Digital Printing on Fabric: A Practical Guide

The printer feeds the fabric through the printing area while printheads deposit very small ink droplets according to the digital artwork. The printer controls the amount and position of ink to create different tones and colors.

Because the design is sent electronically, changing from one pattern to another does not require the same physical setup associated with traditional screen or rotary printing.

Fixing and Finishing

The printed fabric usually requires additional processing before it is ready for use. Depending on the ink technology, this may involve steaming, heat curing, or another fixing method.

Some dye-based processes require washing after fixation to remove unfixed dye and processing chemicals. Pigment printing commonly relies on heat curing to stabilize the binder.

Finishing may include drying, washing, softening, calendaring, coating, or other treatments depending on the intended application.

Major Digital Textile Printing Technologies

Reactive Digital Printing

Reactive printing is commonly used for cotton, linen, viscose, and other cellulosic fibers. Reactive dyes can chemically bond with suitable fibers when the fabric undergoes the required chemical and thermal treatment.

The method is valued for strong color development and good wash fastness. It is frequently used for clothing, bedding, scarves, and other products that require a soft textile hand and regular washing.

Pigment Digital Printing

Pigment inks contain colored particles that are held on the fabric surface by a binder. They can be suitable for a variety of textile materials.