-volume garment printing (T-shirts, hoodies, bags, etc.)
Technology Used: Advanced industrial inkjet technology with separate print heads for CMYK and white ink.
Speed and Efficiency: The Brother GTXpro B prints faster than budget printers, which makes it great for businesses that need to handle large orders quickly.
Printing Area: The platen size is big enough to print on different garment sizes.
Color Configuration: Dual print heads – one for CMYK inks and another specifically for white ink. This allows for vibrant colors on both light and dark colored fabrics.
Pros:
- Built to last for consistent use (Approx. ₹4-₹5 lakhs)
- Produces professional-looking prints
- Reliable after-sales service network
Cons:
- Higher initial investment compared to budget-friendly options.
- Larger footprint compared to some other options.
The Brother GTXpro B focuses on high-level performance and efficiency, perfect for businesses that need a reliable printer to handle large amounts of printing while still giving professional-quality results.
Epson SC-F2130
The Epson SC-F2130 DTG printer is a solid choice in the mid-range Direct-to-Garment market. It combines a trusted brand name with high-quality printing and easy-to-use features. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers:
Industry Type: Garment printing (T-shirts, hoodies, bags, etc.)
Technology Used: Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology optimized for DTG ink chemistry, with white ink capability.
Speed and Efficiency: The exact printing speed of the SC-F2130 depends on how detailed the design is and the resolution you choose. Generally, it has mid-range speed, which is good for businesses with moderate printing needs.
Printing Area: The platen size is large enough to print custom designs on T-shirts and other garment sizes.
Color Configuration: CMYK + White ink. This allows printing on both light and dark colored fabrics.
Product Dimension: The Epson SC-F2130 is probably about the same size as other mid-range DTG printers. It’s slightly bigger than a typical desktop printer but still compact enough for custom t-shirt printing setups.
Pros:
- A well-known brand with solid customer support. The price is around ₹4.5-₹5 lakhs.
- It automatically adjusts the height of the print head to ensure smooth and even printing.
- User-friendly RIP software included
Cons:
- Check if the dealer offers after-sales service and find out what warranty options are available.
- Replacement ink cartridges for this printer could cost a bit more than what some other brands charge.
High-Volume Heroes
Mutoh DTG Printer Series
The Mutoh DTG Printer Series is a line of industrial-grade Direct-to-Garment printers built for businesses that deal with high production demands. Here’s a closer look at their key features:
Industry Type: Handles large-scale garment printing, like tees, hoodies, and bags.
Technology Used: It uses advanced industrial inkjet technology with different print heads for color inks (CMYK) and white ink. The exact technology might be a little different depending on the Mutoh DTG model.
Speed and Efficiency: Mutoh DTG printers are much faster than budget and mid-range printers, making them great for businesses that need to complete large orders quickly and efficiently. However, the exact speed depends on the model and how complex the print is.
Printing Area: The Mutoh DTG Series has different platen sizes depending on the model. This means you can print on various garment sizes. You can even print on larger items like tote bags or banners.
Color Configuration: Dual print heads – one for CMYK inks and another specifically for white ink. This allows for vibrant colors on both light and dark colored fabrics.
Pros:
- Fast printing speeds to handle large print orders efficiently (Approx. ₹6-₹8 lakhs)
- Reliable operation for businesses with consistent printing needs
- Built for high-volume printing
Cons:
- Highest investment on this list due to their industrial capabilities.
- It’s bigger in size and might need extra ventilation because it produces more heat while printing.
In summary, The Mutoh DTG Printer Series focuses on industrial-grade performance and high-speed efficiency. These printers are perfect for businesses that need a reliable machine to handle large print volumes. They still deliver professional-quality results on a variety of garment sizes.
Roland VersaSTUDIO BT-12
The Roland VersaSTUDIO BT-12 is a high-quality Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printer made for businesses that want excellent results and efficiency. Here’s a quick look at its main features:
Industry Type: Garment printing (tshirts, hoodies, bags, etc.)
Technology Used: It uses piezoelectric inkjet technology with Roland’s unique print head design, and it can print with white ink.
Speed and Efficiency: The Roland VersaSTUDIO BT-12 has mid-range printing speed, though exact speeds vary based on the design’s complexity and resolution. However, it includes features that help make the entire printing process more efficient.
Printing Area: The platen size is large enough to print on different garment sizes, including t-shirts.
Color Configuration: CMYK + White ink. This allows printing on both light and dark colored fabrics.
Pros:
- Automatic white ink circulation to prevent clogging (Approx. ₹7-₹9 lakhs)
- Pretreatment systems help ink stick better to different fabrics, which is great for custom t-shirt printing.
- Excellent quality and efficiency, perfect for businesses that need to handle a lot of printing.
Cons:
- Great for businesses that need top-quality results and high efficiency, but might be too much for those with smaller custom tees printing needs.
- Highest overall cost on this list.
Conclusion
Finding the right DTG printer is crucial for a successful custom printing business. Whether you want to print on T-shirts, caps, hoodies, denim jackets, bags, or trackpants, these DTG printers are some of the best options in India. Consider your business size, budget, and production goals to find the perfect fit. Happy printing!
