Local large-format printing and cutting systems specialist Advanced Machinery offers a complete solution for Direct-to-Film printing capable of achieving prints of the highest quality and consistency. The solution works with your existing printer, or can include a printer if you do not already have one, to ensure that your prints are not only of the highest quality but also offer you cost-efficiency ensuring that you remain productive and profitable.
Printing onto fabric is now a well-established practise allowing unique designs and corporate branding to be created with ease in a cost-effective and repeatable manner. However, to ensure that prints are of the highest quality and consistency is a key element and the only real way to achieve this is by placing a white layer on the fabric before printing.
Putting down a white layer not only provides a solid base for further printing steps but also ensures good adhesion of the image. There are currently two methods of printing onto fabrics, the Direct-to-Garment method where the design is printed directly onto the material and the Direct-to-Film method where the image is printed onto a base film and then heat-pressed onto the fabric. While each method offers its own set of advantages, Direct-to-Film offers the greatest degree of consistency and repeatability. As mentioned this is especially important when laying down the white layer.
The process starts with the AcroRIP software which allows for a single pass white layer to be placed accurately onto the film for transfer to the material or garment. The Direct-to-Film printing method means that a solid white layer can be placed onto the material giving a solid base for further printing. Direct-to-Garment cannot achieve this and often requires multiple passes in order to achieve the desired result.
The powder adhesive used with Direct-to-Film printing is applied with the white ink and ensures strong adhesion and solid fixing of the white layer to the fabric, preventing any blank spots or flaking of the print, regardless of the type of material used. Direct-to-Garment can only be used with specific types of material.
Said Eric Yin, managing director and founder of Advanced Machinery, ‘The white layer is generally used when working with darker materials as it provides a base for the other colours to be placed onto to ensure high visibility and contrast. However, even when printing onto white fabric, the white ink provides a solid and consistent base onto which the other colours can be applied, giving a high-quality result across the entire image. Using our state-of-the-art technology and consumables, customers can achieve amazing prints onto a wide range of fabrics and materials.’
Advanced Machinery offers a full range of adhesive powders, white and colour DTF inks under its AM.CO.ZA product banner. The inks can be used on a wide range of printers or with the dedicated range of AM.CO.ZA printers. Contact Advanced Machinery to find out how you can produce fabric prints which not only make you an income, but which stand out from the rest.
Posted in Partnership with AM.CO.ZA
