Glossary
Roll-to-Roll Printing
Roll-to-Roll printing, also referred to as Direct-to-Fabric printing, is a textile printing method that involves printing directly onto a roll of fabric rather than printing onto garments or using other printing methods. In this process, specialised ink is utilized to print directly onto the fabric roll.
Roll-to-Roll printing follows these key steps:
- Preparation: The fabric roll is prepared for printing by ensuring it is properly aligned and tensioned within the printer.
- Printing: A Roll-to-Roll printer applies specialised ink directly onto the fabric roll, utilizing precise printing techniques to achieve high-quality results.
- Drying and Fixation: After printing, the fabric roll undergoes drying and fixation processes to ensure the ink is fully absorbed and bonded with the fabric fibers.
Advantages of Roll-to-Roll printing:
- Quality: Printing directly onto the fabric roll ensures consistent and high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Durability: The printed ink becomes an integral part of the fabric, resulting in durable prints that resist cracking, peeling, or fading.
- Efficiency: Roll-to-Roll printing allows for fast and efficient production, making it suitable for large-scale textile applications.
- Versatility: This printing method accommodates a wide range of fabric types and applications, from home textiles to activewear and beyond.
Roll-to-Roll printing finds applications in various industries and products, including:
- Home Textiles: Printed fabrics for bedding, curtains, upholstery, and other home decor applications.
- Apparel and Fashion: Customised textiles for activewear, fashion garments, and accessories.
- Soft Signage: Fabric-based banners, flags, and displays for promotional and advertising purposes. Check out the FAQ about soft signage.
- Industrial Applications: Functional textiles for automotive, healthcare, and industrial sectors.