DTG Printer: The Best Shirt Printer Machine for Professional-Quality Apparel
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No more manual pretreatment with RICOH Ri 4000
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Print full-color 10” x 8” graphics on light garments in less than 28 seconds with RICOH Ri 2000
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DTF printing capability
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No more costly screen setup and color limitations
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No more inventory waste as DTG eliminates overstock
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No more missed opportunities with fast turnarounds
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Includes training and life-time technical support
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When it comes to T-shirt printing machines, there’s one technology that consistently stands out: DTG printing, also known as Direct-to-Garment printing. Among the many available methods for creating full-color designs on apparel, DTG Printers offer unmatched printing quality, ease of use, and scalability, making them the best garment printing machines for both small-scale businesses and high-volume operations.
Why Choose DTG Printing and RICOH DTG Printers?
DTG Printers use CMYKWW inks and advanced RICOH print heads to spray ink directly onto the fabric. With dual print heads on RICOH Ri 4000, this allows the pretreatment to be laid first on the print area only, not the whole surface, followed by the white and color layers. This technique allows for detailed and vibrant T-shirt graphics production, including on challenging items like children's hoodies, baby onesies, and polo shirts, without the need for transfer paper or vinyl. Compared to heat-applied materials like vinyl transfers, DTG delivers superior results with less effort and more durability.
Ricoh's latest innovation, RICOH Ri 4000, redefines DTG printing with its built-in pretreatment system on the one print head, eliminating manual steps/PreTreat Machine and streamlining the DTG workflow. This advanced feature, combined with its ability to print directly on polyester and cotton blends, offers unparalleled versatility and efficiency for vibrant, high-quality custom apparel.
DTG vs DTF Printing: Which is Better?
Both are powerful technologies. While DTG shines in detailed images directly on cotton fabrics, DTF printers use DTF transfer film and a direct-to-film printer setup with powder shakers to print on a wider variety of textiles, including polyester fabrics. Both require a heat press to cure the inks, but DTG is generally preferred for its softer finish and faster order fulfillment time. Some businesses combine both technologies — using DTG printing for cotton, Polyester (Ri 4000), and DTF printing for synthetics — especially when dealing with sublimation printers, UV printing, or heat transfer graphics.


Choosing the Right Heat Press
If you’re investing in DTG or DTF, a reliable heat press is a must. Popular options include clamshell models, like Geo Knight DK20, for space efficiency and swing-away models for even pressure and safer operation. For those working with heat transfer vinyl or transfer paper, the choice of press can directly impact your business reputation and final product quality.
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Expanding Your Capabilities with
RICOH Ri 4000
Built-in pretreatment to save time and money
Streamline DTG workflow and minimize errors with the Built-in Pretreatment System of RICOH Ri 4000. Only pretreat the print area, not the whole surface.
Print directly on Polyester
Expand your product offerings beyond traditional cotton garments. Opening up new opportunities for vibrant, high-quality custom apparel on Polyester and blends.
DTG with DTF printing capability
This allows you to create transfers for an even wider range of materials. Your printing possibilities are no longer limited, opening up new markets and wider range of applications
Conclusion
In a competitive market, using the best T-shirt printing machine can be the difference between success and failure. DTG printers are the gold standard for full-color designs on cotton, Polyester, and blends (with RICOH Ri 4000), and when combined with a quality Heat Press Machine and strategic DTF printer options, they create a robust ecosystem for professional apparel production.
Invest wisely, train your team, and optimize for quality — because when it comes to T-shirts, only the best print wins.
Thank you for reading, and remember: every great print starts with the right machine.
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Isis was super great to work with, very patient when it came to my issue and my schedule. I highly recommend her for any issues regarding clogging. She communicated very well about anything that had to do with my machine. Thank you Isis, I appreciated you very much.
Mely Garcia
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Eddie was fast. Friendly. Informative. Attentive. He upheld the awe-inspiring customer service this team ALWAYS provides. It's not hit or miss. It's 100% on point. Every. Single. Time.
John Ramirez
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James Lee did a fantastic job virtually helping me install my print head and maintenance station. He was very polite and patient throughout the entire process! Thank you for everything! Ricoh has a great team of techs!
Renee Hyde

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