Hey all,
I'm throwing this question out there for many reasons. The main reason is that I am looking at a DTG viper or HM-1, because of the white ink, and white ink management system.
I am looking at this machine because it is on the small(er) scale. I would like to try to take it on the road with me. I know the viper is a new model so many don't have one yet. So do you like your DTG brand printer in general? They are rep'ed by SWF east, I have had horrific experiences with their embroidery machines, so I am hesitant to trust them in any other area. PLUS The sheer amount of used DTG brand printers on here, kind of raises a flag to me. If they're as good as SWF claims, why are there a million of them for sale, and noticing, a good majority aren't selling????
I have a mimaki right now, so I am not new to DTG's, the only problem, is mimaki does not make a white ink model.
I've heard a lot of horror stories about white ink DTG's. Mainly the fact that white ink is rough on the print heads, and that some people are having to put in new print heads every few months?
What is everyone's thoughts???
Re: Do you like your DTG?
I do white ink printing, and my printhead lasts for 6-8 months, depending on the amount of prints. White ink printing is messy, as in the white ink has a sticky nature and tends to gum up the face of the printhead, the capping station, wiper blade, inside of printer, etc. Be prepared for more cleaning and more clean cycles when using it.
On the other hand, you are able to offer a more rare product than simple color DTG prints, so it gives you an edge. Seems like everyone owns a Brother 541 or similar DTG that only does color ink and so printing white opens new doors for you. It's not for everyone, but it is worth a shot to see if you will make it work.
Oh, and I own a Flexi-Jet. I haven't used any other DTG except at trade shows so I can't compare daily use of any other type, but I like mine compared to others for ink costs and flexibility of the L model to print 16x54" printable area.
Re: Do you like your DTG?
Thanks for the input, I'm still shopping, I'll be sure to take a looksie :-)
Re: Do you like your DTG?
Consider the HM-1 with the addition of their new MIMS whice ink system. I saw them testing it out a few months ago, they left the printer running in a hot garage for a week, and it still printed white just fine. Pretty amazing.
Re: Do you like your DTG?
Stay Away from SWF DTG. I bought there Kiosk which is a small portable one for the same reasons you are looking for one and it was the worst investment I ever made. I should have spent a little bit more and went for the Anajet.
The white ink in the SWF has to be swirled every day and the stock bottles have to shaken 3 times a week. So much for having a life.
All my dark prints look like hell after only one wash.
Re: Do you like your DTG?
I would suggest for you to visit the manufacturers if they are close to you, we are in California, and most of them have offices here.
we purchased a texmac solo , and so far so good.
here's an article that compares the garment printers:
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1910069