Compare T-Shirt Printing Machines: Reviews and Buying Guide

When producing T-shirts, it is essential to choose an exemplary printing service. Not all T-shirt printing machines provide the same quality or reliability, so you should consider the different options and your specific needs.

This guide discusses what to consider when buying T-shirt printing machines. It also compares some popular options and their features.

 

How to Choose the Best T-Shirt Printing Machine to Meet Your Needs

When looking for suitable T-shirt printing machines, you must select them properly. Consider your specific needs regarding quality, volume, and efficiency.

What will your printing operations look like? Additionally, what type of setup will optimize your available space? What printing method is best suited to your printing needs?

Create a list of requirements to make the best choice for your operations. Then, examine the different printer options available.

Choosing the right T-shirt printing machine is important for getting high quality and efficiency. It also helps meet your specific printing needs. With many choices available, it’s important to consider key factors that will help you make a smart decision. This guide helps you find the ideal T-shirt printing machine for your requirements.

Pros and Cons of Different T-Shirt Printing Machines

You can use several types of T-shirt printing machines to print various designs. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each method to help you determine which type of machine is right for you:

Screen Printers

Also known as silkscreen printing, screen printing uses a mesh and a stencil to apply ink to shirt fabrics. It has long been a popular method for printing shirt designs, but better methods are now available.

• Pros: Screen printing creates long-lasting designs that are exceptionally bright. It works well for simple images with few colors. Large orders are also cost-effective.
• Cons: Setting up screens and stencils takes time, and there is often a risk of wasting materials. This method works poorly for smaller projects or those with complex designs and many colors.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) Printers

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing involves applying ink straight onto the fabric, allowing for intricate and vibrant designs. This is different from screen printing and other indirect methods. A printer connects to a computer with a digital file. It usually uses water-based inks to apply the image to the shirt.

• Pros: DTG works well with intricate print designs, including photographs. The water-based inks used in this process keep the printed T-shirt smooth. This method works well, no matter how many shirts you print.
• Cons: This process does not work well with polyester materials. Printed shirts tend to fade more quickly over time. This happens with repeated washes and exposure to UV light.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printers

HTV printing, or iron-on printing, involves transferring designs from vinyl sheets onto T-shirt fabrics. This printing process uses heat to apply the graphic. A stiffer material is ideal for sports jerseys or shirts with lettering.

• Pros: This process is cost-effective and easy to start with minimal experience.
• Cons: The designs are stiff, the process is time-consuming, and fabrics must be heat-resistant to avoid burning or melting.

Dye Sublimation Printers

Also known as all-over printing (AOP), dye sublimation printing covers the entire fabric, including seams. These printers are ideal for T-shirts with graphics that cover the whole surface area.

• Pros: This printing method is excellent for applying graphics across the entire surface of the shirt. It uses sublimated inks that blend well with the fabric. The designs stay vibrant even after washing and exposure to sunlight.
• Cons: This process should only be used for lighter T-shirts made from breathable materials, not cotton. Other methods are usually less expensive.

Plastisol Transfer Printers

One last type of printer you could implement involves the indirect process of plastisol transfer. This process is similar to screen printing but involves applying the graphic to transfer paper instead of using a mesh.

• Pros: This printing process produces high-quality, durable designs. You can also add different special effects to the prints.
• Cons: This process takes more time than other methods. It is best for smaller projects only. It also requires practice to complete efficiently.

Top Considerations Before Buying a T-Shirt Printing Machine

There are some critical considerations before you buy any type of T-shirt printer for your business. These factors include the following:

Cost

One of the main items you’ll want to consider is the cost. What is your available budget, and what is the overall quality of the printer?

Keep in mind that some printers may have higher upfront costs. However, these prices can be worth it. A reliable printer can save you money on maintenance in the long run.

Space

Another element that will inform your decision when selecting T-shirt printing machines is space requirements. Consider how much space is in your workplace and how one or more printers might restrict that space. If you’re working with a tighter workspace, you’ll want a more compact printer option, while a bulkier printer may work fine in larger spaces.

Efficiency

Think about the level of efficiency you’ll need based on the number of projects your printer needs to handle. If you print small projects, you might want a printer focusing on quality over speed. On the other hand, if you’ll be printing bulk prints, you’ll want a printer that can handle this workload without compromising quality.

T-Shirt Designs & Fabrics

A final consideration is the type of designs you plan to print and the fabric you intend to use. Some T-shirt printing machines work better with simple designs and specific fabrics, while others can handle complex designs on different materials.

Dye sublimation printers can create complex designs and work with breathable materials. In contrast, heat transfer printers only use heat-resistant T-shirt materials and simpler designs.

A Comparison of T-Shirt Printing Machines

To give you some guidance on T-shirt printers, here are some of the top products on the market:

1. Epson Surecolor F2100 ($10,797.00)

The Epson Surecolor F2100 is a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer that is highly efficient regarding print speeds and ink usage. This option is best for smaller operations with limited budgets. Because of its efficiency, you can save money on ink and maintenance.

Key features of the Epson Surecolor F2100:

• Self-cleaning system that automatically activates after every five operational hours, taking about five to six minutes to complete
• Efficient ink usage to reduce the need for frequent ink cartridge replacements
• Inks have a shelf life of more than a year
• Lifetime technical support and an extendable one-year warranty
• High print speeds with consistent quality across all prints
• A quick-load platen for shorter load times
• Compatible software for Windows and MacOS platforms

The Final Verdict

This printer model is best for smaller operations requiring a more cost-effective but highly efficient printer. The Epson Surecolor F2100 uses long-lasting inks. This helps reduce the need for replacements. It also has automatic cleaning to keep the printer in good shape.

2. Mimaki TX300P-1800

Another DTG T-shirt printing machine is the Mimaki TX300P-1800. It uses new print technology to create high-quality prints for every project.

It works with different types of ink, including sublimation, dispersed, and reactive dye inks. It also works with many fabrics, such as polyester, cotton, and silk.

Key features of the Mimaki TX300P-1800:

• Unique printhead design allows for accurate ink drop placement for clear and sharp edges
• Stable printing through an innovative textile feeding system
• Minimal banding tanks to the Mimaki Advanced Pass System 4 (MAPS4)
• Supports continuous operation to handle high-volume projects while minimizing downtime with two-liter ink packs
• A maximum print speed of 66 m2/h while maintaining quality with every project
• Works with a wide range of inks and fabrics for all types of T-shirt printing projects

The Final Verdict

Consider the Mimaki TX300P-1800, one of the more versatile T-shirt printing machines. This printer is superb for many businesses, works well with different materials, and is suitable for large production runs.

3. Versastudio BN-20 ($4,796.00)

Consider adding the Versastudio BN-20 to your printing operations for a cost-effective and versatile option. This printer quickly prints and cuts high-quality graphics and works well with T-shirts and many other fabrics.

Key features of the Versastudio BN-20:

• The ability to print and cut many types of films, media, and vinyl for optimum versatility
• Works with conventional graphics on traditional print media along with jerseys, bags, and other fabric materials
• Automated ink circulation system that continuously recirculates white ink to minimize ink waste
• Compatibility with dark, transparent, and metallic print media
• A print resolution of up to 1440 dots per inch (dpi)
• Automatic contour cutting for intricate designs
• Automatic alignment of roll media in the media feed system to maintain accuracy

The Final Verdict

Do you need a printer that can automatically cut and print each image? This printer is excellent for many projects and can keep each one accurate and efficient.

It also works with more than just T-shirts, making it suitable for all fabric print materials. This versatility helps boost profits.

4. Brother GTX PRO ($14,293.50)

The Brother GTX PRO is a modern direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. They design it for high-quality, professional t-shirt printing.

Many users recognize the GTX PRO for its speed, accuracy, and ease of use. Great benefits exist for businesses and individuals. They can create bright and long-lasting designs on various types of fabrics.

This is another DTG printer that can help you print high-quality graphics at high speeds. Comparably, it is more efficient than the Epson Surecolor F2100 but comes at the cost of ink efficiency. This is an excellent alternative to the Epson Surecolor F2100. It works well for high-volume projects that can use the ink before it expires.

Key features of the Brother GTX PRO:

• High print speeds that take less time than the Epson Surecolor F2100
• Ink expires after one to three months, making it best for applications that will use inks up before they expire
• Automatic cleaning every 24 prints, with the entire process taking around 15 minutes to complete
• A two-year limited warranty with a one-year parts warranty
• 90 days of customer support and technical services
• It generally comes with higher ink costs because of limited availability and fast expiration.

The Final Verdict

The Brother GTX PRO is best for high-volume print operations and can fully use its costly and fast-expiring inks. It is also the best option for North American and European markets, as T-shirts and other print media cost more in these areas. However, to increase profits, especially in Asian markets, the Epson Surecolor F2100 is a better choice.

5. Ricoh RI 3000

This is another DTG T-shirt printing machine. It provides an efficient and effective solution for all kinds of projects. It can maintain quality while fast printing, keeping your business profitable.

Key features of the Ricoh Ri 3000:

• Print speeds of no more than 27 seconds
• White ink support
• Three printheads for more efficient printing operations
• Uses innovative AnaRIP software to process images and prepare each print quickly
• Photo-quality output using various water-based inks
• Ease of maintenance to keep your printer up and running the way it should
• Compatibility with cotton and high-cotton material blends

The Final Verdict

If you need a highly efficient printer that can produce high-quality prints, the Ricoh Ri 3000 is more than capable. This printer will help you work quickly, and it is easy to set up each project for good color accuracy and reliability.

Our Conclusion

There is no shortage of T-shirt printing machines to help you get the most out of your operations. While each of the above printers offers plenty of benefits, the right choice will vary from business to business. Your specific needs for efficiency, quality, size, cost, and other factors will guide you in the right direction.

At Sterling Sewing, we can help you find the best solutions for your business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you choose the best model for printing T-shirts and other materials.