Digital Output May 2025

MAY 2025

pg. 11

Window Installations | pg. 8 DTG/DTF in Wide Format Print Shops | pg. 17 DIGITALOUTPUT.NET VOL XXXI, NO. 5 • $6.95 USA

DO_25_5-0_CoverRevFinal-SWMD.indd 1

Color Management in DTG/DTF | pg. 23 5/3/25 9:54 PM

#2

DO_25_05-GF.indd 1

5/1/25 1:34 PM

5

8

17

11

14

23

ON THE COVER: Berger Textiles' Display EVO is made from recycled yarn. See page 11.

features 11 } Sustainable Solutions

Departments Editor’s Input ................................................................ { 4 In the Aisles .................................................................. { 5 Application Spotlight ................................................. { 8 Target Chart .................................................................{ 14

Eco-Friendly Media Continues to Evolve Recycled and recyclable fabric options.

by Cassandra Balentine

17 } Direct Growth DTF, DTG, and Hybrid Options for Wide Format PSPs Trending topics attract wide format print shops.

by Melissa Donovan

Plus Marketplace Spotlight ................................................ { 7 Advertiser’s Index ....................................................... { 22 Companies Mentioned ............................................. { 22 Showcase Advertisers............................................... { 22

digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-8_TOCRevFinal-SWMD.indd 3

23 } Reigning in Color Addressing Color Sensitivities in DTG and DTF Achieving accuracy with RIPs and color management tools.

by Melissa Donovan

May 2025 | Digital Output { 3 }

5/1/25 1:43 PM

C A P T U R E

C R E AT I O N

O UTPUT

FINIS HING

VOLUME XXXI, NO. 5 DIGITALOUTPUT.NET ISSN: 1083-5121

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Thomas Tetreault ttetreault@rockportpubs.com

Rapid Adoption There is constant chatter surrounding direct to garment (DTG) and direct to film (DTF) printing. Future Market Insights states that “DTG printing is expected to reach USD $873.5 million in 2025 and is further expected to increase to up to USD $1,343.6 million by 2035.”

The numbers don’t lie—DTG and DTF are lucrative technologies to invest in.

Based on the recently published report, titled Direct to Garment Printing Market Analysis by Industrial DTG Inkjet Printers and Desktop DTG Inkjet Printers Through 2035, the DTG market is projected to “surge” at a 4.4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period between 2025 and 2035. Revenue from DTG printing was valued at USD $847.3 million in the year 2024.

These statistics support DTG’s staying power, however it isn’t a secret that DTF printing is holding its own. In DTF Ink 2025 Trends and Forecasts 2033: Analyzing Growth Opportunities from AMA Research, “the market size in 2025 is estimated at $2,152 million...considering the rapid adoption of DTF printing technology in the textile and apparel industries, along with its expanding use in home décor and advertising, a conservative estimate of the CAGR for the forecast period (2025 to 2033) would be around 15 percent.”

The numbers don’t lie—DTG and DTF are lucrative technologies to invest in. As a wide format print service provider (PSP), it’s a great way to diversify offerings and extend services to existing customers.

The May issue of Digital Output talks about DTG and DTF in two feature articles, Direct Growth and Reigning in Color. The first discusses why PSPs should take advantage of the newest technologies and the second piece shares color management tactics and tools specifically for DTG/ DTF applications.

Cheers,

EDITOR Melissa Donovan mdonovan@rockportpubs.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cassandra Balentine cbalentine@rockportpubs.com WEB EDITOR Melissa Mueller ART DIRECTOR Sarah M. White swhite@rockportpubs.com CONTRIBUTORS Olivia Cahoon, Tim Greene, Mark Hanley, Melinda Tetreault, Amber Watson ADVERTISING SALES PUBLISHER Thomas Tetreault NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Amanda Doyon adoyon@rockportpubs.com 978-921-7850, Ext. 170 Subscribe online at digitaloutput.net

CORPORATE & PUBLISHING OFFICE 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11 Rowley, Massachusetts 01969 ROCKPORT CUSTOM PUBLISHING, LLC CHAIRMAN Jeffrey Jensen PRESIDENT & CEO Thomas Tetreault Digital Output is published monthly by Rockport Custom Publishing LLC. ©Rockport Custom Publishing, LLC 2025. Reproduction by any means of the whole or part of Digital Output without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement.

Vendors: We welcome your product news. Include prices, slides, photos, and digital files with your press release. Please forward product samples and media kits to Reviews Editor, Digital Output, 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11, Rowley, MA 01969. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

U.S.: $82.95 per year; $165 for 2 years; single copies: $6.95; Canada and Mexico: $99.50 per year (U.S.D.); Other international subscriptions: $275 per year (U.S.D.)

POSTMASTER

Please send address changes and form No. 3579 to: Digital Output, 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11, Rowley, MA 01969.

Periodical Class postage rates paid at Rowley, Massachusetts and additional mailing offices.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE

Melissa Donovan, editor mdonovan@rockportpubs.com

{ 4 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-9_EditorLetterRevFinal-SWMD.indd 4

Six to eight weeks prior to moving, please clip the mailing label from the most recent issue and send it along with your new address (including zip code) to: Digital Output magazine, change of address notice, 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11, Rowley, MA, 01969. Attention: Circulation Department.

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:44 PM

There is No Limit ISA International Sign Expo Recap

by Digital Output Staff

T

he International Sign Association (ISA) is well known for its creative, outside-of-the-box promotion of its marquee event, the ISA International Sign Expo and this year was no different. Kicking off the show on Wednesday, April 23 with a flurry of confetti, the event organizers’ energy transferred directly to the show floor.

Attendees and exhibitors alike displayed a optimism that places the sign industry in a forward momentum for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Many vendors debuted new products at the show, with technology advancements and enhancements conveying ISA’s theme of “no limits.”

Compiled by Digital Output staff that hit the show floor, here is some of the standout moments from the event.

3A Composites USA focused on its full product portfolio and promoted its eco-friendly initiatives in the form of its SWEDBOARD, DISPA, and POLAR product lines, which are unique, high-quality, and sustainable solutions.

Advanced Greig Laminators showcased its next generation 64 series laminators, the 64 HP series, ideal for

1

digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-5_ItA_ISARecapRevFinal-SWMD.indd 5

vehicle wrappers. The 64 HP series is available in three machine configurations—the 64 HP (top and bottom heat), 64 HPT (top heat), and 64 HPC (no heat).

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions educated attendees on its in sustainable graphics, from offering PVC-free products to how its media portfolio plays a role in energy savings. Of note was its new DOL 7460 PVC-free overlaminate, developed for exceptional conformability, increased horizontal durability, and improved sustainability.

AXYZ showcased the TRIDENT and INFINITE CNC routers, designed to deliver precision and power when cutting aluminum, acrylic, as well as composite materials.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced updates to its Colorado M-series and Arizona product families. For example, two new print modes for the Colorado M-series—matte density and backlit high density—are designed for soft signage applications and enable printing in multiple ink layers.

EFI highlighted its newest EFI VUTEk M3h hybrid and EFI Pro 30f+ flatbed LED printers.

2

1) Kicking off the show on Wednesday, April 23 with a flurry of confetti, the ISA event organizers’ energy transferred directly to the show floor. 2) Infinity Media Solutions FloorAppeal was displayed outside the entrance to the event.

May 2025 | Digital Output { 5 }

5/1/25 1:49 PM

Fluid Color demonstrated its 4x8-foot RF84 Flatbed Printer and 98-inch RH98 Hybrid Printer.

GBC had a lot to offer from the Flatbed Applicator to the Seal 62 Base and 65Pro MD laminators.

3 3) HP Inc. added two printers to its latex-based wide format portfolio—the HP Latex 730 and 830 Printer Series. 4) General Formulations gave visitors the opportunity to learn more about new GF Economy Solutions.

General Formulations gave visitors the opportunity to spin the wheel, Price is Right style to win a variety of prizes. Elsewhere attendees were invited to learn more about new GF Economy Solutions, featuring two laminates and six print media films in gloss and matte white.

Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC demonstrated the 663-TH Production Top Heat Laminator, featuring Smart Finishing Technology.

Graphic Whizard USA promoted its wide format capabilities, demonstrating the ability of its flatbed cutters to work with substrates up to 25 millimeters in thickness from MDF to paper and vinyl.

4 Enfocus demonstrated the updated Griffin nesting and Phoenix imposition and planning solutions via the Big Head Experience. Significans Automation’s S-Launch, a solution tailor made for the print, labels, and packaging space, powered the automated workflow.

Epson brought several new printers to the show, including the SureColor S7170 64-inch roll-toroll solvent printer and 35-inch SureColor G6070 dedicated direct to film printer. The SureColor S7170 utilizes UltraChrome GS3 four-color solvent inks and Epson Precision Dot technology. { 6 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-5_ItA_ISARecapRevFinal-SWMD.indd 6

FDC Graphic Films, Inc. promoted its unique position in the industry, with its ability to sell its own branded products, as well as those from 3M, 3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes, ASLAN, Nekoosa, and Siser exclusively through distribution channels.

Fisher Textiles debuted fabric products including DD7788 Perfect Knit, DD5361 Tent, GF8875 Dimmer, ET9608 Power Stretch, ET9848 EZ Stretch Premium, ET9860 Silver Back, and ET9118 White-Out. It continues to expand its sustainable product line by incorporating recycled polyester.

HP Inc. added two printers to its latex-based portfolio—the HP Latex 730 and 830 Printer Series.

With the new digital color pipeline, HP Pixel Control, the latest generation of inks and printhead architecture, these advanced printers deliver elevated print quality with consistency.

Infinity Media Solutions was available to discuss its floor and window graphics. Well known for its floor graphic media—if you caught the graphics on the way into the show, that was FloorAppeal—the company is excited to introduce optically clear bubblefree GlassApeel window media.

Jessup Manufacturing Co. displayed examples from its vast media lineup. Of note is four product introductions, ARMORLam 7, WallPro 6, TenaciousTac WHT-PP-2HT, and TenaciousTac BCHR-PET-2CR. Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems ran the Kongsberg X in its booth. Attendees could also learn about the latest version of the company’s table operating software IPC 3.1.

Lintec of America, Inc. discussed its high-quality clear PET graphic film, setting new standards for sustainability in the realm of recycled materials. This is demonstrated most clearly with its ECO 2100 ZC Recycled window film product.

Mimaki USA, Inc. promoted its UJV300DTF-75 UV LED direct to film printer. It allows users to transfer UV graphics on hard-toprint surfaces, unlimited by shape or size. The printer is equipped with new UV LED Greenguard Gold certified inks and white ink circulation for added stability.

Mutoh America, Inc. highlighted its XpertJet C641SR Pro 24-inch eco-solvent printer/cutter combination. It is ideal for creating posters, stickers, window and floor decals, labels, HTV transfers, vehicle decals, and banners.

Nekoosa promoted its Trifecta universal media and ClingZ electrically charged film as well as NextBond durable adhesive. The company’s portfolio of graphics media and adhesives covers a range of applications.

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:49 PM

Newlife Magnetics, LLC displayed a host of products from Cling-King to magnetic-based materials, and promoted its customer Switch It Magnetic Frames in the booth.

Photo Tex Group highlighted its multi-U.S. patented, self-adhesive material made of 100 percent polyester fabric. Photo Tex has several versions to meet inkjet and install surface needs.

SA International debuted OnSite at the show. The newest solution was developed in response to customer frustration about how challenging it is to develop site surveys accurately to win sign job bids. In development for just four months, the new solution is a

cloud-based site survey management tool designed specifically for sign shops.

STS Inks showcased its range of products, including the recently introduced STS XPD-924D direct to film printer with a 24-inch printing width.

Summa had a booth full of its latest cutting solutions, but perhaps the biggest buzz was the new 5x8-foot F1625 flatbed cutter that it plans to showcase for the first time publicly at FESPA.

Supreme Color Graphics, a national trade-exclusive printer, was on hand to answer any questions as well as showcase materials and samples available to customers.

MUTOH AMERICA, INC.

swissQprint presented in the U.S. for the first time the Nyala Generation 5 flatbed, which reaches some of the highest levels of productivity. It also offers varnish printing for rich visual and haptic embellishments.

Trotec Laser, Inc. focused on the various ways its laser engravers/ cutters can take a print shop’s business to the next level. In addition to product demonstrations in the booth, the company also promoted its upcoming Grand Prix customer event held May 29 to 31 at its North American headquarters in Plymouth, MI. Vision Engraving demonstrated the 25 Series Router/Engraver.

The 25 Series is offered in either

NEWLIFE MAGNETICS, LLC

a work area of 25x25 or 25x50 inches, with multiple options, including an auto braille inserter, oscillating knife, drag knife, creasing tool, and print to cut.

Zund America, Inc. displayed various products from its portfolio, including the G3 M-2500 cutting/routing system. It demonstrates how Zünd fits seamlessly into any sign and graphics business, no matter the size.

Check Back

ISA holds smaller informational sessions and events throughout the year, so be sure to check in at signexpo.org to learn more. ISA International Sign Expo 2026 takes place in Orlando, FL from April 8 to 10. D

SUPPLY55, INC.

A Wide Range of Applications

Flexible Magnetic Materials

Simplify Your Cutting Operation Today

The new MUTOH XpertJet C641SR Pro 24-inch eco-solvent printer and cutter combo is ideal for a range of applications such as stickers, t-shirt transfers, vehicle decals, wall decals, posters, and banners. Print and cut a 24-inch roll of media and operate at speeds more than twice as fast as its closest competitors. The XPJ-C641SR Pro with MUTOH GREENGUARD Gold Certified MS31 CMYK Eco-Solvent Ink and the Genuine VerteLith RIP software, bundled with FlexiDESIGNER MUTOH Edition 21, is a $2,199 value. Request your free sample today at mutoh.com. INFO#9

Newlife Magnetics is the world’s largest manufacturer of flexible magnetic materials. Our company’s focus on science and engineering has led to our success in leading the magnet industry through research and development of exciting new products that solve customer problems, increase efficiency, and improve our customers’ lives without harming our environment. We currently offer the thinnest, widest, lightest, and strongest magnetic materials on the market. Offering a variety of products, Newlife is known for its printable magnet media up to 60 inches wide. Visit newlifemagnetics.com. INFO#10

Engineered and manufactured by Saga, the ExpressCutPRO reduces labor and increases profits by eliminating the time-consuming task of manually cutting direct to film (DTF) or UV DTF transfers. Featuring an integrated conveyor belt and quick response workflow allows for a fully unattended workflow experience. Increase your output while reducing operation costs with ExpressCutPRO DTF Cutters.

For more information visit supply55.com, call 734-668-0755, or email sales@supply55.com. Simplify your cutting operation today with ExpressCutPRO. INFO# 11

digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-5_ItA_ISARecapRevFinal-SWMD.indd 7

May 2025 | Digital Output { 7 }

5/1/25 1:49 PM

For the Love of Installation A Favorite Part

by Melissa Donovan

G

raphics that are printed and finished properly are pivotal to the final appearance, but arguably if a graphic isn’t applied well, everything else is for naught. Many businesses stake their claim in installation. Their field experience is instrumental, a way to trial and error the best application methods for various substrates, ultimately yielding a successful graphic.

Early Years

The steady income allowed the business to grow. Couch built a building behind his house in 1998, which became the main headquarters for RAC Graphixs. 2007 presented another worthwhile opportunity. It won a contract with Butler County, OH’s sheriff department, deeming RAC Graphixs the sole printer and installer of all its vehicle graphics, from cars to tractors and trailer wraps.

With the income from the Butler County work, Couch invested in a 64-inch Roland DGA Corporation printer and a new laminator, accelerating the shop’s throughput.

Based out of Seven Mile, OH, RAC Graphixs prints and installs wide format graphics, but today maintains a major focus on installation. Owner, Randy Couch, started the business in 1990. Fishing competitively was his Ramping Up passion and he moonlighted as a designer and printer Well into 2015 RAC Graphixs thrived on work conof boat graphics. Due to a back injury, Couch ended up tracted through Butler County as well as other lucrative turning the side gig into a full-time profession. In 1994 projects. Then Couch received a call from 3M Comhe purchased his mercial Graphfirst 42-inch printer ics, asking him to When installed the right away, Lintec and soon after won prototype certain his first job, printing installations as well film looks like it was painted on glass. banners placed in as install decal kits — Randy Couch, owner, RAC Graphixs car dealerships for a at Chevy and Ford motor oil company. car dealerships.

1) A large Lintec project was completed for Procter & Gamble’s OH headquarters, which Couch installed using a wet technique.

2) Based out of Seven Mile, OH, RAC Graphixs prints and installs wide format graphics, but today maintains a major focus on graphics installation.

{ 8 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-4_ASWindowsRevFinal-SWMD.indd 8

1

2

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:51 PM

At the time, there was no network of installers trained on how to properly apply graphics. Couch’s experience had gained him a sort of reputation in the community and he rose to the forefront of installation expertise. From 2015 to 2020, he personally trained 150 people on how to work with substrates and install certain applications.

Today, he is a top 3M Preferred Graphics Installer of vehicle, wall, and floor graphics as well as 3M’s DI-NOC architectural finishes.

Couch is well known in the installation world and his knowledge allows him to travel all over. To date he has worked in over 400 cities

and 42 states. From 2016 to 2019 he flew close to 286,000 miles.

Optically Clear Windows

Besides installing 3M and other vendors’ media, Couch has experience installing Lintec of America, Inc.’s window films.

In 2021, 3M referred Couch to ADEX International. It needed someone to install 4,000 square feet of Lintec window film at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Couch was up to the task.

The install led to many more jobs with Lintec’s window materials. “It’s the most phenomenal

optically clear film I’ve ever used.

When installed the right away, Lintec film looks like it was painted on glass,” shares Couch.

Another large Lintec project was completed for Procter & Gamble’s OH headquarters, which Couch installed using a wet technique. “The wet install allows for applying big sections of media at once. If you don’t have enough solution on it, it can dry quick and turn white. A special type of squeegee also helps to avoid scratching the media.”

Couch completed the Procter & Gamble install independently. “99 percent of what I do, I do myself.

Working solo I am able to figure out how to do stuff much quicker,” he says. His wife of 48 years, Sharon, is also an asset, grabbing liner backing from the printed graphics as each panel is installed, which speeds up the process.

For the Love of Install

With the increased demand for Couch’s installation services from outside companies, he estimates that today about one third of RAC Graphixs’ work is printing, and the other two thirds is installation.

And that’s okay, because the install is his favorite part. D See page 22 for more info.

#3

digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-4_ASWindowsRevFinal-SWMD.indd 9

May 2025 | Digital Output { 9 }

5/1/25 1:51 PM

#5

DO_25_05-Lintec.indd 1

5/1/25 1:24 PM

t

extiles are used for a range of wide format print applications including banners, flags, displays, wallcoverings, and tablecloths. As sustainability continues to be a factor in media selection, recycled, recyclable, and specialty fabrics made with special

digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-3_EcoMediaRevFinal-SWMD.indd 11

by Cassandra Balentine

fibers are gaining popularity among print service providers (PSPs).

Recycled and Recyclable Fabrics

Sustainability is the most obvious and popular selling point for printing to recycled and recyclable fabrics.

“The primary advantage of using recycled fabrics for digital wide format printing is their environmental impact. Recycled polyester

Above) HP Large Format Media currently offers recycled fabric products made with recycled water bottles and coating materials.

May 2025 | Digital Output { 11 }

5/1/25 1:53 PM

The capabilities afforded by ecofriendly fabric media are extensive. “For example, HP Recycled Removable Adhesive Fabrics are repositionable, stick to any non-porous surface, and can be used for a multitude of print applications, from wall murals and event signage to retail displays, decals, and window graphics,” adds Oczkowski.

Berger Textiles is committed to a more circular business. Its EVO line offers a complete set of more sustainable textiles produced using Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified recycled yarn.

1 helps divert plastic bottles from landfills while reducing the demand for virgin polyester production. This process conserves petroleum resources and lowers overall energy consumption,” comments Sharon Roland, director of marketing, Fisher Textiles.

Further, by estimating the number of plastic PET bottles used per linear yard of fabric it is easier to quantify the sustainability impact. “Our Enviro-Tex fabrics contain between 20 to 51 recycled 500 milliliter (ml) 1) Fisher Textiles’ Enviro-Tex incorporates recycled polyester yarn sourced from waste streams like post-consumer plastics.

{ 12 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-3_EcoMediaRevFinal-SWMD.indd 12

water bottles per linear yard,” shares Roland.

Fisher Textiles continues to expand its sustainable product line by incorporating recycled polyester, which helps divert PET bottles from landfills, lowers energy consumption, and conserves the petroleum resources used in producing virgin polyester.

In April 2025, Fisher Textiles released ET9608 Power Stretch, ET9848 EZ Stretch Premium, ET9860 Silver Back, and ET9118 White-Out, which are recyled versions of four of its more popular products. Each eco-friendly

alternative is made up of a certain percentage of post-consumer recycled polyster. For example, ET9848 EZ Stretch Premium is the recycled version of GF9048 EZ Stretch. This fabric is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester and contains about 49 recycled 500 ml bottles per linear yard.

By choosing recycled and recyclable fabrics, Michelle Oczkowski, product manager, Brand Management Group, says businesses can reduce their environmental impact while meeting the demands of a growing market of environmentally conscious customers.

GRS is a globally recognized voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content and chain of custody of recycled materials in a final product. The GRS includes a 50 percent minimum recycled content percentage and additional social and environmental requirements related to processing and chemical use.

According to Giorgio Volpi, head of marketing, Berger Textiles, there are measurable sustainability benefits for customers that choose these products.

“For example, we calculated and analyzed the carbon footprint of our three main best sellers— be.tex Samba, be.tex Lumina, and be.tex Mozaik, and discovered that their EVO counterparts always had a much lower impact to the standard versions.”

Similarly, Dazian LLC offers sustainable fabrics like Evoke, which is derived from fiber produced by repurposed plastic waste. The digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:53 PM

collection includes wide-width soft and heavy knits, stretch, backlit, mesh, and drapery fabrics. One example is Evoke Trapeze Plus HW, which offers the same technical performance and processing as the original Trapeze Plus HW.

At Aberdeen Fabrics, Inc. sustainability isn’t a buzzword, according to the company's website, but the very essence of its existence. The company’s proprietary textile manufacturing process, CleanRTex, consumes 90 percent less water than traditional textile processing all while maintaining a zerowaste water system, making it a complete closed-loop solution.

Proving the success of the CleanRTex, an average 100 yard roll of Aberdeen Fabrics Soft Knit consumes 125 gallons or 1,000 pounds of fresh water during production, all of which ends up as waste water. An equivalent roll of CleanRTex Soft Knit uses just 12 gallons or 100 pounds of fresh water.

A standard 20 roll pallet of Aberdeen Fabrics Soft Knit consumes 2,500 gallons or 20,000 pounds of freshwater in production. An equivalent pallet of CleanRTex Soft Knit requires only 240 gallons or 2,000 pounds of fresh water. This results in a 90 percent reduction in water consumed and zero waste water generated, based on research from Aberdeen Fabrics.

Paying the Price

Products made with recycled and recyclable fabrics are often digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-3_EcoMediaRevFinal-SWMD.indd 13

assumed to carry a higher price tag compared to legacy fabrics.

“While recycled and recyclable fabrics often come with a slightly higher price tag, customer feedback on price is evolving,” says Oczkowski.

“A significant and growing segment of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. This is especially true for younger generations and those who are highly environmentally conscious. Government agencies also have environmental mandates for products.

Some customers are still price sensitive and may hesitate to pay a significant premium, especially in challenging economic times. Yet the willingness to pay a premium for recycled and recyclable fabrics is increasing,” continues Oczkowski.

#7

It is those companies that can effectively communicate the value proposition of sustainable products and demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility that are more likely to succeed in this evolving market, points out Oczkowski.

Roland adds that while products made with recycled and recyclable fabrics were once considered more expensive, the cost of recycled fabric media has significantly decreased over the years. It is now competitively priced, making it a more viable option in the market.

Berger Textiles offers many of the products within its EVO range at the same price as its

#6

May 2025 | Digital Output { 13 }

5/1/25 1:53 PM

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

133 Arlon Graphics

arlon.com

134 ASLAN Selbstklebefolien GmbH

aslanvinyls.com

135 Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions

graphics.averydennison.com

136 Beaver Paper & Graphic Media

beaverpaper.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

137 Berger Textiles

bergertextiles.com

✓

✓

138 Brand Management Group

globalbmg.com

✓

✓

139 Continental Grafix USA, Inc.

cgxusa.com

✓

140 Cooley Group

cooleygroup.com

✓

141 Dazian LLC

dazian.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

142 DreamScape

dreamscapewalls.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

143 Drytac

drytac.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

144 DuPont

graphics.dupont.com

✓

145 FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

fdcfilms.com

✓

✓

fishertextiles.com

✓

✓

✓

147 Flech Paper Products

flech.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

148 Flexcon

flexcon.com floorsignage.com

150 General Formulations

generalformulations.com

151 Gilman Brothers Company (The)

gilmanbrothers.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

152 Grafityp Selfadhesive Products

grafityp.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

153 The Griff Network

thegriffnetwork.com

✓

154 Hexacomb, a PCA Co.

falconboard.com

✓

155 Hexis

hexis-graphics.com/us

156 HEYtex USA

heytex.com

✓

157 Hop Industries Corporation

hopsyn.com

✓

158 HP Inc.

hplfmedia.com

✓

159 Innovia Films

innoviafilms.com

160 Jessup Manufacturing Company

jessupmfg.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

146 Fisher Textiles

149 FloorSignage

Sorbtek from Unifi

✓

✓

3mgraphics.com argotec.com

✓

SFI

✓ ✓

131 3M Commercial Solutions 132 Argotec, a Mativ Brand

✓

Repreve from Unifi

✓

REACH Compliant

✓

PEFC

✓

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

VOCs

✓

LEED Credit

PVC

✓

GREENGUARD

Phthalates

✓

FSC

Petroleum

✓

DIN EN 13432:2000-12 Standard

Crude Oil

3acompositesusa.com

Declare from IFLI

Website

Halogens

130 3A Composites USA

GREEN CERTIFICATIONS

Free of…

Recyclable*

INFO# Company

Contains Post-Consumer Waste Content

GREEN FACTORS

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

161 Kernow Coatings

kernowcoatings.com

162 Kodak

kodakwfmedia.com

✓

163 LAMITECH, INC.

lamitech.com

✓

164 LexJet

lexjet.com

✓

165 Lintec of America, Inc.

digitalwindowgraphics.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

#12

{ 14 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-6_EcoFriendlyChartRevFinal-SWMD.indd 14

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:55 PM

✓

✓

✓

171 Nekoosa

nekoosa.com

✓

172 Neschen

neschen.de/en

✓

✓

✓

✓

173 Newlife Magnetics LLC

newlifemagnetics.com

✓

✓

✓

174 Oppboga

oppboga.com

✓

✓

✓

175 ORAFOL Americas

orafolamericas.com

176 Panel Processing, Inc.

panel.com

177 Photo Tex Group Inc.

phototexgroup.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

178 PONGS Group

pongs.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

179 Pulp Art Surfaces, LLC

pulpartsurfaces.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

180 Quality Media and Laminating Solutions

qmls.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

181 Que Media, Inc.

que-media.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

182 Roland DGA Corporation

rolanddga.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

183 S-One Labels & Packaging

sonelp.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

184 Saint Clair Textiles Evergreen

evergreen-fabrics.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

185 Serge Ferrari

sergeferrari.com/us-en

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

186 Sign Again

signagain.com

✓

✓

187 Sonoma Graphic Products

sgpweb.com

✓

✓

188 Tricel Honeycomb Corp.

tricelcorp.com

✓

✓

189 TVF

tvfinc.com

✓

✓

190 UFabrik

ufabrik.com

✓

✓

✓

191 Ultraflex Systems Inc.

ultraflexx.com

✓

✓

✓

192 Veritiv

veritivcorp.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

195 Xcel Products, Inc.

xcelproducts.com

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

xanita.com

✓

✓

✓

vescomdecor.com

✓ ✓

✓

193 Vescom

✓ ✓

✓

✓

194 Xanita

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

FSC

✓

✓

✓

Sorbtek from Unifi

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

SFI

✓

✓

✓

✓

Repreve from Unifi

✓

neenahpaper.com/wide-format

✓

REACH Compliant

mpm.com

170 Neenah

✓

PEFC

169 Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc.

VOCs

✓

PVC

✓

Phthalates

✓

mediaoneusa.com

Petroleum

mactac.com

✓

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

✓

167 Mactac 168 Media One

✓

LEED Credit

Crude Oil

✓

✓

GREENGUARD

Halogens

✓

macpapers.com

Declare from IFLI

Contains Post-Consumer Waste Content

✓

Recyclable*

✓

Website

166 Mac Papers and Packaging

INFO# Company

GREEN CERTIFICATIONS

Free of…

DIN EN 13432:2000-12 Standard

GREEN FACTORS

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

KEY Forest Stewardship Council = FSC

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design = LEED

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization (and/or Restriction), of Chemicals = REACH

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification = PEFC International Living Future Institute = ILFI Sustainable Forestry Initiative = SFI

Volatile organic compounds = VOCs

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION *Based on the Federal Trade Commission’s guide for the use of environmental marketing claims ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/federal_register_notices/guides-use-environmental-marketing-claims-green-guides/greenguidesfrn.pdf

#13

digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-6_EcoFriendlyChartRevFinal-SWMD.indd 15

May 2025 | Digital Output { 15 }

5/1/25 1:55 PM

on Media One’s digitally printable recycled fabric options.

In the past, additional limitations included the white point of recycled fabric media. However, Roland points out that advancements have greatly improved its quality. “Today, recycled fabrics closely match their virgin counterparts in appearance while maintaining the same premium quality, stretch, and durability while offering a more sustainable choice.”

CiCLO Fibers

Another printable eco-friendly option to enter the wide format media scene utilizes CiCLO.

2 traditionally woven counterparts.

“That was the rationale for offering be.tex Aero, be.tex Expandable, and be.tex Revolution exclusively in the EVO configuration.

These products deliver the same performance at the same price as their non-recycled equivalents,” shares Volpi.

companies mentioned

Most of Media One Digital Imaging, LLC’s customers understand the additional cost associated with recycled fabrics. “The typical 15 to 20 percent per yard price increase allows printers to meet end user requirements while supporting sustainability,” notes the informational hand out

See page 22 for more info.

INFO# COMPANY 200 Aberdeen Fabrics, Inc.

WEBSITE aberdeenfabrics.com

201

Beaver Paper and Graphic Media Inc.

202

Berger Textiles

bergertextiles.com

203

Brand Management Group

hp.globalbmg.com

204

Dazian LLC

dazian.com

205

Fisher Textiles

fishertextiles.com

206

Media One Digital Imaging, LLC

mediaoneusa.com

{ 16 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-3_EcoMediaRevFinal-SWMD.indd 16

beaverpaper.com

CiCLO is a sustainable textiles ingredient in the form of an additive that is combined with polyester and nylon during melt extrusion at the very beginning of the fiber-making process, describes Intrinsic Advanced Materials (IAM)—the company behind CiCLO technology.

IAM is a joint venture formed in 2018 between Intrinsic Textiles Group, a Silicon Valley startup, and Parkdale Advanced Materials, the innovative fibers and yarns division of textiles giant Parkdale, Inc., a leading manufacturer of spun yarns.

Beaver Paper and Graphic Media Inc., a manufacturer of dye-sublimation media, offers TexStyles NatureSeries graphic fabric, which incorporates CiCLO. “NatureSeries Soft Knit looks and 2) Berger Textiles offers the EVO range of textiles made from recycled yarn.

feels like traditional polyester with the same high performance and durable characteristics, but because it is made with CiCLO technology, it behaves more like natural fibers when discarded in a landfill. It is perfect for frontlit digital imaging, soft signage, retail point of sale/point of purchase displays, interior décor, and exhibition graphics.

TexStyles NatureSeries Soft Knit fabric has been tested to ensure traits such as tenacity, pilling resistance, and printability are unchanged,” says a spokesperson from Beaver Paper.

Beaver Paper fabric made with CiCLO biodegrades at the same rate as natural fibers—such as wool—once it has finished its lifecycle of use and is placed in a landfill.

Eco Options

Many PSPs consider sustainability as a factor in media choice.

Today, several printable options are available, including those made with recycled materials, medias that can be recycled, and emerging solutions that incorporate eco-friendly technologies like CiCLO.

The graphic arts industry continues to invest in its mission to educate print providers on the merits of utilizing sustainable media choices. This is done through various ways, and with the help of fabric manufacturers who have taken the initial steps to institute eco-friendly manufacturing processes in their facilities, which trickle down to the sustainable products discussed here. Ｄ digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:53 PM

by Melissa Donovan

irect to film (DTF) printing is popular for hobbyists and smaller businesses with a customer base in online as well as local retail outlets. The technology is attracting wide format sign shops.

There is an ease in which a print service provider (PSP) can create multiple logos, graphics, or small digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-1_DTGDTFRevFinal-SWMD.indd 17

amounts of text with DTF printing. Many times, these same images are found on applications yielded from wide format printers, whether it be banners, floor graphics, or yard signs.

Meeting a need, DTF printers are adapted for sign shops. Most notably, the printable width is

Above) Output generated from Lawson’s Prestige line of DTF printers.

May 2025 | Digital Output { 17 }

5/1/25 1:58 PM

format—which Digital Output defines as over 24 inches in width—they still find a home in a wide format print provider’s business.

1 expanding—from over 24 to 64 inches in some cases.

What does this mean for direct to garment (DTG) printing? There is certainly still a demand in the wide format sign shop for the technology, but it’s a question of

2

{ 18 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-1_DTGDTFRevFinal-SWMD.indd 18

the business model and requirements of the print shop and more importantly its customers.

Complement Wide Format

Interest in DTF printing continues to grow. While many DTF printers are not considered wide

With DTF, it’s easy enough for a PSP to take their digital files used in display graphics and produce similar graphics on garments or soft goods. “The versatile output of DTF prints allows for the decoration of a variety of media with consistent color output from 100 percent cotton to many synthetic materials,” explains Tim Dinneen, national sales manager, industrial products division, Brother International Corporation.

According to Lily Hunter, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc., “a wide format print provider wants to incorporate DTF into its everyday workflow to increase efficiency and diversify product offerings. DTF can fill the gaps for apparel and textile decoration. When a wide format printer can diversify offerings, there’s opportunity to upsell, as well as the potential to increase customer loyalty and retention. A customer

who initially orders a step and repeat for an upcoming trade show can now also place an order for company polos, hats, or tote bags for employees, or to offer as giveaways while onsite at that show.”

As Rob Almstrom, president, American Print Consultants, points out, a PSP’s customers are probably already purchasing customized apparel elsewhere.

DTF “is a way to add that offering with a relatively low entry point and without a lot of application knowledge.”

Otherwise, if a PSP isn’t offering these services, they may turn a customer away and miss out on profit. “While these services can be outsourced, depending upon another print provider to get the job done comes with disadvantages, such as the lack of control over quality and turnaround time.

Referring the customer to another shop that does DTF printing means not only a loss in profit but also the potential loss of a customer,” explains Mike Davis, application specialist, Roland DGA Corporation.

“Garment decoration is a popular and growing segment of the printing industry. Wide format PSPs already have relationships with their customer base, and those customers are likely ordering

1) Photo courtesy of Mimaki, DTF printing using white ink is ideal for transfers to colored fabrics, such as black. 2) DTF printing can create promotional products like this eyeglasses case produced with the Mimaki TxF Series of DTF printers. 3) The Kornit Atlas MAX POLY DTG printer allows for photorealistic images, neon designs, and 3D effects, supporting broad polyester blends and types.

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:58 PM

printed apparel from someone.

Bringing this technology in house allows PSPs to easily add a new revenue stream by supporting the demand from their existing customer base,” suggests Karl Tipre, owner, DTG Connection.

DTF allows wide format PSPs to take on garment decoration at the fraction of the cost and time it takes using traditional methods like screen printing. “An advantage of DTF technology is its ability to streamline the labor-intensive process of garment decoration. Traditional screen printing methods require intricate setup, extensive manual labor, and specialized skills, leading to higher production costs and longer lead times. DTF systems can produce high-quality prints in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods,” says Timothy Mitchell, senior manager, customer experience, Mimaki USA, Inc. “DTF offers a fairly easy gateway to PSPs that are not offering apparel decoration today. It is an inexpensive and easy to add solution with limited financial risk.

Apparel and textile decoration is a great addition to a wide format PSP as in many cases the customers are in need for promotional prints for their business,” notes Sharon Donovich, director of marketing and communications, Kornit Digital.

Vic Nanongkhai, marketing manager, Arcus Printers, agrees. “With the increasing use of textile substrates, DTF provides a straightforward way for PSPs who don't typically handle textiles to enter this market.” digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-1_DTGDTFRevFinal-SWMD.indd 19

3

But Wait…

With interest in DTF printing growing, DTG hardware vendors continue to launch DTF devices into the space. There has been a surge in the introduction of wide format DTF devices—those in widths of 24, 32, and 64 inches—in particular.

“manufacturers using existing technology and then repurposing for DTF or other print methods.”

Many wide format DTF printers, especially earlier models, are converted units. Dedicated

solutions are becoming more commonplace. “With reputable manufacturers introducing dedicated solutions, print shops now have access to reliable hardware that enhances workflow and provides peace of

The 24-inch width is standard for printers, according to Nanongkhai. “This size enables print shops to easily produce highly popular gang sheets as well as larger format items, such as table skirts. Additionally, the 24-inch width allows for better nesting, which leads to improved substrate utilization and faster overall job printing.”

Almstrom agrees that 24 inches is the standard width for DTF, as it is a good size for production and also for finished goods. He provides examples like gang sheets and large print area applications like hoodies, jackets, or bags.

Dinneen believes the rise in wide format DTF devices is due to

#1

May 2025 | Digital Output { 19 }

5/1/25 1:58 PM

“The wider width—especially 64 inches—lends itself to increased throughput, enabling more transfers to be printed across the media. As DTF printing expands beyond transfers for shirts and totes into décor, the extra width is attractive for producing items that were previously unprintable before DTF,” agrees Mitchell.

Whether or not wide format print shops flock to wide format DTF is yet to be determined.

With PSPs constantly looking for ways to achieve more throughput, Davis says “most production-level shops prefer devices that are 24 inches in width or wider for DTF applications because the print area, along with faster speeds, allows for more throughput.”

4 mind. As trusted brands enter the market, their loyal customers— many of whom have built businesses around their products—can

companies mentioned

See page 22 for more info.

INFO# COMPANY 115 American Print Consultants 116

confidently adopt DTF knowing they have dependable maintenance, warranties, and support,” shares Hunter.

WEBSITE apcink.com

Arcus Printers

arcusprinters.com brotherdtg.com

117

Brother International Corporation

118

DTG Connection

dtgconnection.com

119

Epson America, Inc.

epson.com

120

Kornit Digital

kornit.com

121

Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.

lawsonsp.com

122

Mimaki USA, Inc.

mimakiusa.com

123

Polyprint SA

polyprintdtg.com

124

Roland DGA Corporation

rolanddga.com

{ 20 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-1_DTGDTFRevFinal-SWMD.indd 20

Common applications include apparel customization and personalization, according to Davis.

“Another popular use is the production of ready-to-apply transfer graphics that are sold to users who will apply those themselves.

This allows a PSP to provide retail and wholesale transfer services.”

With a wide format DTF device, a PSP is able to print over a hundred company logos or preordered designs on one sheet of material, making it highly efficient and versatile, adds Hunter.

Wider printers yield less waste for high-volume shops. “Most DTF printers require an inline powder applicator and curing unit. This unit consumes a certain length of DTF film in between print jobs.

Therefore, wide format DTF machines are most attractive to highvolume print shops that have less changeover between print runs.

Wide format allows for larger prints and larger gang sheets, however, for lower volume shops, a narrower platform will result in less material waste,” says Tipre.

Taylor Landesman, VP, Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc., “does not anticipate DTF printers getting wider because of the hassle

4) Epson’s lineup of DTF/DTF printers yield a number of applications from t-shirts to tote bags.

5) The Lawson Prestige XL3 stands out as one of the first eight-color DTF printing systems available. It’s paired with the Seismo L24R DTF Powder Applicator and Dryer automatic shaker.

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 1:58 PM

of dealing with the film width and the heaviness of the roll is not worth the additional space. Wider does not mean faster with DTF.”

“In theory, wider solutions have the possibility to offer increased production, but it is just one small piece of the puzzle to higher volumes. Right now, it does not change the applications it refers to and the width is not connected to the increase of them,” states Kostis Gounaris, business development, Polyprint SA.

Dinneen cautions that prior to purchasing, a PSP should look at how best to meet their customers’ needs—and that might not be through a wide format DTF device. “Wider format DTF printers focus primarily on print output, not necessarily on the workflow.

Understanding how the printer manages white ink and the support network behind the product should also be considered.”

What About DTG?

DTG printing is still a viable option when it comes to decorating garments and other soft goods.

Its use depends on business case and applications, according to Donovich. “DTG printing excels in producing high-resolution, detailed prints with vibrant colors.

The fine detail and gradient capabilities of DTG are unmatched, especially for intricate designs and photographic images.”

“DTG is better suited for businesses that don’t have a lot of space, do small run print jobs, or have customers interested in a softer finished hand. For wide digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-1_DTGDTFRevFinal-SWMD.indd 21

format print shops, DTG can be attractive for print sampling, because there is less set up and waste than DTF. Then large orders can be transferred to a DTF printer for a production run,” explains Tipre.

According to Hunter, DTG “remains steadfast when it comes to textile printing and is considered and installed by shops looking to offer textile applications. DTG does not require the additional powder application process and remains a preferred method for creating personalized, large t-shirt graphics, and any cotton textile that requires a soft hand feel.”

DTG in the decorated apparel space “allows for more seamless color transitions to the garment as well as generally softer prints.

It can be preferred for print on demand shops that do highvolume, completed apparel jobs,” notes Davis.

“There is a place for both, but it depends on the PSP and their needs. DTG has a different hand feel and can achieve more vibrant colors,” adds Almstrom.

Part of DTG’s advantage over DTF has always been the soft hand of the finished garment. However, Landesman says that as DTF matures, the feel is improving, which cuts into DTG’s permanence.

“At Brother, we have found a constant concern from end users who are not happy with the performance of DTF printers in the market due to a wide variety of reasons,” admits Dinneen, which means they look to DTG or

5 hybrid devices to solve any challenges that arise.

Combining the advantages of both DTG and DTF, many PSPs consider adopting a hybrid device into their workflow. “A hybrid printer provides the most versatility in application technology and can open up a larger variety of revenue streams until the business needs justify having a dedicated piece of hardware.

A single piece of hardware that offers the best of both worlds,” shares Dinneen.

Delivering DTG and DTF applications, “printers can leverage DTG to print directly to cotton and primarily cotton-blend fabric, as well as print and transfer applications to polyester, cotton/ poly blends, and more using DTF, which presents expansion opportunities,” agrees Hunter.

However, Davis says hybrid printers aren’t necessarily ideal for production print shops, “as they

require more hands-on use from the operator and don’t feed to a take-up reel.”

Mitchell also feels a hybrid device might not be the best choice.

“Hybrid devices still depend on having a shaker as part of the workflow, so it makes more sense to just switch to a DTF-committed device. Many hybrid models are not geared toward the self-contained shaker systems preferred for operator safety.”

In the end, it is about the services the company provides and what its clients are demanding, suggests Gounaris. Hybrid systems are a good starting solution, but a company that has high productions of DTF should end up having a dedicated DTF rollto-roll system.

Worth Considering

A DTF, DTG, or a hybrid device is worth a look. To learn more about this topic, visit digitaloutput.net to view our most recent webinar. D May 2025 | Digital Output { 21 }

5/1/25 1:58 PM

#15

22 bannergrip.com 22 yardsignsresellers.com

1 DTG Connection

19 dtg-c.com/domag

2 General Formulations

2 generalformulations.com

3 Infinite Motion Control, Inc.

9 infinitemc.com

4 Jessup Manufacturing Co.

27 jessupmfg.com

5 Lintec of America, Inc.

10 digitalwindowgraphics.com

COMPANY

PAGE

15 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC 16 Delivery Signs

INFO#

22 fastchangeframes.com

COMPANY

PAGE

14 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC

INFO#

14 3acompositesusa.com/display

#16

PAGE

WEBSITE

12 3A Composites USA

INFO#

ADVERTISER

PAGE

INFO#

#14

210 3M Commercial Graphics

8

118 DTG Connection

17

122 Mimaki USA, Inc.

17

200 Aberdeen Fabrics, Inc.

11

102 DTG Connection

23

106 Mimaki USA, Inc.

23

115 American Print Consultants

17

119 Epson America, Inc.

17

123 Polyprint SA

17

116 Arcus Printers

17

COMPANY

103 Epson America, Inc.

23

107 PrintFactory

23

200 Beaver Paper and Graphic Media Inc. 11

104 Fiery

23

212 Roland DGA Corporation

8

201 Berger Textiles

11

204 Fisher Textiles

11

124 Roland DGA Corporation

17

202 Brand Management Group

11

105 GMG

23

108 Roland DGA Corporation

23

117 Brother International Corporation

17

120 Kornit Digital

17

109 SAi

23

110 X-Rite

23

9 Mutoh America, Inc.

7 mutoh.com

10 Newlife Magnetics LLC

7 newlifemagnetics.com

6 Newlife Magnetics LLC

13 newlifemagnetics.com

13 Newlife Magnetics LLC

15 newlifemagnetics.com

100 Brother International Corporation

23

121 Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.

17

7 S-One Holdings Corporation

13 hplfmedia.com

8 Signs365

28 signs365.com

101 Caldera

23

211 Lintec of America, Inc,

8

11 Supply55, Inc.

7 supply55.com

203 Dazian LLC

11

205 Media One Digital Imaging, LLC

11

{ 22 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-10_ShowcaseAdIndexRevFinal-SWMD.indd 22

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 2:03 PM

by Melissa Donovan

olor management is pivotal regardless of the printer, method, or ink set used. That being said, direct to garment (DTG) and direct to film (DTF) print applications typically include branding—logos or company mascots—these are color-sensitive graphics.

There are a number of ways to achieve accurate color—RIPs, specialized color management software, digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-2_DTGFColorRevFinal-SWMD.indd 23

or hardware like spectrophotometers. Vendors recognize the importance of dialing in color for DTF/ DTG-specific applications, as the process presents certain nuances that must be addressed.

“Since DTG and DTF involve printing on textiles, which can vary in texture, absorbency, and color,

Above) Digital Factory is Fiery's full print product software system used for DTF and DTG print applications.

May 2025 | Digital Output { 23 }

5/1/25 2:04 PM

colors already being used to produce products using conventional processes. In this case, color precision is a critical aspect,” shares Marc Levine, director of business development, GMG.

“Let’s say a printer wants to print his brand’s logo on a tshirt, he can use the available tools to match the exact colors.

The goal is not to have super bright and luminous colors but rather to get a color that matches exact color references. Or let’s say that a printer wants to showcase a specific red color, he will want the exact reference to be applied and no fading effect,” says a representative from Caldera.

1

2 achieving accurate color requires precise management of ink, curing processes, and environmental conditions,” explains Jason Stone, channel sales manager, SAi.

Accurate Color

DTG and DTF printed applications must portray accurate color.

3

{ 24 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-2_DTGFColorRevFinal-SWMD.indd 24

Customers have a variety of color expectations. “DTF/DTG customers may be creating soft signage for non-color critical customers where ‘red’ just needs to be some kind of ‘red.’ On the flip side, they may be producing fabric/apparel designs in which colors need to precisely mirror

As Mike Davis, application specialist, Roland DGA Corporation, explains, “accurate color in DTF is a common concern with many of the equipment options. Blues that are too blue and teals that are green happen when inaccurate color is output.”

Accurate color reproduction is essential in DTF and DTG printing.

“Customers expect vibrant, consistent colors, especially when brands are involved. If the printed colors don’t match the intended design, it can lead to dissatisfied customers, wasted materials, and lost revenue for print service providers (PSPs),” says Simon Landau, global strategic partner manager, PrintFactory.

Along the same lines as accuracy, is consistency. Whether you are printing brand colors with strict accuracy requirements or smooth skin tones, Vincent Highes, product marketing manager, Fiery, says consistency in color is key.

Color directly impacts the quality and perceived value of the final product, states Stone. “Whether printing custom apparel for a brand, promotional merchandise, or one-off personalized items, customers expect the colors to match their designs accurately.

Inconsistent or incorrect color reproduction can lead to dissatisfied customers, product rejections, and wasted materials.”

Education for Printers

Printers need to become more educated on the importance of color management in DTF and DTG printing.

According to Landau, “many print providers assume that modern printers and inks inherently deliver accurate colors, but color management is far from a given in DTF/DTG printing.”

“Color management is often taken for granted. PSPs assume that simply using high-quality inks and printers will automatically produce accurate colors, but in reality, several factors influence color output,” admits Stone.

Proper color management involves understanding ICC profiles, maintaining consistent humidity and temperature levels, and fine tuning press settings for DTF transfers.

“Without proper education on these elements, print providers 1 & 2) PrintFactory is committed to empowering DTG and DTF print providers with robust color management solutions. 3) Example of the DTG printing process, which was aided with help from Caldera Direct-to-Garment software. 4) With a user-friendly interface and seamless printer integration, SAi Flexi DTF DTG simplifies the workflow for DTG and DTF users, reducing errors and improving production efficiency.

digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 2:04 PM

may struggle with color shifts, banding, or poor wash durability.

Investing in the right training and tools helps ensure consistent and vibrant prints, regardless of the material or environmental conditions,” continues Stone.

“Like color without light, DTF/ DTG printing cannot happen without color management.

However, in many cases, color management is buried inside a workflow and not fully calibrated or even understood by businesses whose output color is determined by it,” suggests Levine.

Admittedly, a lot of smaller shops that may be entering into DTF and DTG are not familiar with color management, shares the Caldera representative. Others adding DTF are screen printers not familiar with digital print and color management.

“Unlike traditional screen printing, where color is pre-mixed, DTF and DTG rely heavily on digital processes. Factors such as ink formulation, fabric type, and curing methods all affect color accuracy,” adds Landau.

“Beginners may get confused and that’s why they fall into color errors or mistakes,” continues the Caldera representative.

The same is true of experienced PSPs. “Educating print providers about profiling, ink behavior on different substrates, and environmental variables is critical. Without proper color management, even high-end printers can struggle to reproduce accurate colors across multiple runs,” suggests Landau. digitaloutput.net

DO_25_5-2_DTGFColorRevFinal-SWMD.indd 25

Whether a beginner or experienced professional, print providers unfamiliar with textiles may not be aware of their differences from other materials when it comes to color management.

“Unlike traditional paper, textiles introduce unique challenges such as varying fabric textures, dye interactions, and inconsistencies between batches,” explains JonMichael McCartney, director of print and packaging, X-Rite.

Education and training are important components of the process. “Color management and accuracy is always a concern for a PSP, but color management is often more about training. When printing DTG, the pretreat process and the printers’ white ink management, affects the color accuracy. At the same time, for DTF, there are many media— some offer a reduced cost, but do not produce the best output.

These two areas play a huge role in the color output along with properly supported RIPs and/or drivers. When buying any hardware proper training and support are key,” shares Tim Dinneen, national sales manager, industrial products division, Brother International Corporation.

However, Hughes points out, “it is also important that an operator be able to print a job without needing to spend hours or even days configuring their RIP software. Providing simple controls that can help an operator quickly adjust colors for specific images is where cutting-edge software comes in, making the process as automated and effortless as possible for the user.”

4

Tools to Use

RIPs and workflow software are an important part of the puzzle, as well as more color management-specific tools.

A high-quality RIP with accurate color profiling is preferred. “It is the most critical tool for achieving consistent results. A good RIP ensures that colors are processed correctly, compensating for material differences and ink behavior,” says Stone.

“Most printing devices use a RIP software with a color profile that is optimized for the ink set used.

This puts the burden on the RIP software manufacturer, so many will allow users to upload their own color profiles. For closed systems that don’t allow thirdparty ink, the color profile is very consistent. Open source systems that allow customers to purchase and use any third-party ink, will struggle more with accurate color matching,” shares Karl Tipre, owner, DTG Connection.

To ease confusion, considering RIP software optimized for DTF or DTG can be helpful. “Most RIP

software includes additional tools used in other printing methods, so the user gets confused since there is too much to learn,” explains the Caldera representative.

For DTF/DTG, Caldera’s representative says that users should look for specific features in their software solutions. Spot colors/color mapping is one example. “Caldera includes automatic spot color conversion. The user will not have to upload the color references manually. It’s also possible to manually fine tune the simulated reference for last minute adjustments or other needs.”

Another feature to consider is managing white. “Color management is always a concern, and one of the key factors in ensuring color fidelity is an excellent white ink base. White ink is opaque, meaning it doesn’t allow light to pass through, enabling printers to use white ink on any surface, including textiles,” notes Timothy Mitchell, senior manager, customer experience, Mimaki USA, Inc. White management prevents visible gaps or misalignment

May 2025 | Digital Output { 25 }

5/1/25 2:04 PM

files are manually prepared with or without some of these attributes with varying degrees of resulting quality,” admits Landau.

Lily Hunter, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc., recommends for those wide format print shops who would like a color managed workflow, tools like spectrophotometers and auto chart readers. “These are designed to support a color management workflow by creating color profiles and verifying and calibrating color, to help print shops save time and resources by avoiding reprints due to color inaccuracies.”

5 between the white underbase and the design, or to ensure the white layer does not spread. “This white is usually measured in pixels. What Caldera does differently is measure it in millimeters for more precision and to match the resolution. The choke is applied according to these measurements. Why would we want to shrink or choke the underbase?

Simple. It’s to provide a tiny margin of error to ensure that

companies mentioned

INFO# COMPANY 100 Brother International Corporation

we don’t see a slight outline of white ink around the edges of the designs when they’re printed. In this way, we preserve the accuracy of colors and designs,” explains the Caldera representative.

“The technical factors to achieve color management rely specifically on white underbase control including choke, t-shirt color knockout, and color management. The vast majority of existing production

See page 22 for more info.

WEBSITE brotherdtg.com

101

Caldera

caldera.com

102

DTG Connection

dtgconnection.com

103

Epson America, Inc.

epson.com

104

Fiery

fiery.com

105

GMG

gmgcolor.com

106

Mimaki USA, Inc.

mimakiusa.com

107

PrintFactory

printfactory.cloud

108

Roland DGA Corporation

rolanddga.com

109

SAi

thinksai.com

110

X-Rite

xrite.com

{ 26 } May 2025 | Digital Output

DO_25_5-2_DTGFColorRevFinal-SWMD.indd 26

Some color management tools are non-negotiable, while others aren’t mandatory. For Landau, the essential tools are color profiling software—ICC or device link profiling; and spectrophotometers.

Spectrophotomers are crucial for measuring and profiling colors on textiles, according to McCartney.

“Pairing such spectrophotometers with a compatible RIP that supports ICC profiling ensures that colors remain consistent across different substrates and printing conditions.”

Nice-to-have tools—but not necessary—include ink limiting tools and soft proofing solutions, shares Landau.

Also nice to have, according to Stone, are environmental monitoring tools, such as hygrometers and temperature sensors, which can be beneficial in controlling humidity

5) Fiery Digital Factory delivers robust color management on top of automation and organization tools.

and temperature, both of which impact ink curing and adhesion.

Levine says “you cannot manage something without measuring it first,” as such tools that measure output and set up a transformation workflow include measurement devices that measure the color behavior of your output; profilebuilding tools, which transform color measurements into tables that transform artwork colors; and workflow tools, these apply profiles to artwork—transforming it from one colorspace to another.

“The items above are the fundamental pieces of any color management solution. In addition to that, users may wish to explore tools to tackle the specific challenges of their business and workflow. This might include additional design tools to help leverage color management in the content creation stage; proofing solutions to accurately simulate how color will print before it is printed; and technical tools designed to optimize artwork printability and consistency,” continues Levine.

Correct Color

Producing color accurate DTF and DTG applications is important for any size print shop. Precise color is the difference between losing a job and gaining a repeat customer.

“For DTG and DTF printing businesses, color accuracy is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. With the right education, tools, and software solutions, print providers can optimize their workflows, reduce costs, and maintain customer satisfaction through consistent and vibrant prints,” concludes Landau. D digitaloutput.net

5/1/25 2:04 PM

#4

DO_25_05-Jessup.indd 1

5/1/25 1:37 PM

#8 DO_25_05-Signs365.indd 1

5/1/25 1:39 PM