Digital printing uses computers to process your artwork and print directly onto the chosen medium material. It’s an automated process that produces consistent results.
Both silk and wool can be printed with digital printers using either reactive inks (if high wash fastness is needed) or acid inks (for color gamut). Both work great for soft signage, backlit displays, and banners.
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in bolls (round cases) around the seeds of plants in the genus Gossypium and the mallow family (Malvaceae). The most common cotton products are terrycloth, used to make absorbent bath towels and robes; denim, used to make blue jeans; chambray, worn by many blue-collar workers; and gingham and seersucker, which are both woven from cotton thread.
Digital printing is a process of printing images directly onto fabric using specialized equipment. This eliminates the need for printing plates, reducing the amount of time it takes to produce a print and increasing accuracy.
Digital printing is also more cost-effective than screenprinting, as it doesn’t depend on the number of colors in a design. However, if you’re looking for a more classic look, screenprinting is still the way to go. It’s important to know the difference between these two methods, so you can choose the right one for your project. This is especially important if you’re working with a tight budget or deadline. Using the wrong method could result in an overspending or delay your delivery.
Wool
Wool is an extremely hygroscopic fibre that reacts to the wearer’s body temperature, cooling them down in warm weather and warming them up in cold, making it the original “smart fabric”. It is also flame retardant, which means that it won’t melt or stick to your skin and self-extinguishes once the source of fire has been removed. It can also absorb and lock away odours, reducing sweat build-up, which makes it ideal for activewear.
It is a very versatile material that can be woven into thick, coarse fabrics or lightweight and soft ones. Its durability and versatility make it a popular choice for outerwear, suits, and knitwear. It’s important to choose organic and cruelty-free wool. Some companies like Patagonia use only certified organic wool that has been bleached without chlorine, while others such as Eileen Fisher have stopped using chlorine completely.
Digital printing uses a computer to transfer high-quality image files onto the selected material. The ink or toner does not penetrate the material, which allows for a much lighter environmental footprint than traditional printing methods.
Silk
Silk is a natural fibre derived from the cocoons of a wide variety of species of silkworm. It is prized for its lustrous sheen and elasticity, as well as its strength and durability.
Digital printing involves applying microscopic droplets of dye onto fabric to create a pattern. This process is much quicker than traditional methods such as screen printing. It’s also more affordable for small orders.
The print quality depends on the size of your design and how many colours are used. To get the best results, use high-resolution digital art files that are 300 dpi or higher. It’s also important to test your colour saturations on your garment before you finalise your artwork and print it.
You can also print on reactive dye fabrics (eg silk dupioni) and bamboo. This technology has a great handle and offers excellent rub fastness and light fastness. It’s also very durable and can be used to make a range of apparel and home ware items. You can also choose to print on wool (although this can be difficult, especially with ‘hairy’ wool as the yarn is a lot thicker than the printer nozzle) and other natural fibers such as cotton and linen.
Polyamide Lycra
Polyamide lycra is a fabric mainly used for swimwear. It is possible to digital print on this material, preferably using acid inks. This gives the highest colour brilliance and resistance to saltwater and chlorine.
It is also eco-friendly. It can be made with recycled fibres such as Repreve, Q-NOVA and ECONYL. This reduces the consumption of raw materials and the production of CO2. In addition, it can be produced with the MCS process, which does not use any chemicals. It is a more sustainable alternative to polyester.
Polyamide lycra is an excellent choice for tight clothing and lingerie. It is also stronger than polyester and more flexible, making it a good choice for activewear and leggings. In addition, it is OEKO-TEX certified and is resistant to moths, molds, fungus, insects and bacteria. It is also able to withstand harsh chemicals like phenol. Polyamide lycra is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including solids, prints and textures. It is also available in a variety of weights from light to heavy. It is suitable for both knitted and woven fabrics.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made fabric material. Its full name is polyethylene terephthalate, and it is made in labs by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It is made into fabrics in tens of thousands of plants that process it into staple fiber or yarn, which are combined and then woven or knitted into polyester fabric.
Clothing made of polyester is sturdy, quick-drying and resistant to mildew and wrinkles. It is also a great choice for outdoor gear like jackets and tents, as it can resist heat degradation.
Polyester fabric can be digitally printed on using a sublimation printer. The best type of polyester to use is one with a luster, such as satin. Flatbed printers can produce better quality prints on polyester than roll printers.
Two popular types of polyester are fleece and minky. Fleece is soft, warm and insulates well, and it can be used to make cozy blankets and scarves. Minky is a similar fabric, but it has a fuzzy texture on both sides and is usually used to make hats, scarves and mittens.