Types Printing(for Apparel)
Screen Printing
The screen printing process involves the making of a screen that will consist of open spaces. These open spaces exactly represent the design that needs to be printed on the apparel. The screen will be held together by a frame. The making of a screen has to be carefully done such that the specifications of the design are exactly replicated on the screen. Typically, each colour will require a separate screen to be prepared.
The screen has to be placed on top of the apparel. The dyes, that have been prepared to the right pantone shade of each colour of the design, are placed on top of the screen. An operator will then use a squeegee to push the dye through the openings so that the dye is transferred to the apparel. The transfer of the dye will be exactly compliant to the design.
Discharge Printing
Discharge printing gives the impression of the design having merged into the fabric itself. This technique can be used to print colors on dark garments that in the past would have required an additional layer of white ink in order to achieve proper opacity of top colors.
Discharge printing, typically, needs the apparel to be coloured with some special dyes. Activators cause the dyes in the fabric to be deactivated when the design is transferred to the apprarel using screens.
This printing, at lower volumes of print, can be more expensive compared to the plastisol or non-PVC dyes. They do have the advantage of a smoother feel on the fabric.
Sublimation Printing
Digital Printing
Digital printing on apparel involves an inkjet printer mixing CMYK ink and transferring it on to the apparel compliant with the design. Digitial printing is ideal for designs that have gradations, photos or several colours. This technique supports printing of several million colours.
This technique can see divergence in the colour output owing to the RGB to CMYK conversions. While printing photos, high-resolution images work best – else, a pixelated spotty finish will be seen. On darker cloth, the printed area has a rough texture as the apparel needs a white base before the CMYK ink is transferred. X