In recent years, digital textile printing has become an increasingly popular trend in the industrial sector.
As digitalization continues to evolve and adapt, it has become an essential solution for ensuring quality, sustainability, competitive advantage, and compliance with consumer demands.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about this textile technology, along with tips for maintaining a continuous, cost-effective process in your industry. Check it out!
Digital Fabric Printing: Importance and Key Features
Digital fabric printing has emerged from Industry 4.0, resulting in increased productivity, lower costs, and reduced rework.
In a competitive market, leveraging competitive advantages and adapting to shifts in consumer behavior is vital. In fact, a survey by Valor Econômico reveals that 83% of consumers seek personalized products and are willing to pay up to 25% more for them.
No wonder, around 45% of textile professionals are already utilizing digital equipment for apparel, with 29% intending to invest, according to FESPA.
These figures indicate that digital printing is essential for meeting market demands and securing a competitive edge.
This solution employs various techniques to transfer vibrant designs, intricate patterns, and distinctive effects onto fabrics consistently and accurately.
According to an article in the Future Print Fair, there are three primary systems for digital textile printing: sublimation, reactive and acid dyes, and pigmented inks.
It should be noted, however, that anyone can create prints of different sizes. The only thing that changes is the equipment needed to accommodate the peculiarities of each process.
Check out the differences!
- Sublimation printing
This process uses disperse dyes that are applied directly to the polyester fibers. This technology is the most cost-effective and user-friendly option available, widely adopted by smaller companies as it does not require water.
Read also: Digital and conventional printing: main differences
- Printing with reactive and acid dyes
Printing with reactive dyes is suitable for cellulosic fiber fabrics such as cotton, viscose and linen. It can also be applied to mixed fabrics, such as combinations of cotton, polyester, artificial fibers of recovered cellulose and polyamide.
Acid dyes are suitable for animal fibers such as silk, wool, and polyamide.
Although they offer a wide range of possibilities, these processes require more water consumption, effluent treatment, roll-to-roll stamping, and more prominent and expensive installations.
Read also: Find out which fabrics are suitable for sublimation
- Printing with pigmented inks
Finally, the third system uses nano-dispersed organic pigment inks applicable to fabrics such as cotton, viscose, ramie, linen, mixed fibers, artificial fibers, polyester, and polyamide.
This solution is more cost-effective than the previous one, even with 2- to 3-meter equipment. Perfect for small businesses, it consumes less water and demands less effluent treatment.
How can we guarantee a cost-effective production process?
Given the landscape of digital textile printing, we have put together a list of Delta machines for the textile industry that ensure quality, streamline processes, and lower your production costs.
Digital Print Preparer
The PID100 Digital Print Preparer is a Delta machine that brings to the domestic market an innovative solution in the fabric pre-treatment phase.
It is ideal for low-cost continuous processes and for processing small batches, making roll-to-roll processing more agile. It also facilitates primer application and can be used to prepare various compounds.
The Preparer guarantees vibrant colors, high-resolution images, and enhanced wash fastness. It ensures a higher quality standard with automated drying control.
Calender Press
The CTM450 Sublimation Calender operates with rolls or cut pieces, providing standardization and automation. Its standout feature is the heating system that maintains a consistent temperature and optimizes using the thermal cylinder’s circumference.
This solution guarantees high productivity, quality, and profitability in thermo-transfer processes for the industry.
The machinery is equipped with 100% Nomex felt, guaranteeing high durability. It includes metering, temperature and speed settings, along with recipe configuration through the HMI.
The heating system includes automatic start-up and automatic cooling shut-down. Operation options include roll/roll, piece/roll, or piece/piece, providing flexibility and efficiency in the process.
Read also: Delta Sublimation Calender
Paper Drill Machine
The PAP500 Paper Drill Machine offers a smart solution for large-scale operations prioritizing high profitability. Equipped with electronic controls, it accurately manages the stretching and tensioning of the paper.
Its innovation lies in reusing sublimation paper discarded in digital printing, contributing to more sustainable textile production while reducing textile waste and environmental impacts.
In addition, the drilling machine optimizes raw material costs and setup time with its quick-change roll system. It thus ensures standardization and efficiency throughout the process.
Digital Printer Dryer on fabric
The SDR100 Digital Printer Dryer is a versatile accessory, compatible with digital printers of various formats.
It is designed to increase productivity and improve the quality of printed materials by using automated infrared drying.
Combined with a module and mini fan, the system effectively and evenly directs the flow of hot air. This ensures rapid heating across the entire width of the fabric.
Key benefits include:
- Temperature control
- Compact layout;
- Easy installation;
- Process standardization and automation
What’s next?
This content highlights the importance of keeping up with textile industry trends, such as digital textile printing, to stay competitive and thrive in business.
In addition, Delta solutions were identified as ideal for continuous, low-cost and high-quality production.
So if you’re considering investing in this textile market technique, count on Delta to boost your business. Get a tailor-made quote today!
Boost your production with DELTA TEXTILE MACHINES!