tion, agrees that much hinges on what customers are looking to achieve. Those considerations range from where the product is going to hemming and draping issues, whether it has to be flame retardant and if a certain feel is required. “Many will want it all when it comes to fabric,” Mask said. “But if you want best image quality, it may alter what you get in the hand. So for example, you might not be able to get the softest hand with the best, most vibrant image quality. You’ll need to measure out what is most important to the customer.” What to Ask Manufacturers When it comes to the fabric manufacturing realm, Tischer reported the market is currently marked by extensive competition. Every supplier is striving to be forward-thinking as possible and provide fabrics not seen before. Compton reported many critical considerations must be weighed when dealing with fabric vendors and manufacturers. Start with the basics, he said. Does the fabric keep a consistent white point from one roll to another and batch to batch? “This is critical in maintaining your color profiles and consistent output,” he explains. “Is the fabric consistently rolled properly? “Consistent rolls eliminate production costs and headaches. Can the fabric be cold cut, or does it need to be hot knifed? Excellent knit fabrics can be cold cut, eliminating extra finishing costs and labor. “Does the fabric vendor supply the same fabric from the same consistent mill or manufacturer? Fabric suppliers often purchase product from different manufacturers and label it with the same product code or name... Rolls can have an entirely different white point, weave, knit, core size and quality.” In addition, ensuring you have a vendor and/or manufacturer that understands all aspects of your business, such as printer type, ink type, finishing equipment type DigiStretch is one of Top Value Fabrics’ Direct Print Textiles showing more vivid color (TVF’s DigiStretch). Printing by Meno Enterprises. This display from the 2015 ISA Expo was printed on Top Vaue Fabric’s Impact Prime fabric. The graphics were printed by Meno Enterprises. Frame by REXframe. and capabilities and the software you use to produce product is an essential key to your success and your customers’ satisfaction, he said. For his part, Hecht advised asking what equipment is necessary to support the workflow, what is included with the equipment, what additional pieces are required, and the amount of recommended investment. “For example, in dye-sublimation transfer, the heat press is an essential piece of equipment that, depending on the application, print volume or level of image quality, could represent a higher investment than the printing equipment,” he said. He recommended also asking about the option in consumables and supplies. “How does the quality compare when using genuine or original supplies from the manufacturer versus third-party or more economic supplies?” he asked. “Typically, when the manufacturer provides the complete solution, the company is backing up the performance of the equipment. And to be able to obtain a quality product, some in-house maintenance is required. Ask about ease of maintenance, frequency and what is covered and not covered in the manufacturer’s warranty... All of these can impact not only the quality, but the TCO total cost of ownership.” Differences in Fabrics Fabrics for wide-format digital printing have varying qualities and traits, and often present tradeoffs, Mask said. For instance, woven is a pliable fabric, but not as soft as knitted fabric and wrinkles easier. Knitted offers a softer hand, is more wrinkle-resistant, and is mainly for latex and dye sublimation. Polyester tends to have a stiffer feel and a more pronounced wave. Depending on the thickness, cotton can be softer, but in some cases stiff, and tends to offer less vibrant images. Silk is limited in the print industry; it is very expensive and has a translucent effect and dainty look. “Satin, like our water-resistant satin cloth, is one of the best image qualities for fabric,” Mask said. “But it has a coating on it that tends to make it less soft than a typical satin-type product... The hand is very unique. 16 Wide-Format Imaging | July 2015 MyPRINTResource.com
Wide-Format Imaging July 2015
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