Textile Sublimation: Direct vs. Transfer · EFI Inkjet Solutions Printing Tips & Tricks Textile...
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EFI Inkjet Solutions Printing Tips & Tricks Textile Sublimation: Direct vs. Transfer This image is an example of a transfer print. The ink was jetted to a paper carrier and then sublimated to the textile. This method provides good edge definition for close viewing applications. This is a sample of a direct to textile print on flag material. It shows the sheer appearance of the print and the image is nearly identical on both sides of the print. There are two different methods to digitally print textile: directly printing to textile or with the use of transfer paper. There are pros and cons to both processes. To determine which method to use, consider how the print will need to perform in its final application using the following tips and tricks. Printing to transfer paper helps give better control over dot gain immediately after the ink is jetted. There is less dot gain on transfer paper than on fibrous textiles. Better control over dot gain helps with edge definition and gives a high quality appearance for closely viewed images. Applications best suited for transfer printing include pop-up displays and in-store displays. When printing direct to textile, the ink is jetted directly onto the textile and then sublimated. This process allows the imagery to penetrate to the second side of the fabric, resulting in a “see through” appearance. Wind socks that you commonly see on roadsides by banks, gas stations and mobile phone stores, for example, are often produced using the direct to textile printing process. Textiles intended for direct printing are manufactured with coatings to assist in controlling the ink as it is applied. The stronger the coating, the better the control of the ink. Sometimes the coating can inhibit some of the dye from migrating completely to the second side. At close viewing, it’s possible to see the apparent density difference or looser edge definition. From a distance, however, these appearances can be negligible.
Transcript of Textile Sublimation: Direct vs. Transfer · EFI Inkjet Solutions Printing Tips & Tricks Textile...
EFI Inkjet Solutions Printing Tips & Tricks
Textile Sublimation: Direct vs. Transfer
This image is an example of a transfer print. The ink was jetted to a paper carrier and then sublimated to the textile.
This method provides good edge definition for close viewing applications.
This is a sample of a direct to textile print on flag material. It shows the sheer appearance of the print and the image
is nearly identical on both sides of the print.
There are two different methods to digitally print textile: directly printing to textile or with the use of transfer paper. There are pros and cons to both processes. To determine which method to use, consider how the print will need to perform in its final application using the following tips and tricks.
Printing to transfer paper helps give better control over dot gain immediately after the ink is jetted. There is less dot gain on transfer paper than on fibrous textiles. Better control over dot gain helps with edge definition and gives a high quality appearance for closely viewed images. Applications best suited for transfer printing include pop-up displays and in-store displays.
When printing direct to textile, the ink is jetted directly onto the textile and then sublimated. This process allows the imagery to penetrate to the second side of the fabric, resulting in a “see through” appearance. Wind socks that you commonly see on roadsides by banks, gas stations and mobile phone stores, for example, are often produced using the direct to textile printing process.
Textiles intended for direct printing are manufactured with coatings to assist in controlling the ink as it is applied. The stronger the coating, the better the control of the ink. Sometimes the coating can inhibit some of the dye from migrating completely to the second side. At close viewing, it’s possible to see the apparent density difference or looser edge definition. From a distance, however, these appearances can be negligible.
Textile Sublimation: Direct versus Transfer (continued)
Notice the edge of the black picture box — this flag material is directly printed and intended for distance
viewing applications.
Based on regular printer usage. Results may vary. EFI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES, MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND (EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY), AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.
© 2013 Electronics for Imaging.
There are many different textiles available for direct to print and transfer paper sublimation printing. Contact material vendors and inform them of the final application to help you get started in the right direction. The right tools for the job is key — test several materials to find those that work best for the final application.
