What is a direct-to-fabric printer?

As the demand for personalized and unique textiles continues to grow, direct-to-fabric printing has become a breakthrough 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 does it differ from other textile printing methods? In this comprehensive guide, we explore the ins and outs of this innovative technology, from the basics to the best printers available today.

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

Also check out 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 ready-made garments, direct-to-fabric printing offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.

The process involves the use of specialized inkjet printers which spray water-based ink directly onto the textile fibers. These inks are specially formulated to bond to fabric, creating vibrant, durable prints that resist washing and wear.

One of the main benefits 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 type of fabric, unlike DTG, which has some application limitations.” This means you can print on a wide range of materials, from natural fibers such as cotton and silk to synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon.

The ability to print on such a wide range of fabrics has opened up a world of creative possibilities. I’ve seen designers create beautiful custom prints on fine silk for high-end fashion items, and 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 one miracle of modern technology, combining digital precision with textile craftsmanship. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it works:

Design preparation: You start by creating your design using graphic design software. Everything is possible here: you can use intricate patterns, photorealistic images or eye-catching images.
Preparation of the fabric: The fabric roll is loaded into the printer. Some fabrics may require pre-treatment to ensure optimal ink absorption and color vibrancy.
Printing: The printer’s print heads move over the fabric and spray microscopic ink droplets 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 undergoes a drying and curing process to harden the ink and ensure color fastness.
Post-processing: Finally, the printed fabric is cut and sewn into the final product.

The main difference between direct-to-fabric and traditional printing methods 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 complexity of the design. As one industry expert notes, “DTG printing produces exceptionally high print quality that is unmatched by traditional decoration methods.”

In addition, direct-to-fabric printing is significantly faster and more efficient for large-scale production. I am always impressed by the speed and quality. I once saw a 20-yard roll of fabric transform from plain white to a beautiful, full-color landscape design in just a few minutes. It’s remarkable to see your digital designs come to life on fabric so quickly and accurately.

What can you make with a direct-to-fabric printer?

The applications for direct-to-fabric printing are virtually limitless. This technology excels at producing custom fabrics for a wide range of applications, from fashion and home decor to industrial applications. Here’s a list of just a few things you can make:

Custom-made clothing and accessories (dresses, shirts, scarves, ties)
Home decoration items (curtains, upholstery, bedding, pillows)
Promotional material (banners, flags, tablecloths)
Sportswear and athletic equipment
Swimwear and activewear
Theater and costume design
Art textiles and tapestries
Custom-made wallpaper and wall hangings
Soft signage for retail and events
Car and ship upholstery

Direct-to-fabric printing can handle short runs and one-off designs economically. This makes it perfect for creating unique, personalized items or testing new designs before turning 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 is also a game-changer for interior designers, who can now create truly bespoke fabrics for their clients’ homes without the high costs traditionally associated with the production of bespoke textiles.

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. Here are some of the best printers that are currently making waves in this category:

Mimaki TS 100-1600

The Mimaki TS 100-1600 is an excellent entry-level option for companies that want to delve into the world of direct-to-fabric printing. Priced at around $10,000, it offers impressive value for money with its 64-inch width, bulk ink system and take-up reel.

Main features:

64″ print width
Bulk ink solution for lower costs
Includes RIP software for easy file preparation
Take-up reel for processing large runs
User-friendly design for easy operation

The TS 100-1600 is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that produce items such as custom apparel, home decor and soft signage. Its simple operation and affordable price make it an attractive option for people just getting started in digital textile printing.

Epson SureColor F3070

The Epson SureColor F3070 is a powerful Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printer that is perfect for companies that want to produce high-quality custom clothing on a large scale. Although primarily designed for printing on ready-made garments, the technology is closely related to direct-to-fabric printing and offers similar benefits.

Main features:

Dual printhead design for high production speeds
Bulk ink system with large capacity tanks
Built-in adjustment of the platen distance for different fabric thicknesses
Advanced color management and workflow optimization software
Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology for exceptional print quality

The F3070 is ideal for companies that focus on custom T-shirts, hoodies and other apparel items. Its fast production capabilities and excellent print quality make it a top choice for printers and fulfillment centers.

Brother GTX Pro Direct to garment

The Brother GTX Pro is another great option in the DTG printer category, offering a combination of high-quality output and easy-to-use features. Although primarily designed for clothing printing, the technology is also applicable for direct-to-fabric printing.

Main features:

Large printing surface for extra large designs
Brother’s patented water-based pigment inks for vibrant colours
Built-in humidifier for consistent print quality
User-friendly touchscreen interface
Automatic maintenance functions for less downtime

The GTX Pro is particularly suitable for companies that need to produce a wide range of custom apparel items, from t-shirts to tote bags. Its versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for newcomers and experienced printers alike.

Is direct-to-fabric printing right for me?

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

First, think about your production volume and the types of products you want to make. If you want 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 can be an excellent fit. It is particularly suitable for companies that value customization and fast turnaround times.

However, if you primarily produce large quantities 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 choice for mass production of a single design.

Also consider the types of fabrics you will be working with and the level of detail of your designs. Direct-to-fabric printing excels at reproducing complex, multi-colored designs and photorealistic images on various types of fabric. If your work involves complicated 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 to medium-sized companies in the textile industry. I’ve seen this allow start-up fashion brands to compete with larger companies by offering unique, customized products. I have also witnessed how it has transformed the world of interior design, allowing for truly personalized interior 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, creative vision and target audience. 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.

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