Printers for fabrics and textile.

Using large format inkjet printers for digital printing on textiles is a growing market. The Encad, HP DesignJet 2000, 3000, 5000ps and other printers can print directly onto textiles with paper backing (so the textiles will fit through the printer without skipping on the cloth weave). The other alternative is a special textile printer such as the other ColorSpan specifically made for textiles or the Mimaki or Stork that can take textiles with no cloth backing. The third alternative is to print on transfer paper with dye sublimation ink (using a Mutoh) and then heat-transfer in a separate machine onto the textiles.

FLAAR editors have been attending the various trade shows and gathering information. We have prepared two separate reports: one on direct printing onto textiles, and a second covering direct printing but with more emphasis on dye sublimation heat transfer.

For additional information and for help making your decision, ask for the "FLAAR report on large format inkjet printers for textiles" (specify whether for direct printing with a Colorspan or HP or indirect printing via dye sublimation heat transfer with a piezo printhead system such as Mutoh). You might also profit from the FLAAR report on "Piezo vs Thermal printheads, fact vs fiction, pros and cons of each kind of inkjet printhead."

If this will be your first printer, then we have a special report that holds your hand and leads you through all the basic questions that will assist a first-time buyer of a large format printer. Purchase the FLAAR report on "RIP + Help." This explains what RIP software is, why this is useful, and includes tips, warnings, information, and help for a wide range of matters for a newbie. Here you will really appreciate that FLAAR is based at a university; Professor Hellmuth has plenty of experience writing in a manner that explains what you need, and why.

Most recently updated August 02, 2001.