DTG are the market leaders with this type of technology having been involved with it virtually from its conception. The research and development they commit to this medium is ably demonstrated with the latest machine, the M2. This is the first machine of its kind to have been developed especially for the purpose of printing onto t-shirts and other textiles. Two key areas of interest are the iQ Interweave which allows the use of low resolution printing without 'banding' and the large print area where two shirts or a larger garment such as denim jeans can be easily accomodated. DTG machines deliver white ink and CMYK on the same pass and utilise the unique WIMS (White Ink Management System) to control not only the storage of the white ink but also the delivery. The M2 can handle larger industrial size production whilst still managing to satisfy the small order market. It isa the perfect all round machine.

Rapid Label Systems offer two amazing machines in the X1 and the X2. The main difference between is the size in that thre X1 is a table top model whilst the X2 is a larger floor standing version. Both machines use the Memjet in-line print head which produces precision full colour prints at the rate of, up to, 18m per minute. With over 70,000 nozzles delivering 744,000,000 drops of ink per second these machines are truly amazing to watch. Driven from a standard PC Rapid can make each label unique making it ideal for small runs as well as, for instance, individualised labels for stock control or tracking. With a low capital outlay and competitive running costs (even the Memjet head is hot swappable by the user) the Rapid ink jet system has to be worth a look by those already producing labels as well as those looking for a cost effective way of breaking into the industry.