Take the TRUE or FALSE quiz - Electronics for Imaging · 2018-03-09 · Take the TRUE or FALSE quiz Presented by . Printing to transfer paper is more expensive than printing ... “wicking”

Fabric printing myth bustersTake the TRUE or FALSE quiz

Presented by

Printing to transfer paper is

more expensive than printing

directly to the fabric.

2

Fabric printing myth busters

TRUE FALSE

• When printing direct to fabric, the fabric must be PFP coated, which is more expensive (10 to 20%) than fabric that is used with transfer paper

• Transfer papers are between 4¢ & 7¢ /sq. ft.

• More costly scrap is generated at the printer when printing direct with leaders, footers, print issues, etc.

• More down-time at the printer because of frequency to add or change fabric rolls

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FALSE


Printing directly to fabric

is faster than printing to

transfer paper.

FALSE

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TRUE FALSE

• Both processes require the exact same amount of time to print and fix—no advantage either way

• More down-time at the printer because of the frequency to add or change fabric rolls

• Fabric rolls are 55 to 100 yards, paper rolls are 550 to 5,800 yards!

5

FALSE


Paper transfer produces

better image quality than

printing directly to the fabric.

TRUE 6


TRUE FALSE

• PFP coatings have gotten much better in recent years and the quality difference between the two processes is almost undetectable

• Sublimation experts will still say that paper transfer provides better quality because there is absolutely no ink wicking (absorption) making edge detail sharper

• See an EFI fabric printer in action and see for yourself

7

TRUE


The same fabrics are

used for printing directly

to fabric as when printing

to paper and transferring.

8


TRUE FALSE

• When printing directly to fabric, the fabrics must be PFP, which is a special coating that is put on the fabric to prevent “wicking” or absorption and spreading of the ink droplet

• PFP coated fabrics can be used for transfer and direct print

• However, un-prepared fabrics cannot be used for direct print

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FALSETRUE &


• Again, PFP coatings have gotten much better in recent years however, these PFP coatings leave the fabric with a “stiffer” hand than un-prepared fabric that is used with paper transfer

• See an EFI fabric printer in action and see for yourself

10

FALSETRUE &


The fixation process is

easier using fabric that

has been printed direct

vs. paper transfer.

TRUE

11


TRUE FALSE

• Although this myth is true, both processes still require properly feeding substrates into the heat press to get a quality result

• Once properly trained, it does not make a difference and the advantages of paper transfer can be achieved

12

TRUE


When working with fabrics

that have stretch, the best

results are achieved by

printing direct.

FALSE

13


TRUE FALSE

• Dye-sublimation printers that do not have sticky belts with stretch compensation rollers will produce inconsistent size results from tension, “stretch and release”

• Good roll-to-roll calender presses have built in solutions so that fabric enters and exits the press relaxed with little or no tension

• The result is a graphic that is sized exactly as needed

14

FALSE


Fabric shrinks and

distorts during the

fixation process.

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TRUE FALSE

• Almost all polyester shrinks to some degree during fixation – the industry standard for fabric that is designed for direct print and transfer is no more than 1.5%

• Not all polyester fabrics shrink the same % in warp or wep directions

• You need to establish the % and build it into the art pre-print

• Consistency in production is key to good results

• Rely on good fabric vendors to provide consistent goods

16

TRUE


The only way to make a

good backlit is to print

directly to the textile.

17


TRUE FALSE

• This was the case a few years ago, however, some fabrics have been introduced to the market that have incredible depth of color and light diffusion for backlit with transfer

• Directly printing to fabric for backlit uses more ink than paper transfer backlits with these special fabrics

• PFP coatings on direct print show “spider webs” from the coating fracturing during handling after fixation –these flaws show more then ever when backlit

18

FALSE


In-line fixation saves time.

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TRUE FALSE

• With in-line fixation, the fixation unit, drum or IR oven is in-line with the the printer so that no additional handling or steps are required after the fixation take-up

• In-line fixation is only possible with directly printing to fabric

• This process cannot be done with paper transfer

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TRUE


In-line fixation saves money.

21


TRUE FALSE

• Longer webbing and leader of fabric is required to set-up the in-line workflow from printer to fixation

• Since in-line fixation is only used with direct print, the fabric must be PFP coated, which is more expensive (10 to 20%) than fabric used with transfer paper

22

FALSE


• Fixation requires a very specific amount of time, temperature and pressure to produce consistent high quality results

• With in-line fixation, if the printer stops the fabric also stops advancing and if a graphic is in the process of fixation it is ruined

• That’s why in-line vendors also sell off-line solutions

23

FALSE


In-line fixation

produces as good a

product as fixed off-line.

FALSE 24


TRUE FALSE

• In-line is done using 1 of 2 methods:

The most common is with an IR oven without contact

The other is an on-board beltless heat drum heated with a light bulb

• Neither method produces even heat to achieve consistent color and even color throughout entire graphic

• Non-contact IR ovens are difficult to control as the graphic absorbs the IR energy differently

25

FALSE


• Since in-line fixation is only used with direct print, most PFP coatings have a stiffer “hand” to the fabric than uncoated fabrics – feel for yourself

• Fracturing/spider webbing from PFP fabrics

• Glycol bi-product of the fixation process contaminating the printer – on-board drums are just a bad idea

26

FALSE


The only way to

successfully cut polyester

is with a laser system.

FALSE

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TRUE FALSE

• Although laser is a great solution it is not a requirement for cutting polyester

• Knit fabrics will not fray when cut with “traditional” cutting methods; however, woven will fray

• The laser seals the edge by melting the polyester

• Requirement depends on the finishing/application

• It is faster to cut with “traditional” methods

• Apparel – bad idea!

28

FALSE


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EFI fuels success. We develop breakthrough technologies for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, and personalized documents, with a wide range of printers, inks, digital front ends, and a comprehensive business and production workflow suite that transforms and streamlines the entire production process, increasing your competitiveness and boosting productivity. Visit www.efi.com or call 650-357-3500 for more information.

Nothing herein should be construed as a warranty in addition to the express warranty statement provided with EFI products and services.

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Take the TRUE or FALSE quiz - Electronics for Imaging · 2018-03-09 · Take the TRUE or FALSE quiz Presented by . Printing to transfer paper is more expensive than printing ... “wicking”