Fabric printing myth bustersTake the TRUE or FALSE quiz
Presented by
Printing to transfer paper is
more expensive than printing
directly to the fabric.
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
Printing directly to fabric
is faster than printing to
transfer paper.
FALSE
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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!
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
Paper transfer produces
better image quality than
printing directly to the fabric.
TRUE 6
Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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TRUE
Fabric printing myth busters
The same fabrics are
used for printing directly
to fabric as when printing
to paper and transferring.
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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FALSETRUE &
Fabric printing myth busters
• 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
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FALSETRUE &
Fabric printing myth busters
The fixation process is
easier using fabric that
has been printed direct
vs. paper transfer.
TRUE
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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TRUE
Fabric printing myth busters
When working with fabrics
that have stretch, the best
results are achieved by
printing direct.
FALSE
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
Fabric shrinks and
distorts during the
fixation process.
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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TRUE
Fabric printing myth busters
The only way to make a
good backlit is to print
directly to the textile.
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
In-line fixation saves time.
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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TRUE
Fabric printing myth busters
In-line fixation saves money.
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Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
• 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
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
In-line fixation
produces as good a
product as fixed off-line.
FALSE 24
Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
• 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
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
The only way to
successfully cut polyester
is with a laser system.
FALSE
27
Fabric printing myth busters
TRUE FALSE
• 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!
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FALSE
Fabric printing myth busters
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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 www.efi.com or call 650-357-3500 for more information.
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