Printing on Fabric
There are many types of fabric that can be printed onto via a number of printing processes. These processes include inkjet printing, dye sublimation and screen printing (though this very rare for us now). When deciding on a fabric for printing, there are a number of things that need to be considered before deciding on what fabric is most appropriate and which process to use on this fabric. These factors include:
- Is the image colour or black and white?
- Full colour image of text / logo?
- How big is the print and what distance away will it be viewed from
- Is it going to be back lit?
- is the image going to be used again and again - at multiple event? or one hit use and replaced regularly?
- is the print being used outside and being exposed to long periods of UV.
- Do you need to see through the print? would a mesh print be better.
- What fire rating do you need?
All of these questions leads to answers that point to a certain fabric printed in a certain process. Some overview points to assist you in your consideration.
Printing onto non-absorbent fabric with an Ink jet type process, i.e. PVC coated polyester, PVC coated glass, Coated Nylons and other coated fabrics
To print onto non-absorbent fabric, an Inkjet process is often used - using various inks. This process involves laying the ink onto the surface of the fabric - where is dries without being absorbed. This results in a print that is vibrant in colour high in contrast. Therefore this technique and fabric type is generally used as banners either for exterior or exhibition purposes - being very cost efficient. The disadvantage is that because the colour is on the surface of the fabric - it may be easily scratched off and therefore not ideal for re-use.
Printing onto absorbent fabric with an Ink jet type process - cotton canvas, cleval canvas, non-coated nylon
To print onto absorbent fabric an inkjet process can be use - but unfortunately due to the absorbency of the fabric colour definition and contrast from the original image can be lost - even on flat colour and logos. These levels of loss depend on the absorbency of the material - and the type of machine being used to print - but are generally reflected in the cost.
Die Sublimation
The process of Die Sublimation involves firstly printing the image onto a paper media this is then passed through a heat rolling machine with the final use fabric - where is passes from the paper to the fabric - being absorbed into the fabric. This two stage process means that colour are bright, contrast is high - but perhaps more importantly -the print is actually pushed into the fabric - meaning it wont scratch off, it can be stretched and re-used with very little damage. Costs for die sublimation are falling fast - and this is commonly becoming the method of choice.
Art work for the purpose of media printing must be supplied in the following:
Adobe (Creative suite) Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign.
We require high resolution, print ready files; you must turn all text into outline format and supply all fonts. Original files are preferable to pdfs.
To gain further advice on printing, please contact us.
Project News
Dentsu
Completed
Designed by architect Nigel Tresise, Tensile fabric has just completed the installation of rather a unique double curve fabric wall to the reception of a particularly prestigious Japanese advertising agency, just off Oxford Street, in central London.
Formed from eight bays, the fabric is held in place via a small aluminium extrusion that holds the fabric securely and very neatly.
Modelled in the 3D, the steel and fabric forms were fabricated concurrently - finally being brought to site and erected out of the normal office hours to minimize disturbance to the client, who are now occupying the space. The fabric used is a Firex product.
Pod
Completed
Tensile fabric has recently designed and manufactured a this Pod for the Conference Connection, for one of their well known high street retail clients, as part of a touring exhibition providing information to their staff.
The Pod is constructed from aluminum laser cut profiles which form the outline of the frame (these are 90 degrees to each other on plan), in filled with GRP glass fibre rods to form the skeletal frame. The finished frame was then skinned with a spandex type fabric chosen due to its stretch, its good qualities for staying clean and light transmission values.
Conference Connection incorporated the plinth, interior lighting and a full interactive 50 inch plasma screen to communicate the information.
Egypt - Sharm El Sheikh Canopy
Completed
This exterior courtyard canopy to be installed in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt will be designed to consider sun protection requirements whilst creating a visually stunning feature within the courtyard of a Hotel/Diving school.
Tensile fabric will be designing, manufacturing and delivering the canopy whilst the experienced client used to dealing with such products are happy to install the canopy themselves.
Further products at the same site are pending.
