Printing on digital textiles: the manufacturing procedure

Are you curious to know how your clothes have those elegant and intricate designs? Stay connected if you wonder whether they are handcrafted or the magic of some machine. Today, we will introduce you to everything about printing digital textiles. Let’s dive in and explore more.

Defining the process of digitally printing textiles

Digital textile design printing is the process of printing patterns and designs onto fabric using specialised inkjet printers. The printers use water-based or pigment inks to print onto various fabrics, including silk, linen, and cotton. Once the design is complete, it is saved as a file and sent to the printer. The printer then prints the design onto the fabric using tiny jets of ink. The ink is absorbed into the fabric, producing a vibrant and durable print. Digital textile printing is an efficient way to produce custom fabrics, and it is increasingly in use in the fashion and home décor industries.

Digital textile printing is the fastest-growing method of printing on textiles. It is a versatile and cost-effective way to print on a wide range of fabrics, from light to heavyweight. Digital textile printing is perfect for small garment runs or creating one-of-a-kind pieces. It is also great for adding personalisation to your garments, such as names, initials, or logos.

Manufacturing Method for Digitally Printing Textiles

Creating a design

Textile design creation is the first and most important step in digitally printing textiles. Design creation with the correct dimensions and colours takes place to produce a high-quality print.

Prepping up the fabric

After creating the design, the next step is to prepare the fabric. The fabric must be clean and free of any debris before printing. After preparing the fabric, it is time to load it onto the printer. The fabric feeding takes place through the printer, and there is design printing.

Printing

After the design is complete and the fabric is prepared, printing is the next step. It is where the design transfer occurs onto the fabric. There are a few different printing methods, but the most common is screen printing. First, there is screen creation with the design on it. Then, the screen placement occurs on top of the fabric and ink is applied. The ink passes through the screen and onto the fabric, creating the design. Once the printing is complete, the fabric is cut and sewn into the final product.

Dying

In digital textile pattern design printing, dye fixation is an important process that helps to ensure the colours of the print fixtures are properly onto the fabric. There are various ways to fix dyes onto fabric, and the method used will depend on the fabric which needs printing and the required type of dye. Fixation takes place using heat setting, steaming, or washing.

Washing

After printing the fabric, it is important to wash it to remove any excess ink and to set the colours. Washing also helps to soften the fabric and makes it more pliable. The last and most crucial step in digital fabric printing is thus washing the fabric.

Looking at the benefits of digital textile printing

Digital textile pattern design printing is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion, textile and interior design industries due to its many advantages.

Some of the main advantages of digital textile printing include the following:

1. Increased flexibility – with digital printing, there is no need for complex setup procedures. It means that designs can be easily changed and updated as required.
2. Shorter lead times – digital textile printing has a much shorter lead time than traditional printing methods, meaning that products are turning around more quickly.
3. Lower minimum order quantities – Digital textile printing has much lower minimum order quantities, making it more affordable for small businesses and designers.
4. Greater design freedom – with digital printing, there are no limitations on design; you can create more complex and intricate patterns on it.
5. Increased sustainability – digital textile printing is a more sustainable option than traditional methods, as there is no need for hazardous chemicals or water-intensive processes.

Which fabrics are most suitable for digital printing?

Digital printing is a printing technique that uses digital images to transfer designs onto fabric. The three most common fabrics used for digital printing are polyester, silk, and cotton.

Polyester is a strong synthetic fabric that is strong and durable. It is also wrinkle-resistant, making it a good choice for garments that need ironing or steam-pressing. Silk is a natural fibre that is soft and smooth. It has a luxurious feel, and you can print it with exquisite and fine details. Cotton is a natural fibre that is absorbent and breathable. It is a good choice for digitally printing garments for hot or humid weather.

Is textile digital printing costly?

Yes, textile pattern design digital printing is relatively expensive when compared to traditional printing methods. However, the cost of digital printing has been declining in recent years as technology advances. Additionally, the benefits of digital printing (such as shorter turnaround times and more precise colour reproduction) often outweigh the extra cost for many businesses and organisations. Digital textile printing is indeed expensive but worth it.

The future of digital textile printing

Digital textile printing is a rapidly growing industry with immense potential. It offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional screen printing methods. It can produce highly detailed and complex designs.

The future of digital textile design printing looks very promising. With the continued development of new printing technologies and the increasing demand for customised and personalised garments, digital textile printing will continue to grow in popularity. It will help drive down costs and lead to even more innovative and creative designs.

Connect with us for the best printing digital textiles services:

Nesterra is your best destination to seek affordable yet supreme-quality digital textile printing aids. We have years of experience and expertise in the digital textile printing industry. Connect and explore our textile pattern design assistance.