Frequently Asked Questions

Does Millcraft offer installation and training?

YES! Millcraft provides all customers that purchase a printer package installation and 2- days of training by our OEM Ricoh Certified Technicians and production experts.  Our on-site eDTGucation course will provide a level of training and confidence that ensures you are producing retail quality garments before we leave.

Can I print on items other than just t-shirts?

ABSOLUTELY!!  The Ricoh DTG Printers not only provides users the ability to print on t-shirts but also hoodies, hats, tote bags, wood, stretched canvas artboards, and even shoes!  DTG works great with most products that are made with natural fibers and some synthetic items.  Millcraft has a variety of platen options available to help you get that perfect print.

How much does it cost to print a shirt?

On average a white garment will cost around $0.10-$0.20 and a black garment will use $0.75-$2.00 in ink for a 10×12 print size.  Users can determine the exact cost for a print using the RIP software included in all printer packages from Millcraft.

How long does it take to print a shirt?

Speed is completely relevant to the image size, the resolution used and the item being printed.  In most cases, a white garment can be completed within 15-30 seconds and a dark garment is 2-3 minutes based on a 10×12 print size.

 

Is DTG a scalable solution for my business?

YES!!  Direct to Garment printing is designed for scaling with your business.  With a compact size and ease of use, adding more capacity to your production requires very little additional labor or space. Millcraft’s DTG production experts are available to help your shop grow and provide a guide to success.

What can I expect from working with Millcraft?

Millcraft has been in the print supply business for over 100 years!  We provide much more than just a printer, Millcraft provides a total solution.  Millcraft customers have the opportunity to take advantage of our 8 warehouses and 9 stores throughout the Midwest with supplies and equipment available when and where you need it.

Our DTG experts have been part of the industry for over a decade, developing industry standards, and working with some of the biggest names in the industry.  Over 15MM prints have been produced using processes implemented by our internal direct to garment production experts.

Does the printer require a lot of maintenance?

Not at all!!  The Ricoh DTG printers have been built from the ground up specifically for ease of use with minimal maintenance.  Automated ink circulation, head cleaning cycles, and a simple operator maintenance process each week keep your machine in perfect operating condition.

What is the difference between DTG and Screen Printing?

Screen Printing is an analog process used for large production runs of the same design.  The process is messy and requires much more pre and post-press processes compared to DTG.

  1. Vectorize Artwork is Required
  2. Each Color in the Artwork must be separated into an individual layer
  3. Print Separated Films
  4. Determine Proper Screen(s) Mesh
  5. Burn Screen(s) – UV Light Reactive Chemicals
  6. Remove Uncured Emulsion on Screen(s) and let dry
  7. Mount Screen(s) to Printer – Verify Order of Screens
  8. Set Up Flash Dryer Unit where needed
  9. Adjust Registration to Align Screens
  10. FINALLY Start Print Production

…once the production run has ended the press and all the screens must be cleaned and prepared for the next job.  The entire process of setting up and tearing down a screen-printed order can take several hours to complete which is the reason minimum orders are required by most screen printers.

 

DTG is a digital process and much more efficient process that produces full-color prints without nearly the amount of pre or post-print operations.  It is perfect for on-demand production runs, variable data, and web to print fulfillment services.

  1. Raster (Bitmap) Artwork is Ok – 300dpi PNG with Transparent Background Preferred
  2. Pretreat Garment as Required
  3. Dry and Press Pretreated Garment
  4. Add Artwork to RIP Software
  5. Start Print Production

…once the production run has ended another shirt can be loaded and the next order started immediately providing print shops the ability to offer no or very low minimum order quantities.

Do I need to use a special file type for DTG printing?

  1. Our DTG printers produce amazing output using most image file types, including TIFF, PNG, JPG, PDF, BMP, and PSD.

How long will a DTG printed shirt last?

The life span of a DTG printed garment should last at least 25 washes when properly cared for. In most cases, the fabric will begin fading and become distressed before the print starts to degrade.

Can I pretreat shirts and store them for use later?

ABSOLUTELY!  Many print shops find it efficient to pretreat large batches of shirts for use at a later date.  If stored in a cool, dark location, pretreated garments can sit for several months.  A quick 5-second heat press to get the fibers flat and remove any excess moisture from the garment is all that’s required before printing.

Does Millcraft provide the necessary supplies?

YES!!  Millcraft has everything your shop needs to be successful with DTG.  Our inventory of supplies and equipment can be found online and available at our retail stores.

  • Ink
  • Pretreatment
  • Accessories
  • Equipment
  • Mailing Supplies

Can Millcraft help my shop add DTG to the current services we offer?

Millcraft’s in-house experts ensure a smooth integration into your current print shops’ offering.

What is pretreatment?

A requirement for DTG, pretreatment is a water-based chemical that is applied to a blank garment before printing with white ink.  It acts as a primer that creates a reaction with white ink causing it to stay on top of the fibers and not bleed into the garment.  Millcraft offers several different pretreatment machine options in our DTG Printer Packages based on your shop’s needs.

Is the ink chemistry hazardous?

  1. The inks and pretreatment chemicals used in DTG printing are water-based and have passed the CPSC safety guidelines put forth by the US Government.

How many colors can DTG print at one time?

Our printers utilize the full CMYK color gamut which allows you to print over 16,000 unique colors/shades!

What type of environment does the printer need?

The short answer; if you are comfortable so is the printer.  DTG printers do require some climate control to keep them in the best performance condition possible.  Operating conditions: 59F/15C to 90F/32C, Humidity 45-80%

Does Millcraft offer printer package financing?

YES!  We can help you with various financing options.  Contact one of our DTG experts for more information.

How long is the warranty?

A standard 1-year manufacturer warranty is provided with all Ricoh printer packages.

 

Ricoh’s Site:

Warranties; Maintenance; Disclaimers. Seller represents and warrants that, at the time the Ricoh-Millcraft & Products are delivered, Seller will be the lawful owner of such products, free and clear of any liens and encumbrances, and will have the full right, power, and authority to sell the same to Purchaser. The Ricoh-Millcraft & Products shall be in new condition unless designated in writing otherwise, and Seller warrants that the Ricoh-Millcraft will be in good operating order and free from material defects under normal use and service for one year from the date of delivery. Purchaser shall promptly notify Seller in writing within the warranty period of any defect or malfunction of the Ricoh-Millcraft, but in no event within less than 14 days of discovery thereof. Seller’s obligations under these warranties are limited to, at Seller’s sole option, replacing or repairing the Ricoh-Millcraft at Seller’s cost, if the Ricoh-Millcraft is found to be defective, provided that the Ricoh-Millcraft is, upon request, returned to Seller at its place of business, transportation prepaid.

 

The warranties contained herein are specifically conditioned on Purchaser’s proper installation, operation, and maintenance of the Ricoh-Millcraft in accordance with Seller’s free training program at sellers location in Tustin, Ca or thru the On-site Installation and Training option, with the instructions outlined in Seller’s manual and written materials provided to Purchaser and with ordinary and usual business practices. Should Purchaser fail to properly install, operate and/or maintain the Ricoh-Millcraft, then Seller may, at its sole discretion, deem any or all of the warranties contained herein to be voided and of no further effect. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that Ricoh branded cartridges are for single use only and that the Purchaser is responsible for any resulting damage to the machine caused by non-Ricoh branded inks. Items that could void the warranty of printer and print heads are the use of non-Ricoh Brand inks, damage caused by improper installation, improper or abnormal use, misuse, or neglect. Damage caused by non-compliance with the maintenance provisions of the instruction manual, improper consumables, improper use of accompanying accessories, or if the product has been altered or modified in any way. Purchaser may be eligible to purchase from Seller (or a designated agent of Seller) an extended warranty (excluding consumable parts and print heads), under the terms and conditions then offered by Seller. When the Ricoh-Millcraft is no longer under warranty or extended warranty, Purchaser can still receive repair service and technical support on a “pay as you go” basis per the then prevailing rates of Seller.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE WARRANTIES AS SPECIFICALLY OUTLINED IN THIS CONTRACT, WHICH IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING FOR MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY SELLER AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS CONTRACT. SELLER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE RICOH-MILLCRAFT WILL BE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR WHICH PURCHASER MAY BE BUYING SAME. SELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CONTRACT AND/OR THE USE OF THE RICOH-MILLCRAFT OR THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, AND/OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND AND PURCHASER’S REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVELY LIMITED AS OUTLINED IN THIS CONTRACT. IF PURCHASER RESELLS THE RICOH-MILLCRAFT, SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER TO ANY END-USER(S), AND PURCHASER IS NOT ENTITLED TO REPRESENT ANY EXTENSION OR APPLICATION OF THESE WARRANTIES ON BEHALF OF SELLER TO ANY END-USER(S).

90 Day Limited Parts & Repair Warranty.

Seller warrants that the Ricoh-MIllcraft will be in good operating order and free from material defects under normal use and service for a period of 90 days from the date of delivery (and, with respect solely to the print heads contained in the Ricoh-MIllcraft, for a period of 90 days). Purchaser shall promptly notify Seller in writing within the warranty period of any defect or malfunction of the Ricoh-MIllcraft, but in no event within less than 14 days of discovery thereof. Seller’s obligations under these warranties are limited to, at Seller’s sole option, replacing or repairing the Ricoh-MIllcraft at Seller’s cost, if the Ricoh-MIllcraft is found to be defective, provided that the Ricoh-MIllcraft is, upon request, returned to Seller at its place of business, transportation prepaid.

 

The warranties contained herein are specifically conditioned on Purchaser’s proper installation, operation, and maintenance of the Ricoh-MIllcraft in accordance with Seller’s free training program at sellers location in Tustin, Ca or thru the On-site Installation and Training option, with the instructions set forth in Seller’s manual and written materials provided to Purchaser and with ordinary and usual business practices. Should Purchaser fail to properly install, operate and/or maintain the Ricoh-MIllcraft, then Seller may, at its sole discretion, deem any or all of the warranties contained herein to be voided and of no further effect. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that Ricoh branded cartridges are for single use only and that the Purchaser is responsible for any resulting damage to the machine caused by non-Ricoh branded inks. Items that could void the warranty of printer and print heads are the use of non-Ricoh Brand inks, damage caused by improper installation, improper or abnormal use, misuse, or neglect. Damage caused by non-compliance with the maintenance provisions of the instruction manual, improper consumables, improper use of accompanying accessories, or if the product has been altered or modified in any way. Purchaser may be eligible to purchase from Seller (or a designated agent of Seller) an extended warranty (excluding consumable parts and print heads), under the terms and conditions then offered by Seller. When the Ricoh-MIllcraft is no longer under warranty or extended warranty, Purchaser can still receive repair service and technical support on a “pay as you go” basis per the then prevailing rates of Seller.

 

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE WARRANTIES AS SPECIFICALLY OUTLINED IN THIS CONTRACT, WHICH IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING FOR MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY SELLER AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS CONTRACT. SELLER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE Ricoh-MIllcraft WILL BE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR WHICH PURCHASER MAY BE BUYING SAME. SELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CONTRACT AND/OR THE USE OF THE Ricoh-MIllcraft OR THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, AND/OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, AND PURCHASER’S REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVELY LIMITED AS outlined in THIS CONTRACT. IF PURCHASER RESELLS THE Ricoh-MIllcraft, SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER TO ANY END-USER(S), AND PURCHASER IS NOT ENTITLED TO REPRESENT ANY EXTENSION OR APPLICATION OF THESE WARRANTIES ON BEHALF OF SELLER TO ANY END-USER(S).

 

Contact A DTG Specialist