What the Sample Pack is for
The Sample Pack is built for shops that need proof before they place a larger order. It lets you trial platen sizes, check garment placement and compare pretreatment coverage on different fabrics, so you can see how your print process behaves in real use. For many shops in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and the East Rand, this saves time on rework and reduces waste on the press floor.
The pack is especially useful when you are dealing with mixed jobs, such as cotton tees for promotions, fashion runs, and short custom orders. One size may work well for adult shirts, while another suits youth garments or tote bags better, and the pretreat side of the pack helps you judge how your ink sits on lighter or darker fabric.
Platen sizes and pretreatment options
DTGrip supplies the Sample Pack with a practical spread of platen and pretreat trial options, so your team can test common production needs without guessing. It is not a one size solution, it is a working sampler for garment decorators who need to know what fits their shop and machine set-up.
- Small platen trial for chest prints, babywear and narrow garments
- Medium platen trial for standard adult tees and school wear
- Larger platen trial for oversize print areas and heavier tops
- Pretreatment sample set for light, medium and darker fabric testing
- Application notes for coverage, drying time and heat press settings
The pack works well for shops that print a broad mix of cotton, poly cotton and selected blended fabrics. If your team regularly handles promotional clothing or branded workwear, the different test options make it easier to choose a steady production path.
Where the Sample Pack suits best
This product suits start-up print shops, established decorators taking on new garment types, and in-house branding teams that want repeatable results. It is also handy for workshops in Crown Mines, Sandton, Randburg and Midrand where production space is tight and every set-up has to earn its place. If you run seasonal campaigns, the pack helps you test before peak demand hits.
Shops in coastal areas such as Durban often need to deal with moisture and storage issues, while inland operators in Pretoria East or Centurion may focus more on dust, heat and fast changeovers. The sample pack gives each site a practical way to check performance in the conditions they actually work in.
- Fashion labels testing new garment ranges
- Promo shops handling short-run orders
- Custom print businesses checking fabric compatibility
- Production teams planning a shop reconfiguration
Installation, setup and power needs
The Sample Pack itself does not need power or gas, since it is used as a trial and evaluation tool rather than a powered machine. What matters is how you fit it into your current workflow. The sample pieces should be matched to your platen carrier or press setup, then checked for alignment, garment stability and clearance before live printing starts.
Installation is straightforward for most shops, but we still recommend a proper setup check before the first test. That means confirming platen fit, checking the press bed height, and making sure your operator knows the correct loading position. A small mistake here can throw off print placement, especially when you are moving between sizes on the same shift.
- Check platen fit before first use
- Confirm garment centring marks and loading position
- Test press pressure on scrap garments first
- Allow space for safe handling around hot equipment
Care, cleaning and servicing
Good care keeps your sample gear useful for longer. Wipe down platen surfaces after each test session and remove any pretreatment residue before it dries hard. If the pack is used for repeated trials, store the pieces in a dry area away from direct sunlight and heavy dust. In humid coastal conditions, this is especially important because moisture can affect both fabric handling and the condition of test materials.
If your shop notices uneven coating, poor placement or recurring print issues, it is worth reviewing the workflow rather than forcing another run. DTGrip can help with operator training, sample testing and workflow review, and that support is useful when your team is changing garment types or scaling up production. A quick check now can save a wasted batch later, which every printer knows is better than chasing mistakes after the fact.
What to check when ordering
Before you order the Sample Pack, check what machines and garments you are working with, because the right trial set depends on your shop's actual output. You should also confirm the platen size range you want to test, the fabric types you print most often, and whether you need pretreat support for light or darker garments. If you are upgrading a shop in stages, it helps to plan the sample around your next production step rather than your current one.
- Current press model and platen compatibility
- Garment sizes you print most often
- Fabric mix, including cotton and blends
- Need for pretreatment trials on light or dark garments
- Whether your team needs training or setup help
- Delivery address for next-day courier to major centres
Orders are handled from our Crown Mines base in Johannesburg, with next-day courier to print shops nationwide where possible. If you are comparing options for a new shop or planning production scaling, the Sample Pack gives you a clear starting point and helps your team make decisions with less guesswork.
Key facts
| Product type | Sample pack for platen and pretreatment trials |
|---|---|
| Use | Testing garment fit, print placement and workflow setup |
| Compatible garments | T-shirts, fashion wear, workwear and selected promotional items |
| Power requirement | None for the sample pack itself |
| Installation | Simple fit-up with platen and press alignment check |
| Support | Remote troubleshooting, onsite support visit, sample testing and operator training |
