From cotton and silk to nylon and polyester, different fabrics require specific ink chemistry. That’s why selecting a fabric printer that aligns seamlessly with your application is crucial to ensuring optimal print quality, durability and color vibrancy. With advancements in fabric printing technology for 2024, businesses have more options and improved capabilities at their fingertips.
In this blog post, we compare some of the top brands and models in fabric printing to help you make the best choice for your business now and in the future.
What Type of Fabric Printing Machine Do You Need?
Top Fabric Printing Machines for 2024
How to Choose the Best Fabric Printer for Your Business
Find The Best Fabric Printer with ITNH
What Type of Fabric Printing Machine Do You Need?
In your quest to choose the perfect fabric printing machine, understanding your specific needs and the capabilities of different machine types is essential. Here’s a quick rundown of the three fabric printing machine types we’ll focus on in this guide:
- Direct-to-Fabric Printing Machines: These machines work best for natural materials such as cotton and silk and synthetic ones like nylon. They’ve been engineered to provide the precise ink chemistry required for a vibrant, long-lasting print on these fabrics.
- Dye Sublimation Printers: If your business frequently prints on polyester materials, these printers should be at the top of your list. They use a special heat transfer process to sublimate dye into the fabric, resulting in high-quality, durable prints.
- Hybrid Printers: These machines combine the capabilities of direct-to-fabric and dye sublimation printers, enabling greater versatility in printing on different materials.
- Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printers: DTF printing machines are notable for producing vibrant and durable graphics on various fabrics, including traditionally challenging materials such as polyester and nylon. However, DTF is particularly good for spot graphics like logos and may not be the best option for all-over fabric printing. For instance, DTF can be an efficient alternative for small-scale or niche applications, such as printing a logo on pre-sewn table drapes, but it is not typically used for large-scale fabric printing projects.
How to Print on Fabric
Before diving into the different machine options, it’s important to understand the fabric printing process. Here are the essential steps for digital fabric printing:
- Choose the fabric: Select a material suitable for your application, whether it’s apparel, home decor or a commercial use product.
- Pre-treat the fabric: Depending on the textile and ink used, you may need to pre-treat the fabric with a special solution to improve ink adhesion.
- Create your design: Use design software to create your artwork, keeping in mind the fabric type and printing method you will be using.
- Prepare the printer: Load your chosen fabric into the printer and make sure you have the correct ink type for the fabric.
- Print the design: Print your design onto the fabric using the digital fabric printing machine.
- Heat fixation or cure: After printing, the fabric will need to be heat-treated to fix the ink, either with an integrated or standalone heat press, depending on your machine.
Top Fabric Printing Machines for 2024
Dye sublimation printing is an integral part of the textile market. Since it’s perfect for printing on polyester, it’s one of the most popular textiles used for soft signage at trade shows, airports and malls. Sports apparel and home décor items, such as tapestries and shower curtains, are also best printed using dye sublimation techniques.
Here are our picks for the top dye sublimation models currently available.
Mimaki TS 100-1600
The Mimaki TS100-1600 is a standout option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. This machine is priced at around $10,000 and offers impressive value with its 64” width, bulking solution, inclusive software and take-up reel. Designed with simplicity in mind, users can expect a straightforward experience and the ability to print a couple hundred square feet per hour.
Pricing
MSRP: ~ $10,000
Compare to Mutoh RJ900
In comparison, the Mutoh RJ900, with an older design, is cheaper but only 42” wide and lacks the bulk system. Users would need to purchase the take-up reel separately. The TS 100 has notably attracted some of Mutoh RJ900’s clientele due to its comprehensive features.
Mimaki TS 330P-1600
Priced in the mid $20k range, the Mimaki TS 330P-1600 stands out with its speed — about 2.5 times faster than the TS 100. This 64” wide printer offers a choice of eight colors, either running CMYKx2 or including fluorescents like yellow and pink.
Pricing
MSRP: ~ $25,000
Compare to Mutoh 1682
The Mutoh 1682 is a worthy competitor, but the TS 330 has the edge in color variation and speed.
Mimaki Tiger 600-1800TS
The Mimaki Tiger 600-1800TS is a game-changer, as it’s the first machine in the U.S capable of localizing production. Its breakneck speeds peak at 5,000 sq. ft. per hour, and even in production mode, it impressively churns out 3,300 sq. ft. hourly. The $140,000 price tag may seem hefty, but its ink costs are competitive, especially for production users. The design caters to both larger rolls (up to 600 lbs.) and the very lightest of papers (tests are ongoing for 20 gram paper). The lower ink and paper costs over time make it a savvy investment.
Pricing
MSRP: $140,000
Compare to MS JP4 and Epson
While these brands are strong contenders, the Mimaki Tiger 600-1800TS offers distinct advantages, particularly in speed and versatility.
Best Direct-to-Fabric Printer of 2023
Direct-to-fabric printing is necessary when working with cotton, silk, nylon and all other non-polyester fibers. The process requires a different ink chemistry to print directly onto fabrics.
Take a look at the top direct-to-fabric printing machine on the market today:
Mimaki TX300P-1800B
The TX300P-1800B uses an adhesive print blanket to transport the fabric through the printer, which is critical for production printing on knit goods and delicate fabrics. This model also has a belt that keeps it from distorting and curling on the edges. It utilizes a sticky belt to feed fabric through the printer, making it one of the best options for knit fabrics. This model serves as an entry-level option for production, offering a balanced blend of functionality and affordability.
Pricing
MSRP: ~ $83,000
Best Hybrid Printer of 2023
Hybrid printers combine the best of both worlds, allowing you to print on transfer paper and direct to fabric.
Here is our pick for the top hybrid printer model available in 2023:
Mimaki TX300P-1800 MkII
A versatile hybrid, the new TX300P-1800MkII from Mimaki is the revolutionary TX300P-1800 MkII, which is a hybrid version of their TX300P-1800 model that can handle both fabric and paper for dye sublimation. With eight channels (four for textile pigment inks and four for CMYK dye-sub inks), switching between fabric and dye sublimation is a breeze. This robust, hybrid printer features dual-media and dual-ink capabilities, expanding the potential range of applications for various types of businesses. The bulk ink system also reduces ink costs and makes unattended print jobs possible. It’s an ideal choice for businesses with space constraints.
Pricing
MSRP: $27,995
Note: As is evident from our list, Mimaki has made a substantial mark in the digital fabric printing space. Their consistent investment in research and development, diverse printer offerings and advanced inks emphasize their commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry, making them a standout choice for many businesses.
Please note: All prices listed reflect pricing at the time of publication.
How to Choose the Best Fabric Printer for Your Business
Choosing the best fabric printing machine for your business involves several key considerations to ensure you select a machine that meets your specific needs and delivers long-term value. Here are the main factors to consider:
Budget
Balance upfront costs with long-term value. Investing in a higher-quality machine can save money in the long run due to better efficiency and fewer maintenance issues.
Production Volume
Match the machine’s capacity to your business’s needs. High-speed machines are advantageous if you have large-volume orders, while smaller operations may benefit from more compact models.
Fabric Types
Ensure the machine is compatible with the types of fabric you plan to print on. Different machines and inks are suited to different materials, such as cotton, polyester, silk and nylon.
Expert Recommendations
Evaluate machine features and capabilities. Consult with experts or peers in the industry to understand the strengths and weaknesses of various models and brands.
Service and Maintenance
Reliable maintenance and service are crucial. ITNH provides service for Mimaki and Mutoh printers, ensuring you have the necessary support to keep your machines running optimally.
Learning and Ease-of-Use
Consider the training provided and the user-friendliness of newer models. Proper training is essential for achieving the best results.
Cost of Materials
Assess ongoing expenses for ink, transfer paper and fabric. Some machines may have lower upfront costs but higher long-term expenses.
Size and Space
Consider the machine’s footprint and how it will fit into your existing workspace. Opt for a smaller model if space is limited.
Speed and Production Capacity
Ensure the machine’s speed meets your business’s needs. High-speed machines are advantageous for large-volume orders
All-in-One Printers
Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of integrated heat fixation units. While they take up less space and can complete print jobs in one step, standalone heat-setting equipment may offer greater flexibility and longevity.
Find The Best Fabric Printer with ITNH
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We’re happy to answer any further questions you may have about dye sublimation or direct-to-fabric printers. Just contact us for advice!