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What is a printer that prints directly on fabric?

Harry November 1, 2024

As the demand for personalized and unique textiles continues to grow, direct-to-fabric printing has emerged as a game-changing technology in the industry. Whether you’re a fashion designer looking to create custom patterns or a home decor enthusiast looking to bring your vision to life, direct-to-fabric printing offers endless possibilities.

So what exactly is a printer that prints directly on fabric and how is it different from other textile printing methods? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this innovative technology, from its fundamentals to the best printers coming to market in 2024.

By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of direct-to-fabric printing and be equipped with the knowledge to decide whether it is the right choice for your textile projects. So let’s dive into the world of direct-to-fabric printing and explore it!

Also check out: The best printers for t-shirts.

What is direct-to-fabric production?

Direct to fabric printing, also known as roll-to-roll printing, is a digital printing method that allows you to print designs directly onto a continuous roll of fabric. Unlike traditional printing methods and even direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which prints on pre-made garments, direct-to-fabric printing offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.

The process involves the use of specialist inkjet printers which sprays water-based inks directly onto fabric fibers. These inks are specially formulated to bond to fabric, creating vibrant, long-lasting prints that are resistant to washing and abrasion.

One of the key advantages of direct-to-fabric printing is its versatility. As Kornit Digital explains, “Direct-to-Fabric has no fabric type limitations and can be used on any type of fabric, unlike DTG, which has some application limitations.” This means you can print on a wide range of materials, from natural fibers like cotton and silk to synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.

Being able to print on such a variety of fabrics has opened up a world of creative possibilities. I’ve seen designers produce stunning custom prints on delicate silks for high-end fashion pieces, as well as durable polyester fabrics for outdoor furniture upholstery; they all use the same direct-to-fabric printing technology.

How does direct-to-fabric printing work?

Direct fabric printing process, astonishment A product of modern technology that combines digital precision with textile craftsmanship. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

Design preparation: You start by creating your design using graphic design software. The sky is the limit here; You can use complex patterns, photorealistic images or striking graphics.
Fabric preparation: The fabric roll is loaded into the printer. Some fabrics may require pre-treatment to ensure optimum ink absorption and color vibrancy.
Oppression: The printer’s print heads move across the fabric, spraying microscopic ink droplets directly onto the surface. Most printers that print directly to fabric use eight color channels, allowing for a wide color gamut and precise color matching.
Drying and hardening: After printing, the fabric goes through a drying and curing process to fix the inks and ensure color fastness.
After the procedure: Finally, the printed fabric is cut and sewn onto the final product.

The main difference between direct-to-fabric printing and traditional printing methods such as screen printing is the level of detail and variety of colors you can achieve. With direct to fabric printing there is no limit to the number of colors or complexity of the design. As one industry expert noted, “DTG printing produces high print quality that is incomparable to traditional decoration methods.”

Moreover, direct-to-fabric printing is significantly faster and more efficient for large-scale production. I am consistently impressed with the speed and quality. I once watched a 20-foot roll of fabric transform from plain white to a striking, full-color landscape design in a matter of minutes. It’s amazing to see your digital designs come to life so quickly and accurately on fabric.

What can you do with a printer that prints directly on fabric?

Direct-to-fabric printing applications are virtually unlimited. This technology excels in producing specialty fabrics for a wide variety of uses, from fashion and home decoration to industrial applications. Here is a list of some things you can create:

Personalized clothing and accessories (dresses, shirts, scarves, ties)
Home decoration products (curtains, upholstery, bedding, throw pillows)
Promotional materials (banners, flags, tablecloths)
Sportswear and athletic equipment
Swimwear and active wear
Theater and costume design
Fine art textiles and tapestries
Personalized wallpaper and wall decorations
Soft signs for retail and events
Automotive and marine upholstery

Direct-to-fabric printing can achieve short-run and one-off designs economically. This makes it perfect for creating unique, personalized products or testing new designs before starting larger production runs.

I have seen small fashion brands use direct-to-fabric printing to create limited edition collections, allowing them to offer exclusive designs without the risk of overproduction. This is also a game-changer for interior designers, who can now create truly bespoke fabrics for their clients’ homes, without the high costs traditionally associated with bespoke textile production.

The best direct-to-fabric printers of 2024

As direct-to-fabric printing continues to grow in popularity, manufacturers are constantly innovating to meet the demands of the market. Here are some of them best printers Products that made a splash in this category in 2024:

Mimaki TS 100-1600

The Mimaki TS 100-1600 is an excellent entry-level option for businesses looking to break into the world of direct-to-fabric printing. Priced at approximately $10,000, it offers impressive value with its 64″ width, bulk ink system, and take-up reel.

Key features:

64″ print width
Bulk ink solution for lower costs
RIP software included for easy file preparation
Take-up reel to handle long print runs
User-friendly design for easy use

The TS 100-1600 is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses producing products such as specialty clothing, home decor and soft signage. Its simple use and affordable price make it an attractive option for those new to digital textile printing.

Epson SureColor F3070

Epson’s The SureColor F3070 is a powerful direct-to-garment (DTG) printer perfect for businesses looking to produce high-quality custom apparel at scale. Although it was designed primarily for printing on ready-made garments, its technology is closely related to direct fabric printing and offers similar benefits.

Key features:

Dual printhead design for high production speeds
Bulk ink system with large capacity tanks
Internal roller gap adjustment for various fabric thicknesses
Advanced software for color management and workflow optimization
Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology for exceptional print quality

The F3070 is ideal for businesses focusing on custom t-shirts, hoodies and other apparel. Its high-speed production capabilities and excellent print quality make it the best choice for print shops and fulfillment centers.

Brother GTX Pro Direct to Garment

The Brother GTX Pro is another excellent option in the DTG printer category, offering a blend of high-quality output and user-friendly features. Although designed primarily for garment printing, its technology also applies to direct-to-fabric printing.

Key features:

Large printing area for large size designs
Brother’s proprietary water-based pigment inks for vibrant colors
Built-in humidifier for consistent print quality
User-friendly touch screen interface
Automatic maintenance features to reduce downtime

The GTX Pro is especially well-suited for businesses that need to produce a wide variety of custom apparel products, from t-shirts to tote bags. Its versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for beginners and experienced printers alike.

Is direct-to-fabric printing right for me?

Deciding whether direct-to-fabric printing is the right choice for your business or creative projects depends on a variety of factors. Here are some important points to help you make an informed decision:

First, think about your production volume and the types of products you want to create. If you’re looking to produce small to medium quantities of specialty fabrics or need the flexibility to print a wide variety of designs without significant setup costs, direct-to-fabric printing can be an excellent choice. It is particularly suitable for businesses that value customization and fast turnaround times.

However, if you are primarily producing large quantities of fabric with the same design, traditional methods such as screen printing may be more cost-effective. Direct-to-fabric printing excels when it comes to variety and customization, but it may not be the most economical choice for mass production of a single design.

Also consider the types of fabrics you will be working with and the level of detail in your designs. Direct-to-fabric printing excels at reproducing complex, multi-colored designs and photorealistic images on a variety of fabric types. If your work involves complex patterns or frequent design changes, this technology can be a game changer for your business.

Direct to fabric printing has made a huge difference for many small and medium-sized businesses in the textile industry. I have seen startup fashion brands compete with larger companies by offering unique, customized products. I also witnessed how it transformed the world of interior design, enabling truly personalized home décor items that were previously out of reach for many consumers.

But ultimately, the decision to invest in direct-to-fabric printing should be aligned with your business goals, creative vision, and target market. If you value flexibility, customization, and the ability to quickly and efficiently bring complex designs to life on fabric, direct-to-fabric printing may be the perfect solution for you.

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