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What is a direct to fabric printer?

Sakege November 1, 2024

As demand for unique and personalized textiles continues to grow, direct-to-fabric printing has become a revolutionary 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.

But what exactly is a direct-to-fabric printer 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 basic principles to the best printers available right now.

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

See also the best printers for t-shirts.

What is direct to fabric?

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 or 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 specialists inkjet printers which spray water-based inks directly onto the fibers of the fabric. These inks are specially formulated to adhere to fabric, creating vibrant, long-lasting prints that can withstand washing and wear.

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 fabric type 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 diverse range 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, all using the same direct-to-fabric printing technology.

How does direct-to-fabric printing work?

The direct-to-fabric printing process is a wonder of modern technology, combining digital precision with textile craftsmanship. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

Design preparation: Start by creating your design using graphic design software. The sky is the limit here: you can use complex patterns, photorealistic images or eye-catching graphics.
Fabric preparation: The fabric roll is loaded into the printer. Some fabrics may require pre-treatment to ensure optimal ink absorption and color intensity.
Impression: The printer’s print heads move across the fabric, spraying microscopic droplets of ink directly onto the surface. Most direct-to-fabric printers use eight color channels, allowing for a wide color gamut and precise color matching.
Drying and curing: After printing, the fabric goes through a drying and curing process to set the inks and ensure color fastness.
Post processing: Finally, the printed fabric is cut and sewn to obtain the final product.

The key difference between direct-to-fabric printing methods and traditional ones such as screen printing is the level of detail and color variation you can achieve. With direct-to-fabric printing, there is no limit to the number of colors or the complexity of the design. As one industry expert notes, “DTG printing produces exceptionally high print quality, unmatched by traditional decoration methods.”

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

What can you do with a direct to fabric printer?

The applications for direct-to-fabric printing are virtually limitless. This technology excels in the production of customized fabrics for a wide range of uses, from fashion and home décor to industrial applications. Below is a list of some of the things you can create:

Custom clothing and accessories (dresses, shirts, scarves, ties)
Home decoration items (curtains, upholstery, bedding, cushions)
Promotional materials (banners, flags, tablecloths)
Sports clothing and sports equipment.
Swimsuits and sportswear
Theatrical and costume design.
Fine art textiles and tapestries.
Custom wallpapers and wall hangings
Textile signage for shops and events
Automotive and marine upholstery

Direct-to-fabric printing can handle short runs and one-off designs economically. This makes it perfect for creating one-of-a-kind, custom items or testing new designs before committing to larger production runs.

I’ve 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. It has also been a game changer for interior designers, who can now create truly custom fabrics for their clients’ homes without the high costs traditionally associated with custom textile production.

Best direct-to-fabric printers in 2024

As the popularity of direct-to-fabric printing continues to grow, manufacturers are constantly innovating to meet market demands. These are some of the best printers that are making waves in this category right now:

Mimaki TS 100-1600

The Mimaki TS 100-1600 is a great entry-level option for businesses looking to dip their toe into the world of direct-to-fabric printing. Priced at around $10,000, it offers impressive value with its 64″ width, bulk ink system, and take-up spool.

Key Features:

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

The TS 100-1600 is especially suitable for small and medium-sized businesses producing items such as personalized clothing, home décor and textile signage. Its simple operation and affordable price make it an attractive option for those just starting out in digital textile printing.

Epson SureColor F3070

He Epson SureColor F3070 is a powerful direct-to-garment (DTG) printer that is perfect for businesses looking to produce high-quality custom garments at scale. While it is primarily designed for printing on pre-made garments, its technology is closely related to direct-to-fabric printing and offers similar benefits.

Key Features:

Dual print head design for fast production speeds
Bulk ink system with large capacity tanks.
Built-in plate gap adjustment for various fabric thicknesses
Advanced software for color management and workflow optimization
Epson PrecisionCore printhead technology for exceptional print quality

The F3070 is ideal for companies that focus 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 stellar option in the DTG printer category, offering a combination of high-quality results and easy-to-use features. While it is primarily designed for garment printing, its technology is also applicable to direct-to-fabric printing.

Key Features:

Large print area for large designs
Brother patented water-based pigment inks for vibrant colors
Built-in humidifier for consistent print quality
Easy-to-use touch screen interface
Automatic maintenance features to reduce downtime

The GTX Pro is especially suitable for companies that need to produce a wide variety of personalized garments, from t-shirts to tote bags. Its versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for both newcomers and experienced printers.

Is direct-to-fabric printing right for me?

Deciding whether direct-to-fabric printing is the right option for your business or creative projects depends on several factors. Below are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:

First, think about your production volume and the types of products you want to create. If you are looking to produce custom fabrics in small to medium quantities, or if you need the flexibility to print a wide range of designs without significant setup costs, direct-to-fabric printing could be a great option. It is particularly suitable for companies that value customization and fast response times.

However, if you primarily produce large volumes of fabric with the same design, traditional methods such as screen printing may be more cost-effective. Direct-to-fabric printing shines when it comes to variety and customization, but it may not be the most economical option 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, multicolored designs and photorealistic images on a variety of fabric types. If your work involves complex patterns or frequent design changes, this technology could be a game-changer for your business.

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

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

We have listed the best large format printers.

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