Not so long ago “fabric graphics” were only available on long runs of screen prints created with massive rotary presses.  A stamped or repeating pattern was the typical graphic. These presses, intended for commercial use, carried significant costs due to the equipment expenditure and waste involved. This translated into a short, custom run as cost prohibitive. Opportunities for short runs on designer fabrics or fabric graphics were rare and not attainable until the arrival of digital imaging and printing technology.

Enter the ‘dye sublimation transfer fabric printing’ process, which begins with a high resolution image file from your custom design. If its not an original image file and you need to acquire a high res image file of the artwork, inquire about such services with your chosen dye sublimation fabric graphics printer. When your file is printer ready, it will be printed with an inkjet printer in reverse onto special transfer paper. The transfer paper is then be laid in contact with your chosen poly-blend fabric, and run through heated compression rollers on a special roll-fed sublimation machine (at 400 degrees). The heat opens up the fibers while causing the solid dye to become a gas. These gassed dyes will become ‘entrapped’ into the fibers of the fabric when cooled. Polyester fabrics are most suitable to this process because they are most receptive to the gassed dyes.  These recycled or recyclable  fabrics come in a variety of weights and textures. The bond in this fabric is permanent, creating a durable graphics which is  washable.

In the graphics industry, fabric graphics have become popular during this past decade. You may have seen them in airports, museums, universities, and are frequently used by interior designers and folks in the fashion industry. Digital printing makes short runs attainable and cost effective. Print service providers of large format graphics and displays are easily making the switch from photographic paper to fabric because it holds the detail with great color saturation. The process is less taxing to our planet, as it involves water-based dyes and recycled materials. The final display print is considerably is less inclined to incur damage, bears a lighter weight framed display, and can be shipped more easily.

If you are interested in finding out more about short runs of custom printed fabric, call 1800.829.4562