Although inkjet printing technology for digital textile printing was patented in 1968, it only became widely accessible in the 1990s. In the past 30 years, things have come a long way. Maybe you're looking to create custom fabric for your home or business.

With so many advancements in digital textile printing technologies, the only limit really is your imagination. Cutting-edge tools and techniques have revolutionized how people are able to customize their own fabrics.

You don't have to sacrifice quality or cost when it comes to creating unique custom fabrics. From DIY projects to high-end fashion pieces; there are so many fabric printing options right now.

In this guide, learn about the advancements in digital textile printing services to create custom fabrics featuring photos, patterns, and more.

What Is Digital Textile Printing?

Digital fabric printing technology has been around since the mid-90s. This skill allows for the easy printing of fabric designs directly from a computer, much like printing and designing on paper.

Digital textile printing is a versatile method that enables easy customization by allowing users to avoid time-consuming techniques such as screen printing. It provides the opportunity to quickly make changes to colors or design elements before printing.

Benefits of Digital Printing to Textile

The quality of digital printing output is consistently getting better, and there is rapid growth in digital production print technology.

The digital printing inks have four primary colors known as CMYK toner and ink:

• Cyan
• Magenta
• Yellow
• Black

In addition, there are extended color gamut inks. Colors like green, blue, and orange are available. Also, to be really creative with your designs, you'll also find specialty inks. These include white, clear, and metallic effects.

The advantages of digital textile printing are as follows:

• On-demand printing
• A better option for short runs or one-offs
• Can be created via dropshipping apps
• Fast turnarounds

Recent Developments in Textile Printing

Whether you're looking to get printed fabric by the yard or custom fabrics for a personal project, you're in luck. Recent developments in fabric printing mean there's no shortage of options. Here are the main digital textile printing services available.

Inkjet Printing

Fabric printers in the USA are using inkjet printing which is a non-impact form of printing technique. It allows precise delivery of small amounts of ink to specific areas of the surface and is continuously advancing.

Ink is sprayed onto surfaces to create prints in inkjet printing. Currently, inkjet printing is mainly used for printing textile designs onto paper, and carpet or fabric printing. This works well for photos and patterns where high-quality resolution is needed.

Drop-on-Demand Technology

Inkjet print heads that use Drop on Demand (DOD) technology can use either a Thermal (TIJ) or Piezoelectric (PIJ) mechanism. These release droplets onto the substrate only when required. Thermal ink jet heads are affordable and ideal for low-volume printing. These heads produce high-quality prints by using small droplet sizes.

Continuous Ink Jet Technology

The technology of Continuous Ink Jet print heads involves breaking a continuous stream of ink into droplets after it leaves the print nozzle. Multi-Deflection CIJ print heads are a recent form of this technology.

Screen Printing

Although this type of textile printing has been around for centuries, it's had a technological makeover.

Fully digitalized automatic flat-screen printing is a technique of transferring ink onto a piece of fabric by smearing it over a screen. It is a useful option when a large amount of the same design is needed, as the fabric is fixed to a long continuous belt.

The machine can hold 16 or more colors and all the colors in the design are printed at the same time while the fabric remains stationary. Then, the screens are lifted and the fabric and blanket move on. If you're after complex patterns or printed fabric by the yard, this is a great option.

Transfer Printing

Transfer printing is a method of applying a design onto fabric using high temperatures and pressure. This process is quick and prevents image distortion.

There are several types of transfer printing:

Sublimation Transfer

To complete this procedure, it is necessary to use a dye that easily evaporates. When this dye is heated and comes into contact with the fabric. It sticks to the fabric and creates the design. This is an extremely important printing process in the commercial world. Many fabric printers in the USA will offer this as a service.

Melt Transfer

One way to transfer digitally made embroidery designs onto fabric is by using a technique that has been in use since the 19th century. This method involves printing the design onto paper using waxy ink. This is then pressed onto the fabric with a hot iron. The ink melts and transfers onto the fabric.

Film Release

This method is called "ink layer transfer." It works similarly to melt transfer. However, instead of melting, the design is held in an ink layer that is transferred onto the fabric using heat and pressure from a release paper.

The adhesion between the film and the fabric is stronger than between the film and the paper. This method was originally designed for garment panel printing. In terms of commercial value, it is on par with sublimation transfer printing.

Wet Transfer

A printing ink that has water-soluble dyes is used to create a digital design on paper. The design is then transferred to a wet textile using controlled contact pressure. The dye diffuses through the watery medium. However, this method is currently not widely utilized.

Looking For Custom-Printed Fabrics?

Whether you’re looking to get printed fabric by the yard or custom fabrics for a personal project, technology has made it easier than ever. We have outlined some of the most popular digital textile printing services available today.

With all these options at your disposal, you can create stunning designs that will leave customers in awe. If you are interested in getting started with creating custom-printed fabrics then visit our website now! Our team is ready to help make your vision come alive.