Staff Answer
May 21, 2026 - 10:18 AM
To begin printing with the Ricoh Ri 4000, you need more than just the printer itself. Ricoh’s support guidance explains that the exact supplies and accessories needed will depend on what type of printing you plan to do, but the basic essentials include a Windows 11 or later computer, RIP software such as ColorGATE, a transfer method such as USB or Ethernet, a heat press, and garments to print on. This makes the Ri 4000 a complete production workflow rather than a standalone appliance. The printer, computer, RIP software, heat press, garment blanks, and correct supplies all work together to produce the final result.
One of the key advantages of the Ri 4000 is that Ricoh states no pretreatment is needed for the printer. This is an important distinction for shops comparing DTG systems, because pretreatment has traditionally been one of the more time-consuming parts of direct-to-garment production. With many DTG workflows, pretreatment must be sprayed or applied to the garment, dried, pressed, and controlled carefully to avoid staining, poor wash durability, or inconsistent print results. Ricoh’s statement that no pretreatment is needed for the Ri 4000 can help simplify the workflow, reduce setup steps, and make production more approachable for shops that want a cleaner process.
That said, “no pretreatment needed” does not mean no setup is required. You still need the proper platen for the item being printed. Ricoh specifically mentions that appropriate platens may be needed depending on the apparel type, such as hat platens or shoe platens. This matters because a flat T-shirt workflow is different from printing on caps, shoes, sleeves, or specialty items. The correct platen helps position the item securely, maintain proper print height, and support a more consistent print area.
The Ri 4000 can also support more than traditional garment printing. Ricoh notes that if you plan to print direct-to-film, you will need the proper film and powder. This means the Ri 4000 may be used as part of a broader decoration workflow, depending on the shop’s goals and supported configuration. Ricoh also mentions that additional effects such as foil can be applied to prints, giving decorators more finishing options beyond standard full-color garment output.
For a new Ri 4000 owner, the best starting setup would include the printer, full ink and enhancer cartridge set, backup ink inventory, compatible RIP software, Windows 11 or later computer, heat press, apparel blanks, appropriate platens, and maintenance supplies. If adding DTF or specialty effects, the shop should also stock the correct DTF film, powder, and finishing materials. The most important takeaway is that the Ri 4000 is designed around a managed production system: keep supplies stocked, follow the maintenance schedule, and match the accessories to the type of product being printed.
