Comparing Technologies
Comparison of Garment Decorating Methods
| AnaJet Direct To Garment Inkjet Printing | Dye Sublimation (Iron On) | Thermal Transfer | Screen Printing | |
| Basic Technology | Inkjet direct printing on garment | Printing images on a release paper, then transfer image to garment by heat press. | Transfer preprinted images to garment by heat press | Screen printing directly on garment |
| Technology History | New digital revolution | 50+ years | 50+ years | 100+ years |
| Printing on 100% cotton | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Suitable Substrate | Cotton, and cotton blends | Polyester | Primarily Polyester, poly-cotton, and others | Mostly any fabric type |
| Ink and Environmental Concerns | Water-based pigment ink is environmentally friendly and non toxic. No fumes. | Typically Solvent-based ink. VOC and environmental concerns. | Ink is already on transfer paper. Can generate VOC. | Screen printing ink, plastisol. Environmental concerns. Produces VOC, and waste water problems. |
| Printed Garment’s Tactile Feel | Soft and natural cotton feeling | Natural Feeling | Depends on the character of transfer paper used. | Thick hardened plastisol. Unnatural feeling. |
| Customized graphics, and short run. | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Capital Equipment Investment | $15K – $200K | $2K — $10K | $2K — $5K | $5K — $250K |
| Suitable for: | Professional Commercial System | Hobbyist or small scale commercial. | Hobbyist or small scale commercial. | Professional Commercial System |
