Fabric printing myth busters

Transcription

1 Take the or quiz Presented by

2 Printing to transfer paper is more expensive than printing directly to the fabric. 2

3 When printing direct to fabric, the fabric must be PFP coated, which is more expensive (10 to 20%) than fabric that is used with transfer paper Transfer papers are between 4 & 7 /sq. ft. More costly scrap is generated at the printer when printing direct with leaders, footers, print issues, etc. More down-time at the printer because of frequency to add or change fabric rolls 3

4 Printing directly to fabric is faster than printing to transfer paper. 4

5 Both processes require the exact same amount of time to print and fix no advantage either way More down-time at the printer because of the frequency to add or change fabric rolls Fabric rolls are 55 to 100 yards, paper rolls are 550 to 5,800 yards! 5

6 Paper transfer produces better image quality than printing directly to the fabric. 6

7 PFP coatings have gotten much better in recent years and the quality difference between the two processes is almost undetectable Sublimation experts will still say that paper transfer provides better quality because there is absolutely no ink wicking (absorption) making edge detail sharper See an EFI fabric printer in action and see for yourself 7

8 The same fabrics are used for printing directly to fabric as when printing to paper and transferring. 8

9 & When printing directly to fabric, the fabrics must be PFP, which is a special coating that is put on the fabric to prevent wicking or absorption and spreading of the ink droplet PFP coated fabrics can be used for transfer and direct print However, un-prepared fabrics cannot be used for direct print 9

10 & Again, PFP coatings have gotten much better in recent years however, these PFP coatings leave the fabric with a stiffer hand than un-prepared fabric that is used with paper transfer See an EFI fabric printer in action and see for yourself 10

11 The fixation process is easier using fabric that has been printed direct vs. paper transfer. 11

12 Although this myth is true, both processes still require properly feeding substrates into the heat press to get a quality result Once properly trained, it does not make a difference and the advantages of paper transfer can be achieved 12

13 When working with fabrics that have stretch, the best results are achieved by printing direct. 13

14 Dye-sublimation printers that do not have sticky belts with stretch compensation rollers will produce inconsistent size results from tension, stretch and release Good roll-to-roll calender presses have built in solutions so that fabric enters and exits the press relaxed with little or no tension The result is a graphic that is sized exactly as needed 14

15 Fabric shrinks and distorts during the fixation process. 15

16 Almost all polyester shrinks to some degree during fixation the industry standard for fabric that is designed for direct print and transfer is no more than 1.5% Not all polyester fabrics shrink the same % in warp or wep directions You need to establish the % and build it into the art pre-print Consistency in production is key to good results Rely on good fabric vendors to provide consistent goods 16

17 The only way to make a good backlit is to print directly to the textile. 17

18 This was the case a few years ago, however, some fabrics have been introduced to the market that have incredible depth of color and light diffusion for backlit with transfer Directly printing to fabric for backlit uses more ink than paper transfer backlits with these special fabrics PFP coatings on direct print show spider webs from the coating fracturing during handling after fixation these flaws show more then ever when backlit 18

19 In-line fixation saves time. 19

20 With in-line fixation, the fixation unit, drum or IR oven is in-line with the the printer so that no additional handling or steps are required after the fixation take-up In-line fixation is only possible with directly printing to fabric This process cannot be done with paper transfer 20

21 In-line fixation saves money. 21

22 Longer webbing and leader of fabric is required to set-up the in-line workflow from printer to fixation Since in-line fixation is only used with direct print, the fabric must be PFP coated, which is more expensive (10 to 20%) than fabric used with transfer paper 22

23 Fixation requires a very specific amount of time, temperature and pressure to produce consistent high quality results With in-line fixation, if the printer stops the fabric also stops advancing and if a graphic is in the process of fixation it is ruined That s why in-line vendors also sell off-line solutions 23

24 In-line fixation produces as good a product as fixed off-line. 24

25 In-line is done using 1 of 2 methods: The most common is with an IR oven without contact The other is an on-board beltless heat drum heated with a light bulb Neither method produces even heat to achieve consistent color and even color throughout entire graphic Non-contact IR ovens are difficult to control as the graphic absorbs the IR energy differently 25

26 Since in-line fixation is only used with direct print, most PFP coatings have a stiffer hand to the fabric than uncoated fabrics feel for yourself Fracturing/spider webbing from PFP fabrics Glycol bi-product of the fixation process contaminating the printer on-board drums are just a bad idea 26

27 The only way to successfully cut polyester is with a laser system. 27

28 Although laser is a great solution it is not a requirement for cutting polyester Knit fabrics will not fray when cut with traditional cutting methods; however, woven will fray The laser seals the edge by melting the polyester Requirement depends on the finishing/application It is faster to cut with traditional methods Apparel bad idea! 28

29 EFI fuels success. We develop breakthrough technologies for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, and personalized documents, with a wide range of printers, inks, digital front ends, and a comprehensive business and production workflow suite that transforms and streamlines the entire production process, increasing your competitiveness and boosting productivity. Visit or call for more information. Nothing herein should be construed as a warranty in addition to the express warranty statement provided with EFI products and services ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 29