This guide provides an overview of how Gelato (GNX) integrates with Epson DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printers using a hot folder system on the Production station. It explains the role of RIP (Raster Image Processor) software in the printing process and outlines the supported printer models, integration principles, and file requirements for successful printing.
Integration with Epson DTG Printers
Gelato integrates with Epson DTG printers through a hot folder mechanism. It is important to note that Epson DTG printers do not process artwork directly; instead, they rely on RIP software to convert jobs into the printer's native raster stream. The integration is designed to be generic, with GNX delivering files to a hot folder while all color management and printer communication are managed by the customer's RIP software.
Supported Printers
The integration is compatible with various Epson DTG and DTG-DTF models, including:
Epson SureColor SC-F3000 Epson SureColor SC-F3060 Epson SureColor F2270 Epson SureColor F3070 (and other comparable Epson DTG models)
Be aware that specific capabilities such as platen sizes, ink configurations, and resolutions may vary by model, so always confirm with the specific printer in use.
Hot Folder Integration Principle
The integration operates on the hot folder principle, which involves the following steps:
A hot folder is set up for the Production station (in Work Settings > Printers > DTG textile printer).
The GNX Workflow places the artwork image and, optionally, an XML configuration file into the SFTP.
During the PrintJob scan on the DTG Production station, the files are placed into the hot folder or a specific subfolder within it.
The RIP software detects new files in the hot folder.
The customer's RIP software rasterizes each image and sends the resulting RIP job to the Epson printer.
RIP Software Responsibilities
RIPing occurs on the customer side using third-party RIP tools such as DigitalFactory, PrintFactory, or similar. The responsibilities of the RIP software include:
Color management (ICC profiles)
White underbase generation
Ink limits and pass count
Job queuing
Raster generation
Conversion to the Epson raster protocol
Sending the RIP job to the Epson printer
It is important to note that GNX is only responsible for delivering files to the hot folder and does not handle RIP processes or printer communication.
Color Profiles and Subfolders
Files can be organized into subfolders of the hot folder based on the required color profile or RIP preset (e.g., by garment color). Each subfolder is mapped in the RIP software to a specific RIP setting, allowing the RIP to apply the correct settings to the images placed there.
Example subfolder layout:
hotfolder/ ├── black-color-tshirt/ → RIP preset for dark garments (e.g. AU_CMP) ├── white-color-tshirt/ → RIP preset for light garments └── ...
The GNX Workflow can be configured to automatically route each image to the appropriate subfolder, ensuring the correct RIP profile is applied without manual configuration for each job.
File Requirements for Printing
Artwork File
The recommended format for the artwork file is:
PNG (with transparency — recommended for DTG)
Example:
DTG_7107628469_front.png
XML Job Ticket
An XML configuration file is optional and is only necessary when the RIP setup requires explicit per-job parameters instead of relying on hot-folder or subfolder presets. When used, the XML file contains printing parameters that the RIP interprets before rasterizing.
Example:
DTG_7107628469_front.xml
If color/RIP settings are driven by hot-folder subfolders, the XML can usually be omitted, as the subfolder will select the RIP preset.
Upload Order for XML Files
When a RIP creates a job from the XML file, it starts processing as soon as the XML appears. Therefore, the artwork must be uploaded first:
1 Place artwork 2 Place XML
Example:
DTG_7107628469_front.png DTG_7107628469_front.xml
If the XML arrives before the artwork, the job may fail. This ordering does not apply when no XML is used.
Example of XML Configuration
DTG_7107628469_frontEpson_F3070DTGTShirt_L1440x720trueDTG_7107628469_front.png00356406mmcenter
XML Field Definitions
Field | Description |
JobID | Unique identifier for the job |
Printer | Target printer name |
Mode | Printing mode (DTG / DTF) |
MediaPreset | Platen configuration |
Resolution | Print resolution |
WhiteUnderbase | Enables white ink layer |
Artwork/File | Artwork filename |
Position/X | Horizontal offset |
Position/Y | Vertical offset |
Width | Artwork width |
Height | Artwork height |
Units | Measurement units |
Anchor | Reference anchor |
Note 1: MediaPreset Values
MediaPreset values correspond to physical platens configured in the RIP. Typical values include:
TShirt_L standard adult platen — T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, long sleeves Oversize largest raster area Sleeve narrow vertical prints on sleeves Youth youth garments Pocket pocket logos / small chest prints
Available presets and their exact dimensions depend on the printer model and the platens configured in the RIP.
Note 2: Printer Geometry
Platen and printable-area dimensions vary by printer model. The values below are typical for a standard adult platen and should be confirmed per machine:
Physical platen size (example) 20 × 16 in / 508 × 406 mm Maximum printable raster area (example) 16 × 19 in / 406 × 483 mm Recommended production safe area (example) 14 × 16 in / 356 × 406 mm
Using the safe area improves consistency and prevents overspray.
Note 3: Image Positioning
Coordinates are defined in millimeters.
Field | Description |
X | Horizontal offset |
Y | Vertical offset |
Width | Print width |
Height | Print height |
Anchor | Reference alignment (typically center) |
Note 4: Print Resolution
Typical production resolution (model-dependent):
1440 × 720 dpi
Note 5: Ink Layer Order
Typical DTG layer sequence:
1 White underbase 2 CMYK layer 3 Optional white highlight
The white layer is controlled by the RIP (e.g., via a WhiteUnderbase flag in the XML or by the selected RIP preset).
Note 6: Supported Print Areas
Multiple garment placements are supported, including:
Front Back Sleeve Pocket Cuff Chest