How to Print on Fabric with Roland Printers | Fabric Printing Solutions | ABT


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How to Print to Fabrics Using Roland Devices: Models, Applications & Why ABT Is Your Go-To Partner

Textile printing is no longer limited to large-scale manufacturers. Today, creative entrepreneurs, local apparel brands, and even interior designers are tapping into the power of fabric printing to deliver one-of-a-kind products. Whether you’re customizing t-shirts, producing soft signage, or creating décor elements, having the right print technology makes all the difference—and Roland is one of the top names in the game.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

  • The best Roland printers for fabric applications

  • What you can print with them

  • Key specs, MSRP, and competitive comparisons

  • Why ABT is the smart choice for Roland printers in Colorado

Let’s jump in and explore how you can take advantage of this fast-growing opportunity.


Why Fabric Printing Is a Game-Changer

If you’re thinking about expanding into textile printing, the possibilities are huge. Roland fabric printers are used to create:

  • Branded apparel and fashion garments

  • Home textiles like curtains and pillowcases

  • Custom sportswear and jerseys

  • Event banners, flags, and soft signage

  • Personalized promotional products

By printing directly to cotton or transferring to polyester, you can produce bold, high-resolution designs that hold up wash after wash. It’s a creative edge that also drives profit—and Roland devices give you both the flexibility and print quality needed to stand out.


Best Roland Printers for Fabric Printing

Roland offers a strong lineup of printers for textile work, from entry-level direct-to-garment machines to high-volume dye-sublimation units. Here’s a breakdown of their top models for fabric printing:


🧵 Roland Texart RT-640 / RT-640M – Dye-Sublimation for Polyester-Based Fabrics

Best for: Apparel, soft signage, custom promotional goods
Printing Method: Dye-sublimation (transfer paper or direct-to-fabric)
MSRP: ~$12,995–$14,995

Highlights:

  • 64-inch wide format

  • Texart SBL3 inks: CMYK + optional Orange and Violet

  • Can be configured in 4- or 8-color mode

  • Supports both traditional paper transfer and direct-to-fabric printing (RT-640M version)

  • Includes Roland’s ErgoSoft RIP for advanced color control

What It Prints: Jerseys, yoga wear, polyester flags, performance apparel, and more.

The RT-640M model is especially popular because it allows for both paper-based sublimation and direct fabric printing, meaning you can switch between workflows without swapping out hardware.


🧵 Roland Texart XT-640 – High-Speed Sublimation for Production Volumes

Best for: Commercial print shops, high-volume textile producers
Printing Method: Dye-sublimation
MSRP: ~$29,995

Highlights:

  • Dual staggered print heads

  • Up to 1,144 square feet per hour

  • Designed for industrial-grade output

  • 64-inch printing width

  • Bulk ink system for cost efficiency

If you’re running a business with consistent textile demand, the XT-640 can handle back-to-back jobs while maintaining consistent quality. Ideal for print shops, fashion studios, and sports apparel brands that need speed and reliability.


👕 Roland VersaSTUDIO BT-12 – Desktop Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printer

Best for: Retail shops, online t-shirt stores, small businesses
Printing Method: DTG (direct-to-garment)
MSRP: ~$5,000 (with finisher unit)

Highlights:

  • Desktop footprint – perfect for small spaces

  • Prints directly onto cotton and cotton-blend fabrics

  • Integrated finisher unit for heat setting

  • Easy-to-use software for quick designs

  • Ideal for small runs and custom jobs

If you’re selling custom shirts, tote bags, or pillowcases online or in-store, the BT-12 is a great entry point. It’s also popular in creative studios and event spaces that want to offer on-demand printing.

 

 


What You Can Create with Roland Textile Printers

Roland gives you the flexibility to print on both natural and synthetic fabrics, depending on the model. Here’s a look at the wide range of possibilities:

Application Printer Type Recommended Model
Custom t-shirts Direct-to-Garment BT-12
Performance apparel Dye-Sublimation RT-640, XT-640
Soft signage Dye-Sublimation RT-640M, XT-640
Flags and banners Dye-Sublimation XT-640
Fashion textiles Dye-Sublimation RT-640M
Personalized gifts Direct-to-Garment BT-12

With the right combination of fabric, ink, and printing method, you can build an entire product line tailored to your niche.


How Roland Compares to the Competition

Let’s take a quick look at how Roland stacks up against other major textile printing brands.

Brand Key Strengths Limitations
Roland Versatility, color quality, durability Higher upfront investment
Epson Sharp quality, good software Limited fabric compatibility
Mimaki Speed, good pricing More complex setup
Brother Excellent DTG quality No dye-sublimation options
Sawgrass Entry-level pricing, small format Not scalable for large production

Why Roland wins: Roland hits the sweet spot between print quality, reliability, and user-friendly operation. Whether you’re a seasoned print professional or just getting started, Roland’s combination of software, ink systems, and hardware delivers consistent results and excellent return on investment.


Why ABT Is the Right Roland Partner for Colorado Businesses

At ABT, we don’t just sell hardware—we provide end-to-end solutions that help your textile printing business succeed. As a Colorado-based company with deep industry expertise, we’re here to support you through every phase of your fabric printing journey.

Local Expertise

We’re based right here in Colorado, serving businesses in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and beyond. That means you get personalized service with fast response times—and face-to-face support when you need it.

Certified Technicians

Roland printers are built to last, but they need proper installation, calibration, and maintenance. ABT’s technicians are certified to service Roland equipment, ensuring your machines stay running at full capacity.

Tailored Solutions

Not sure which printer is right for your workflow? Our team will consult with you to understand your production needs, volume, and space—then recommend the perfect Roland setup for your goals and budget.

Financing Options

Need help getting started? We offer flexible leasing and financing programs, so you can invest in your business without straining your cash flow.

Managed Supplies & Ongoing Support

We don’t stop after the install. ABT offers managed print services that include automatic ink replenishment, usage monitoring, and preventative maintenance—so your textile business can focus on growing, not troubleshooting.


Let’s Build Your Textile Printing Workflow – Together

Whether you’re customizing clothing, creating fabric-based signage, or starting a new brand, Roland’s textile printers give you the creative freedom and output quality to compete. And with ABT as your trusted local partner, you get more than just equipment—you get a team that’s invested in your success.

📞 Let’s connect—we’ll walk you through printer options, workspace layout, ink usage, ROI projections, and more.

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ABT – Colorado’s Source for Roland Textile Printers & Fabric Printing Solutions

Innovation starts with the right tools—and the right team behind you. Let’s create something extraordinary.