The Digital Print Transition

By Kerry Maguire King
What’s happening in the world of digital textile printing? Does it continue to be primarily a tool for sampling and high-end textile products? Or is the larger vision of digital production becoming a reality? These kinds of questions have been asked of experts since digital systems were first introduced for textile printing. Although slow to emerge, production technologies for digital printing are beginning to materialize. The development of these systems has been driven by early adoption among entrepreneurs and as the result of the growth of digital printing within the soft signage industry and for direct-to-consumer or DIY applications. Coupled with pressure to increase cycle times, reduce waste in process and materials, and improve the environmental footprint of textile manufacturing, momentum is increasing and the broader textile and apparel industry is now presented with an opportunity to engage in a digital transition.

What is the current state of hardware for digital textile printing?
Early technology introductions were primarily derived from wide-format paper printing systems. These first machines supported very modest print rates and were characterized as sample printers or machines for very small-scale production. The current generation of equipment has been designed specifically for textiles and uses robust printhead technologies, fabric transport systems and bulk-ink capabilities in support of greater speed and reliability.
 
At the lower-cost end of the spectrum, technology integrators continue to work with Epson-based print engines from developers such as Mimaki, Mutoh or Roland. They combine these printing mechanisms with tacky belt or cylinder feed devices for transporting the fabric through the printer. These types of fabric transport systems enable printing of a variety of textile substrates including stretchy fabrics. Furthermore, belt systems are often equipped with washing devices. This feature allows for removal of ink from the surface of the belt during printing of light weight and sheer fabrics. Vendors of this type of technology include ATPColor, Costruzione Macchine Speciali, Expand Systems, La Meccanica, MS Macchine, Robustelli and SPG Prints (Stork Prints). Mimaki and Mutoh also offer their own solutions. Within this category maximum print rates vary, but less than 100 meters per hour in high-speed mode is typical. In some cases adopters use multiple machines for greater capacity.