I finally took the plunge and got myself a DTG printer! Specifically, the Kenteer KTM-A63. I've been eyeing DTG printing for a while, drawn to the vibrant colors and on-demand printing possibilities. But I'll admit, I was a little intimidated. Setting up a whole new printing system seemed daunting. Now that I’ve got my hands dirty, I realized it's not nearly as scary as I thought. Here’s my beginner’s guide, sharing everything I've learned about setting up, prepping designs, and printing with the KTM-A63 DTG printer, hoping to help other newbies like myself.
Unboxing and Setting Up the KTM-A63 DTG Printer:
The printer arrived well-packaged. Inside, I found the KTM-A63 DTG printer itself, power cables, a USB cable, installation discs for the RIP software (RIIN) and Hosonsoft system, and a user manual. My first step was to find a suitable spot for the printer – somewhere well-ventilated, stable, and near a power outlet. The KTM-A63 DTG printer isn’t huge, but it’s not tiny either (93cm x 72cm x 52cm), so I cleared a decent workspace.
Next, I connected the power cable and the USB cable to my computer (which thankfully runs Windows 10, compatible with the DTG printer). Following the instructions in the manual, I installed the Hosonsoft system and the RIIN RIP software. The installation was pretty straightforward, thankfully. The manual was helpful in guiding me through the initial setup process for the DTG printer, including connecting to the printer through the Gigabit Ethernet port.
Preparing My Designs for DTG Printing:
One thing I learned quickly is that design preparation is crucial for a successful DTG print. The KTM-A63 DTG printer supports TIFF and PSD files, so I made sure my designs were saved in one of those formats. I also double-checked the resolution. The KTM-A63 boasts a maximum resolution of 720x1440 dpi, which is pretty impressive, so I wanted to make sure my artwork was high enough resolution to take advantage of that.
I also learned the importance of understanding the color model. The KTM-A63 DTG printer uses a W+CMYK ink system. This was new to me, as I was used to RGB for screen design. I had to adjust my designs accordingly in Photoshop to ensure the colors printed accurately.
The Printing Process with the KTM-A63 DTG Printer:
With my design ready, I placed a t-shirt onto the platen. The KTM-A63 can print on items up to 95mm thick, which is pretty versatile. I pre-treated the shirt with a special solution designed for DTG printing, which helps the ink adhere to the fabric and prevents it from bleeding.
Then, I loaded my design into the RIIN RIP software. This software allows you to control various print settings, like the print mode, ink density, and resolution. I played around with these settings a bit to find what worked best for my design and the t-shirt fabric. The software also lets you preview the print before you actually commit, which is a great feature.
Once I was happy with the preview, I hit print! The KTM-A63 DTG printer whirred to life, the two EPSON F1080 printheads gliding across the shirt. It took about 3 minutes to print an A3-sized design, which is fairly quick. After the printing was complete, I carefully removed the shirt from the platen and cured it using a heat press. This step is essential for setting the ink and ensuring a long-lasting, vibrant print.
My Overall Impressions of the KTM-A63 DTG Printer:
Overall, I’m really impressed with the KTM-A63 DTG printer. It’s a solid machine that delivers high-quality prints. The setup was surprisingly straightforward, and the printing process itself is relatively easy once you understand the basics. The RIIN RIP software offers a good level of control over the print settings, allowing for fine-tuning and experimentation. I’m excited to continue exploring the possibilities of DTG printing with this machine and learn more about its capabilities. I’m definitely not an expert yet, but I feel much more confident now that I’ve gone through the process myself. If you’re considering getting into DTG printing, I would definitely recommend the KTM-A63 DTG printer as a good starting point.