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How to Distinguish Between Powder Shakers and White Ink Direct-to-Garment Printers?

Date: 2024-11-20
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How to Distinguish Between Powder Shakers and White Ink Direct-to-Garment Printers?

In the textile printing industry, powder shakers and white ink direct-to-garment (DTG) printers are two common types of equipment, each with unique functions and applications. This article will detail the differences between these two machines to help users make the right choice based on their needs.

 Functions and Applications of Powder Shakers

Powder shakers, also known as powder digital printers, are primarily used to sprinkle hot melt powder onto printed heat transfer films and then apply the pattern to garments through high-temperature melting. This machine is typically used for children's clothing and other applications requiring bright colors and a thick, tactile print. The workflow of a powder shaker includes three steps: sprinkling powder, shaking off excess, and drying. Sprinkling is the process of evenly distributing hot melt powder on the white layer of the heat transfer print. Shaking off is the removal of excess powder, and drying involves baking the powder-sprinkled heat transfer film to melt the powder onto the print.

 Functions and Applications of White Ink Direct-to-Garment Printers

White ink direct-to-garment printers, on the other hand, are machines that directly print white ink onto fabric. The process involves applying a coating to the fabric, printing white ink, and then compressing it for fixation. These printers are suitable for personalized custom printing on various fabrics as well as for large-scale automated production. They can adapt to different printing media and ink types, enabling a wide range of printed products.

 Differences Between the Two

1. Working Principle:
   - Powder shakers work by sprinkling hot melt powder onto printed heat transfer films and then melting the powder onto the garment using high heat.
   - White ink DTG printers work by directly printing white ink onto fabric and then compressing it for fixation.

2. Application Scenarios:
   - Powder shakers are used for applications requiring bright colors and a thick, tactile print, such as children's clothing.
   - White ink DTG printers are used for personalized custom printing on various fabrics and for large-scale automated production.

3. Operational Complexity:
   - Powder shakers are relatively simple to operate and can be managed by a single person.
   - White ink DTG printers have a more complex operation, involving fabric pre-treatment, steaming, and washing processes.

4. Fabric Compatibility:
   - Powder shakers are not picky about color, fabric, or design and can achieve high-quality printing on a variety of fabrics.
   - White ink DTG printers have more fabric limitations and are generally only used on cotton or cotton-blend fabrics.

 Conclusion

Both powder shakers and white ink DTG printers have their advantages and limitations. Powder shakers are easy to operate and versatile, while white ink DTG printers can achieve more delicate color transitions and better gradient effects. Users should choose based on their product characteristics, production scale, and market positioning.

By understanding the differences outlined in this article, you should now have a clearer idea of the distinctions between powder shakers and white ink DTG printers. When selecting equipment, it is recommended to consider actual needs, budget, and other factors to choose the most suitable machine for your operations.
 
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