Direct to textile printing is a process of printing directly onto textiles using specialized inkjet technology. The key requirements of direct-to-textile printing include a specifically engineered textile feeding system, specially coated textile, and specialty inks that are applied to the textile directly and are absorbed by the fibers.

As most fabrics are polyester or polyester-mixed, sublimation inkjet printing is widely used in digital textile printing. Since traditional screen printing costs more in terms of time & labor, digital textile printing, is now becoming more and more popular in Europe and across the world.

Not all fabrics are created equal, which means the type of printer needed for any given fabric printing project depends on the fabric you plan to use. Certain materials favor certain ink chemistries. Luckily, in the world of industrial printing, these details are dialed in and there are different fabric printers available for various applications.

What Kind of Fabric Printer Do I Need?

Here, we’ll compare dye sublimation and direct-to-fabric printing for custom banners, flags, clothing, lightbox graphics, light shades, and more. Ultimately, the necessary machine will depend on your vision. Whether it’s cotton, silk, nylon, or polyester that you plan to use, it’s equally important the correct inks are employed to ensure quality, longevity, and durability in your final product.

Dye-Sublimation Printers

There’s a good chance that your shower curtain or favorite sports jersey was created using polyester and the dye-sublimation printing process. Polyester is an integral part of the textile market and one of the most popular materials used for soft signage at trade shows, airports, and malls.

Direct-to-Fabric Printers

When it comes to non-polyester fibers, different ink chemistry is necessary so you can print directly into fabrics without having to transfer from paper. Products such as flags, that require deep ink penetration, benefit from this direct application.