scan htp recommends transfer printing on polyester to obtain the best result of accurate vibrant colours and sharp graphic details.
Transfer printing ensures unique rendering of your design
We have specialised in printing on polyester and polyester blends. We use the transfer technique and therefore, print the pattern on specially coated transfer paper. With digital transfer printing, our choice of colours is unlimited.
The transfer from paper to fabric takes place in a separate process in the calender. The ink sits on the transfer paper in a very thin layer. In high temperatures in the calender, the ink will want to escape the paper and will be absorbed by the fabric (sublimation).
The transfer technique translates colours and detailed graphic lines perfectly.
Direct printing gains foothold, but this technology still has its limits
Direct printing with disperse colours is a quite new technology which gets attention in the textile industry. However, so far the technology involves many precautions and of course extensive finishing of the fabric to obtain a durable result.
Disperse colours will sit on the fabric in a thin layer and would be difficult to control if printed directly on the fabric. Heat causes the ink to sublime, and if you choose to print directly on fabric, you must include a subsequent heat treatment to settle the colorants. However, it will be difficult to obtain an even heat treatment and thus avoid light differences on the fabric.
Transfer prints are ready to use
Transfer prints usually do not require any further finishing. They are ready for immediate use. We do work with certain exceptions of specially treated fabrics like Trevira CS, which will stiffen from the sublimation process. The fabric gets its original feel back once we wash it.
Experiment on paper
The optimum printing technique is always a matter of design and demand for colours and details. The transfer technique allows you to experiment on the transfer paper, whereas printing directly risks wasting expensive fabric, and you may have to start all over again. Read more: Which printing technique may perfect your project?
Further advantages of digital transfer printing on textile:
- Transfer printing guarantees exact and unlimited colour match
- Recreated graphic details with unsurpassed accuracy on your fabric
- Easy and safe creation of complex patterns and design on paper
- Prompt response to market demand and production of short-run reorders with storage of your designs
- Feel free to choose high-end fabric for your next collection – we polish and perfect your design on paper before rolling out your fabric
Is digital direct printing faster than digital transfer printing?
Yes, the sublimation process itself is faster when you leave out the transfer paper process. If your fabric has been adequately pre-treated and is ready to absorb the sublimation ink, the result may be quite satisfactory. For some types of fabric, i.e. polyester which is our preferred material, we always recommend transfer printing as the disperse colours risk setting off and detailed pattern designs can be difficult to achieve.
Subsequent to direct printing, your fabric is likely to need thorough finishing in terms of special washing etc. to obtain light and colour fastness. Not all textile-printing companies have the facilities to offer this finishing in-house. Such sub suppliers may increase the total printing costs and prolong the delivery time.
Make transfer printing your preferred printing technique for all your high-end polyester projects
Our customers handle many delicate textiles and the print is often essential to the final product. It goes without saying that fashion and home textile producers have strict demands for colours and patterns, but also our customers within medical textiles call for accuracy and durable prints.
Medical textiles and other technical textiles are often parts of a final product, i.e. a prosthesis insert or a medical instrument. The accuracy of the print is very important to fit other parts of the final product. Furthermore, these types of textiles have to meet all health and safety regulations.
It is important for all of our customers to waste as little fabric as possible. Developing textile projects by means of advanced software and paper is very cost-effective and the best way to a unique and beautiful result.
Test your textile innovation projects on paper
The digital printer and its transfer paper are important work tools in all innovation projects at scan htp a/s. Designers and technicians may unite their know-how and experiment with software, ink and transfer paper during the main part of their innovation journey.
Somewhere down the line, the innovation team will implicate the sublimation process in the project, but the extensive development work from drawing board to transfer paper saves many metres of expensive fabric and leads the way to the perfect result.