DTG VS Dye-sublimation----why DTG couldn’t replace other printings?

In recent years, as technology is developing rapidly, printing has become diverse and

 

tends to mechanization. In these printings, DTG(direct to garment)is the most typical

 

example. The printing presented by this printing is colorful and high-precision pattern,

 

without plate making, and the pattern is basically unlimited. But DTG printing so good,

 

why not replace other printings? 

 

In this blog we use dye-sublimation in thermal transfer printing as an example.

 

First of all, let's understand what thermal transfer is and what DTG is.

 

 

What is dye-sublimation

 

Use special thermal transfer ink to print on thermal sublimation paper or color ink-jet

 

paper, and transfer pigment molecules to the fabric by heating. Because only the ink is

 

transferred to the fabric, it feels good handle. Designs that can transfer pattern effects

 

and details.

 

What is DTG

 

DTG, which works like a printer, prints color images directly on clothes. Its main tools

 

include ink, clothes, and machines.

 

 

Now we get back to the main topic, why DTG couldn’t replace dye-sublimation?

 

• Fabric

Dye-sublimation mainly prints polyester fibers, and the effect of printing 100% polyester

 

fibers is very good, but if there is some cotton inside, white spots will be exposed.

 

Cotton fabric is suitable for DTG to do. But DTG is more suitable for printing light color

 

preferably white, the effect will be very good.

 

• Color

Dye-sublimation: Due to the heat transfer of pigment molecules onto the fabric, so the

 

colors are vivid and layered, able to design details to show the subtle differences between

 

adjacent colors without affecting the original texture of the fabric.

 

DTG: High-precision pattern, but unable to accurately match colors. The real patterns may

 

be darker than the manuscript. Of course, today`s ink equipment can already solve this

 

problem very well, but it also prompts the issue of cost.

 

• Cost

There is no doubt that DTG is more expensive than thermal transfer. Because the ink

 

required for DTG is more expensive, just like girls' liquid foundation. 

 

But dye-sublimation, because of its need for engraving, the number of colors has

 

becomea very important part. Therefore, if mass production, dye-sublimation is suitable,

 

but if small batch, you can choose DTG.

 

In a word, both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to order the 

 

cotton fabric, pattern more details of the T-shirt, you can choose DTG. If you want

 

customized jerseys, quick drying clothes, etc., you can choose dye-sublimation.