Substrates

Substrates refer to the materials or surfaces onto which images, designs, or graphics are printed using various printing technologies, including direct-to-garment (DTG), direct-to-film (DTF), and UV printing. Substrates play a crucial role in determining the final appearance, durability, and suitability of printed products across different applications and industries.

Substrates used in DTG, DTF, and UV printing processes encompass a wide range of materials, including:

• Textiles: Fabrics such as cotton, polyester, blends, and specialty textiles are commonly used as substrates for DTG and DTF printing, allowing for the production of custom apparel, fashion accessories, and textile-based products.
• Hard Surfaces: Substrates such as metals, ceramics, glass, acrylics, and plastics are suitable for UV printing applications, enabling the customization of promotional items, signage, awards, and industrial components.
• Paper and Cardstock: Paper-based substrates, including cardstock, photo paper, and poster board, are used in various printing applications such as flyers, posters, packaging, and promotional materials.
• Wood: Wood substrates, including plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and solid wood, are utilised in UV printing for creating custom signage, décor, furniture, and novelty items.

The compatibility of substrates with different printing technologies depends on factors such as surface texture, porosity, and heat resistance. While DTG and DTF printing are primarily suited for textiles and fabric-based substrates, UV printing offers greater versatility, allowing for printing on a wide range of materials, including rigid and flexible substrates.

Substrates are used in various industries and applications, including:

• Apparel and textiles: Custom apparel, fashion accessories, and promotional garments produced using DTG and DTF printing technologies.
• Signage and displays: Indoor and outdoor signage, banners, point-of-sale displays, and promotional materials created using UV printing on rigid and flexible substrates.
• Home decor: Customised home décor items, including wall art, photo panels, ornaments, and furniture components, printed using UV technology on various substrates.
• Promotional products: Personalised gifts, corporate giveaways, and promotional items produced using UV printing on diverse substrates such as mugs, pens, keychains, and phone cases.