Printing T-shirts and other soft fabric items has never been easier than with a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. Gone are the days of screen printing and heat transfers; DTG printing offers high-quality, vibrant prints with easy setup and cleanup. However, many small-scale printers may find the initial investment in a DTG printer to be daunting.

That’s where affordable entry-level DTG printers come into play. These printers offer all the features and benefits of higher-end machines but at a lower price point that won’t break the bank. The best part? They’re perfect for small-scale printing operations that don’t require large production volumes or high-speed printing.

Imagine being able to print custom designs on T-shirts, bags, hats, and more without the hassle of traditional printing methods. With an affordable entry-level DTG printer, you can do just that. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your printing capabilities, these printers provide an excellent value for the cost and can help take your business to the next level.

If you’re in the market for an affordable DTG printer, look no further than our guide to the best entry-level models available. From features to price, we’ve got you covered so you can make an informed decision and start making beautiful prints today. Don’t miss out on this game-changing technology—read on to discover how an affordable DTG printer can revolutionize your small-scale printing business!

“Entry Level Dtg Printer” ~ bbaz

Affordable Entry-Level DTG Printer for Small-scale Printing

When it comes to small-scale printing, finding an affordable entry-level DTG printer can be a challenging task. For many businesses, particularly those that are just starting out, investing in high-end machines may not be practical. Fortunately, there are several entry-level DTG printers available that offer quality prints at a lower cost. In this article, we will compare some of the best affordable entry-level DTG printers currently on the market.

Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is among the best entry-level DTG printers for small-scale printing. It is a compact printer with a maximum print area of 8.5’’ x 11,” making it ideal for printing t-shirts, bags, and other small textiles. The printer uses PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology and can print up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution. Moreover, the Epson SureColor F170 boasts an impressive print speed, capable of producing a full-sized shirt in as fast as 65 seconds.

Pros:

• High-quality prints at 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution
• Compact size suitable for small-scale printing
• Faster print speeds, able to produce a full-shirt in under 65 seconds
• Low-cost maintenance requirements

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other entry-level DTG printers
• Printing costs can be higher
• Print area limited to 8.5’’ x 11”

Ricoh Ri 1000

The Ricoh Ri 1000 DTG printer is another top-performing entry-level printer that offers high-quality prints. It boasts the latest PrecisionCore printhead technology, which provides a high level of detail and clarity at a resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. The printer has a compact design and can print on dark fabrics. It also features refillable cartridges, enabling low-cost maintenance.

Pros:

• Creates high-resolution prints, up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
• Compact design
• Refillable ink cartridges keep maintenance costs low
• Includes software and workflow tools for easy production

Cons:

• Print area is small, limited to 10” x 8”
• Initial cost may be expensive for some businesses
• Printing speed is relatively slow compared to other DTG printers, taking about 27 seconds to print a white-filled area

Brother GTX

The Brother GTX DTG printer is ideal for small business printing with its excellent output quality and affordable pricing. The printer uses a sophisticated ink system that is adjustable based on the specific fabric type. In addition, the Brother GTX can produce up to 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution prints quickly. It has a large print area, up to 16 x 21 on certain models, making it possible to print larger designs.

Pros:

• Produces high-quality prints using specialized ink technology
• Large print area of up to 16”x21”
• Faster printing speeds compared to other printers with the same quality level
• Intuitive touchscreen UI for convenient operation

Cons:

• Initial investment is expensive for some businesses
• Conversion from white ink to black ink necessitates manual cleaning which could be time-consuming and cause inconvenience during production

Kornit Breeze

The Kornit Breeze DTG printer is an ideal machine for small-scale printing operations. It features a unique setup where the majority of maintenance tasks are performed automatically by the printer. This feature allows for easier operation, reduced downtime for maintenance, and lower maintenance costs. The printer also offers high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp detail, thanks to its patented NeoPigment inks.

Pros:

• Sophisticated automatic maintenance system
• Produces high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp detail
• Has a large print area, up to 15.7 x 23.6, making it possible to print large designs
• Adjustable ink application for varying fabric types

Cons:

• The price of this DTG Printer is relatively high compared to other entry-level DTG printers
• The machine requires a specific pre-treatment process which adds an extra step before printing

The Comparison Table

	Epson SureColor F170	Ricoh Ri 1000	Brother GTX	Kornit Breeze
Print resolution	4800 x1200 dpi	1200 x 1200 dpi	1200 x 1200 dpi	Up to 1440×720 dpi
Print Speed	65 seconds/shirt	27 seconds/white-filled area	Less than a minute/shirt	30 seconds/CMYK prints, 60-90 seconds on dark garments
Print size	8.5 x 11	10” x 8”	Up to 16”x21”	Up to 15.7 x 23.6
Special Features	Compact size + less maintenance	Refillable cartrides + software	Large print area and intuitive UI	Automatic maintenance system + adjustable ink technology
Price	$2,395.00	$3,795.00	$22,500.00	$52,000.00 to 65,000.00

Conclusion

Choosing the right entry-level DTG printer depends largely on the specific needs of your business. If you are looking for a DTG printer that is suitable for printing small-scale textile items, investing in an entry-level model might be the best option. In our opinion, among these four printers mentioned above the Epson SureColor F170 model would be the most suitable for small-businesses with an affordable price range and efficient printing capability with a lower initial cost. However, if you need larger print sizes and you have the budget for it, the Kornit Breeze is the best choice with its sophisticated automatic maintenance system and excellent print quality.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our article on affordable entry-level DTG printers! We hope that you found it informative and helpful in your search for a small-scale printing solution. As we stated earlier in the article, DTG printing can be a game-changer for those just starting out in the world of custom apparel design, and it can also offer an efficient and cost-effective option for those looking to expand their current printing capabilities.

If you’re interested in purchasing an affordable entry-level DTG printer, we highly recommend doing some research on the options available to you. There are a number of great brands and models on the market today, and it’s important to find one that meets your business needs and budget requirements. Additionally, you may want to consider investing in a quality heat press or pretreatment machine to ensure the best possible results from your DTG printing.

Overall, we believe that an entry-level DTG printer can be a smart investment for small-scale printing ventures. With its versatile capabilities, sharp image quality, and quick turnaround times, DTG printing has the potential to take your business to the next level. So why not give it a try? We wish you all the best in your printing journey!

Below are some of the commonly asked questions about affordable entry-level DTG printers for small-scale printing:

1. What is a DTG printer?

   A DTG printer, or direct-to-garment printer, is a type of digital inkjet printer that is designed to print designs directly onto garments such as t-shirts, hoodies, and other fabric materials.

2. What is an affordable entry-level DTG printer?

   An affordable entry-level DTG printer is a type of DTG printer that is designed for small-scale printing businesses or individuals who are just starting out in the industry. These printers typically have a lower cost compared to high-end models, but still offer reliable and quality printing capabilities.

3. What are the benefits of using an entry-level DTG printer?

   Some of the benefits of using an entry-level DTG printer include:

   • Lower cost compared to high-end models
   • Easy to use and operate
   • Compact and portable design
   • Reliable and quality printing capabilities
   • Ability to print on-demand and create custom designs

4. What features should I look for in an affordable entry-level DTG printer?

   When looking for an affordable entry-level DTG printer, you should consider the following features:

   • Printing resolution and quality
   • Ink and color options
   • Printing speed and efficiency
   • Software compatibility and ease of use
   • Size and portability

5. What is the price range for affordable entry-level DTG printers?

   The price range for affordable entry-level DTG printers can vary depending on the brand, model, and features. Generally, these types of printers can range from $5,000 to $15,000.

6. What are some recommended affordable entry-level DTG printers?

   Some recommended affordable entry-level DTG printers include:

   • Epson SureColor F170
   • Brother GTX Pro B
   • Anajet Ri 1000
   • Roland DG VersaSTUDIO BT-12
   • Kornit Breeze