Demand for textile products is ever-growing as people embrace new fashion styles. This calls for efficient and high-speed printing machines for textiles.
The textile industry has improved its productivity in recent years thanks to digital printers. Being able to offer increased output per unit time, accuracy, and the production of various prints have made this printer popular among businesses.
The demand for digital printers continues to increase as textile manufacturers, designers, and retailers seek to up their production capacity. Read on to explore the key features of digital printers and how to choose the right one for your business.
Table of Contents
Market performance
What features make digital printers efficient?
How to choose digital printers
The bottom line
Market performance
The digital printers have performed well in the global market. The market value for digital printers was US$ 25.74 billion in 2019, but according to analysts, it will hit the US$ 35.71 billion mark by 2028. This translates to a 3.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2021-2028.
Reduced labor and time for printing large quantities, efficiency, and accuracy contribute to the growing demand. Besides this, the digital printing machine delivers various designs and allows customization to meet dynamic customer needs.
The market size for this printing machine is set to grow further in the future. Textiles are widely used and new trends in fashion are always emerging. This points to an upward trend in the market and high profitability for businesses selling digital printers.
What features make digital printers efficient?
An efficient digital printer is fast, has high productivity, and delivers quality prints. The following features are essential in a digital printing machine.
Multiple printing methods
There are different printing methods suitable for varying patterns and textiles. When choosing a digital printing machine, go for one that offers the following printing methods.
- Direct. For high-quality and detailed designs, this method comes in handy. It is fast and ideal for custom designs.
- Transfer. Pick a machine that allows for cold-peel or hot-peel transfer printing. It is ideal for customized but smaller fabric quantities.
- Digital. Printers that use digital technology are fast, require less manpower, and produce detailed prints. They also have unique designs.
- Discharge. For intricate and detailed designs, and a soft hand feel on fabrics, go for digital machines with discharge printing functionality.
- Resist. Go for digital machines that allow the use of resist agents such as wax to create customized patterns on fabrics.
- Special printing. Designers create new styles which require special printing on fabric and non-fabric materials. Choose digital printers that allow the use of special ink for eye-catching designs.
Short production cycle
Digital printing machines for textiles use specialized technology to print designs on fabrics. This eliminates pre-printing processes in manual printers such as screen and design creation.
With a digital printer, the production cycle is short, efficient, and economical.
Flexible batch processing
Digital printers handle variable data such as designs, colors, and pattern sizes, and can deliver varying batches as customized. This makes them ideal for manufacturers and designers seeking to meet different market needs.
Besides, this feature enhances quick changeover and efficiency because it saves time and resources such as ink. The machines’ ability to handle different colors and data enables them to produce quality prints.
Environmental protection
High-Speed digital printing machines require less energy and water. Furthermore, they work well on environmentally friendly materials such as cotton and polyester. This feature minimizes pollution and fosters environmental conservation.
Unlike the traditional machines that use oil and chemical-based ink, digital printers use water-based ink. The printing process has little chemical and material waste since the machine is accurate.
Traditional printing
Digital printing machines use advanced technology to deliver accurate and detailed patterns. This results from advanced software and printheads such as inkjet technology.
Other pre-printing practices, such as fabric tensioning and the use of substances that enhance ink absorption, contribute to high precision.
Customization support
There is greater flexibility when using digital printers on textiles. The advanced features, such as design flexibility, quick turnaround, and variable data printing, enhance customization support. This results in unique and quality prints.
Customization support is essential in meeting the dynamic market demands and emerging fashion styles.
Low batch processing cost
Digital printing technology uses inkjet to print designs directly on the fabric. When printing small batches, the setup and painting cost is low. In addition, variable data printing capability eliminates the need for different screens.
Digital printers’ flexibility, efficiency, and high-speed result in low batch processing costs.
How to choose digital printers
Digital printers vary in size, speed, and productivity per unit of time. The different models in the market suit different businesses, from start-ups to established enterprises.
Consider the following factors when choosing a digital printing machine.
Print quality and size
The print quality determines a fabric’s final outlook. All patterns, logos, or design features are visible in a high-quality print.
Print size, on the other hand, determines the output quantity per unit of time. When choosing a digital printer, go for one with high print quality. Also, ensure the printer size meets the market needs and required output.
Cost
The cost of operating a digital printer comprises the buying price, maintenance, operation, and ink costs. Therefore, factoring all these costs and comparing them to the expected return on investment is crucial. Note that a cheap printer may require a higher maintenance cost than an expensive one.
Choose a digital printing machine that is efficient with low operation and maintenance costs.
Fabric compatibility
Different fabrics require different ink and printing processes to achieve high-quality prints. To meet the dynamic market trends in the textile industry, choose a printer compatible with different fabrics.
Besides fabric compatibility, digital machines’ ink systems should accommodate different ink types ideal for common fabrics such as polyester, cotton, wool, and silk.
Operation and maintenance
Operation and maintenance directly influence a digital printer’s productivity. A machine with a friendly user interface saves time and operational costs.
Maintaining a printer for optimal productivity requires frequent checks and servicing. Therefore, choose an easy-to-maintain digital printer to avoid high servicing and repair costs.
Note that a reliable machine requires less maintenance and is simple to operate. Therefore, examine the available models and choose a reliable one.
Ink type
Choose a machine customized for durable and compatible ink types. The print quality of a machine depends on the ink type, therefore, evaluate the machine and the ink type it uses before purchase.
Eco-friendly ink types are ideal to foster environmental conservation.
The bottom line
Digital printing machines are integral in the textile and fabric industry. With ever-changing fashion designs, the need for fabric printing machines is always growing.
To meet the designers, manufacturers, and small business demands, digital printers offer a wide-ranging solution. By capitalizing on technological advancement in design and functionality, they have simplified the printing process. Therefore, check out the high-speed digital printer and help businesses leverage technology for maximum productivity.
