Fabric printing refers to the process of applying patterns to fabric using printing techniques. Common printing methods include block printing, screen printing, rotary screen printing, transfer printing, and multi-color dyeing.
Here are several popular fabric printing methods:
Direct Coating Printing
Direct coating printing involves applying pre-mixed color paste directly onto the fabric. It's one of the simplest printing methods used. This technique is typically used on white or light-colored fabrics, as it allows for easy color mixing and simple processing. After printing, the fabric is cured to set the colors. Direct coating printing is suitable for a wide variety of fabrics, and the process can be divided into three main categories based on the adhesive used: Acrylamide F-type adhesive, acrylic resin adhesive, and shellac-based adhesive.
Silk Printing
Silk printing includes several techniques such as direct printing, discharge printing, and resist printing. These methods are often used to achieve specific effects and patterns on silk fabric.
Knitted Underwear Printing
For knitted fabrics, the direct coating printing method is commonly used. After printing, the fabric is either heat-cured or air-dried to avoid issues with fabric deformation caused by wet processing. The main printing method used is flat screen printing, which can be done manually or mechanically. This method is ideal for producing small quantities with multiple colors, and it works well with various fabric types and structures.
Discharge Printing
Discharge printing, also known as engraving printing, involves using a discharge agent on dyed fabrics to remove the existing color and create patterns. This method is great for achieving distinctive patterns on pre-dyed fabrics.
Fading Flower Printing
Fading flower printing utilizes fibers with different acid resistances to create patterns. After printing with an acid-resistant paste, the non-acid-resistant fibers are removed, leaving behind a translucent pattern. This unique style gives the fabric a luxurious, vibrant look and makes it popular in the domestic and international markets. The fabric is durable, abrasion-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to care for.
Wool Fabric Printing
Wool fabric printing is often done on thin plain or sheer fabrics and is used for items like women's shirts, dresses, skirts, and bed covers. In addition to direct printing, methods like discharge, resist, and transfer printing are also used. Wool blends are also commonly printed, and embossed wool fabric finishes are quite popular, especially for coarse wool sweaters.
Velvet Printing
Diamond printing uses screen printing to achieve a special effect on velvet fabric, creating a sparkling effect that shines like diamonds under sunlight.
Foam Printing
Foam printing is a type of special fabric printing that creates a three-dimensional effect, similar to embroidery. It has a soft feel, is durable, water-resistant, and elastic. Foam printing is widely used on tablecloths, curtains, handkerchiefs, pillows, clothing, and souvenirs. It can be applied to natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk.
Flocking Printing
Electrostatic flocking is an emerging technology in the textile industry. This process uses a high-voltage electric field to implant short fibers onto the fabric. The technique is cost-effective, offers strong three-dimensional effects, and is widely used on rubber, plastic, artificial leather, and decorative products. It is particularly advantageous for small batch production of travel items, as well as shoes, hats, children's clothing, labels, and accessories.
Transfer Printing
Transfer printing uses the sublimation of dyes and their affinity for fibers to transfer color onto fabric. This method is particularly valuable in waterless processing and is an important dyeing method in the textile industry.
