If appliqué or sportswear are part of your business now, or could be in the future, then this article is for you! Traditional appliqué techniques using tackle twill or other material is a classic, time-honored approach. HOWEVER, with Melco technology, you can grow beyond traditional applications, and add printed graphics to your appliqué designs. See this technology in action at the Boston Showcase June 21–22.
If you own a screen printing business, or have any interest in embroidery or selling printed t-shirts, then you need to know Melco. Based in the U.S., Melco is known for its high-speed commercial embroidery machines and digitizing software. However, with increasing demand for direct to garment printers and vinyl print/cut machines, it just made sense to expand the product offering to include the SureColor F2100 from Epson, and a selection of vinyl print/cut machines from Roland.
When you choose Melco as your equipment source, you have access to machines that will produce nearly every type of personalization possible, from embroidery to DTG printing, vinyl cutting to heat transfer. Demand for one-off and short run orders is increasing, and with Melco as your partner, you have the equipment and support you need to meet that demand.
Lots of activity at Melco in September! In case you missed it:
At NBM Denver, we launched the new embroidery clamping system, Melco Fast Clamp PRO. This system is available for pre-order now, shipping in early October.
We now carry Roland Print/Cut and Vinyl Cutting Systems. Check them out here: http://www.shopmelco.com/category_s/205.htm
A few years ago Epson introduced the finest direct to garment printer in its class, the Epson SC-F2000. It took the industry by storm, and quickly carved out a space in the DTG niche. Over the past few years it has become the industry standard by which all others are judged.
Are you wondering how to sell t-shirts online? Having a thriving online Direct To Garment (DTG) business is now more viable than ever with new advancements in the technology. New high end printers, purpose built for garment printing are more affordable and easier to operate and maintain, which means less downtime and more reliable production. Equipment reliability is essential to success in DTG to deliver product affordably, quickly, and on time is critical to selling products online.
It’s easy to assume the same rules that apply to screen or litho printing also apply to direct to garment printing. However, there are some important differences with a digital workflow. Here are some tips on how to create the best artwork and optimize it for DTG printing.
File Formats
When saving art for direct to garment printing always assume you will need a transparent background. To print on dark garments with white ink, your image must have a transparent background.
The most popular question I receive from customers is "How do you determine what to charge for DTG printing?" Direct to garment printing is the cutting-edge of garment decoration and can easily justify a successful business with a single printer. DTG is fun, exciting, creative and just cool—but to run a successful business it’s all about the money.
“Screen printing is a dinosaur.” I heard that in 2007 when I bought my first DTG printer from the production manager of one of the largest screen print outfits in the country.
There have been some amazing advancements in recent years in screen printing but my friend was right, screen printing has its limitations in the modern garment decoration world.
You do not need a massive marketing budget to spread the word about your garment printing business. Building industry relationships, a website, basic knowledge of online marketing, and creative prospecting can take your business to new heights.
The Benefits For Epson F2000 Owners
It's the world's most reliable printer
