Ricoh Fabric Printer
Introduction
The Ricoh Ri100 is a direct-to-garment printer that will print designs onto light-colored, cotton fabrics. The most common use is for t-shirts and tote bags, but there are endless possibilities.
It can print designs up to 8.5x12".
Fabric considerations: Fabric must be at least 50% cotton. Fabric must fit into the tray - tshirts will fit fine, but something like a tablecloth will not. There is a separate tray to print small and thin items like sleeves and socks. Fabric must be able to be flat, so it is not possible to print on something like a hat. You could print patches and then sew them onto a hat.
Design considerations: This fabric printer does not have white ink. If there is white in the design, the printer will not deposit ink, so the color of the fabric will show through. Thus, we recommend printing onto white or light-colored fabrics.
Fabric Printer Rules
The printer is not to be used for profit.
If an image you want to use is protected by copyright, make sure you receive permission from the owner. Otherwise, use images that are in the public domain.
The number of prints allowed per person is limited to five each semester, unless given permission to exceed this number.
Print your design on paper before you print it out on your garment to insure that the design’s orientation is correct and that you are satisfied with the quality of the print.
Safety:
Do not touch the inside of the finisher after it has preheated.
Handle the tray carefully. Do not touch the top of the fabric after it has printed.
Do not disturb the inside of the machine or attempt to change the ink yourself. Consult a Makerspace Attendant with any questions.
Cleaning:
After completing your print, you must clean up your area.
Leave the tray inside the printer unit. The printer completes automatic maintenance on itself after every print. If the screen displays "Routine Maintenance Required," alert a Makerspace staff member.
Fabric Printer Operating Steps
The Ricoh Ri100 contains both a fabric printer and finisher. The finisher is a heat press, which smooths the fabric before it is printed on, and then heat presses it to allow it to be washed. Using the fabric printer requires these steps:
- Preparing the fabric
- Printing
- Fixing the ink