So that the colour can be instantly printed onto this a pre-treat is used which reacts with the white ink under heat and cures or dries enough for the CMYK inks to be applied.

There has been, and still are, various methods of applying the pre-treat with the most common being the use of a spray gun such as the DTG W550 as supplied by YES Ltd.

Even with a pro' level spray gun like this though the process still relies on the user applying the correct amount of pre-treat and the whole process is also open to outside influences. For instance even when done in an ideal environment a slight draft could either reduce the amount of spray applied or affect the consistency of the coverage resulting in a poor quality print.

The PreJet not only takes the guess work out of the process but also, as the head is so close to the textile, massively reduces any possible environmental effects.

The amount of pre-treat applied is carefully controlled through software ensuring that the exact amount is delivered each time it is used. In fact you can create individual environments within the software for particular fabrics, similar to the way photo printers work with different papers, saving them for future use.

It also has another major advantage over the current "spray gun" method in the physical area that is treated. With a spray gun it is up to the user to, not only gauge the amount, but also the area to be covered and to be safe this is nearly always overestimated with a larger than needed area being treated.

However with The PreJet and the included software the user can decide whether to treat a rectangular area or the exact shape of the print thus achieving a real saving in the amount of liquid used.

As the PreJet uses the same graphic file as the DTG printer the shape of the pre-treated area will always be accurate. Pre-treating to the outline of the design also has a further cosmetic advantage as it eliminates that, normally, unavoidable slight glossy appearance where the pre-treat is not covered with the print.

This new model is available as a stand-alone machine or with an integrated transfer press with the latter being particularly useful for DTG machine users as they can be registered to each other. Keeping up with the print machine isn't a problem either as the PreJet is faster than the print machines so you should never be waiting for a shirt.

The system works like this:

You frame up the shirt on the print platen and then put it into The PreJet. Using the same graphic file as that used on the DTG printer and via the PreJet software you instruct it to pre-treat the garment choosing how much of the shirt is treated (rectangle or outline of design) and how much pre-treat to deliver invoking, when necessary, one of your preset environments.

Once this has been done you use either the integrated press or a free standing one to cure the pre-treat making sure that you do not release the shirt from the holder. You now put the pre-treated shirt complete with platen into the DTG print machine and hit the "go" button.

It really is a simple and effective way of saving time and money not only with the amount of pre-treat used but also with the accuracy with which it is delivered and the reduced risk of ruining a shirt. If you want to see the machine in action visit www.dtgeurope.com/Prejet and check out the video at the bottom of the page.

Without a doubt The PreJet is the must have machine for those using this technology. The current method of using a spray gun still works well and it is a process that you can continue to use but you will still have the possible problems that go with it.

By using The PreJet you are taking the guess work out of pre-treating and establishing it as a controlled part of the printing process reducing risk and ensuring accurate and successful pre-treating every time. It has never been easier or quicker to pre-treat a shirt whichever version of PreJet you go for.

For more information about this or any other models in the DTG range contact Your Embroidery Services Ltd on 01623 863343 or e-mail at sales@yesltd.co.uk. You can also get details form the website at www.yesltd.co.uk

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