For larger orders, DTG printing can be more expensive than alternative methods like screen printing.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a popular method for custom apparel, known for its ability to produce detailed, full-color prints directly onto fabric. However, one significant disadvantage highlighted in the provided reference relates directly to cost and order volume.
The primary disadvantage of DTG printing, especially when compared to methods such as screen printing, is its higher cost for larger orders.
Cost Considerations for Large Volumes
While DTG is often cost-effective for small runs or one-off prints due to minimal setup requirements, this changes dramatically as order sizes increase.
- Setup Costs: DTG printers have relatively low setup costs per design, as the image is printed directly from a digital file.
- Printing Time: Each garment must be individually loaded and printed, which can be time-consuming.
- Ink Costs: DTG inks can be relatively expensive compared to screen printing inks, and ink consumption per print doesn't decrease significantly with volume.
This cost structure means that for high-volume production runs, the individual printing cost per item using DTG can quickly surpass the cost per item using methods like screen printing.
DTG vs. Screen Printing Costs
To illustrate, consider the cost breakdown for different order sizes:
| Feature | Small Orders (e.g., 1-20 items) | Large Orders (e.g., 100+ items) |
|---|---|---|
| DTG Printing | More Cost-Effective | Less Cost-Effective |
| Screen Printing | Less Cost-Effective (higher setup) | More Cost-Effective (lower per-item cost) |
As the reference states, "For larger volumes of printed products, other methods may be more cost-effective." Screen printing benefits from economies of scale, where the initial setup costs for screens are spread across a large number of garments, drastically reducing the per-item printing cost.
Therefore, while DTG excels for personalized items and small batches, its disadvantage lies in becoming less economically viable when printing hundreds or thousands of the same design, making it less suitable for bulk production needs compared to alternatives.
