1] I can’t get the color that I want. What’s the problem?
There could be many reasons why you are not getting the exact color. The monitor and/or printer is not calibrated correctly. Or the icc profile and rip software is not correct. Or you do not have the right ink(s) in the hardware.
2] Inks are not drying fast. Is there anything wrong?
The type of material greatly affects how fast ink dries up on it. Especially for latex/solvent, there could be less heat or there could be too much ink used than necessary.
3] Is there a difference between sublimation, transfer and disperse inks?
Only the name is different. They all refer to a technical part of transfer printing. Disperse inks refer to the insoluble color particles which spread themselves (disperse) in the fabric. Transfer inks refer to the transfer process after printing. Sublimation inks refer to the sublimation (solid to gas transition) of the color particles during the transfer.
4] Which step follows after fixation when using disperse inks?
In theory, no treatment is necessary after fixation of the color particles when using disperse inks. However, polyester material can only accept given amount of ink particles. In case the ink load was set too high, not all ink particles can migrate into the polyester material. Therefore, in case you want to use the output outdoors, it is recommended to wash the polyester material after fixation so the remaining (non migrated) color particles are flushed away. Just flush the polyester material with some water (on room temperature; you do not need soap).
5] Am I only limited to print on Polyester fabrics?
No, Direct to textile printing is possible in a number of fabrics, however you need to select the right ink. Below is a chart showing each fabric the ink and the post treatment needed:
6] Should I always fixate the colors of a digital transfer output?
In all applications of digital transfer printing, a transfer process of colors is necessary. The color particles need to go through the transfer process so that the color particles can “enter” the textile fibers. Otherwise it would be easy to rub or wash the colour particles off. Colors on transfer paper or printed direct onto the fabric will look dull. After transfer, colors will look very vivid. A transfer process is always necessary to see the real color gamut.
7] What is an ICC profile?
ICC is the acronym of the International Color Consortium. ICC profiles help you to get the correct color reproduction when you input images from a scanner or camera and display them on a monitor or print them. They define the relationship between the digital counts your device receives or transmits and a standard color space defined by ICC and based on a measurement system defined internationally by CIE. Thus, if you have a profile for each of your scanner, camera, display and printer, the fact that they refer to a standard color space lets you combine them so that you obtain the correct color as you get images from the scanner or camera and print or display them.
8] How do I know if my device supports ICC profiles?
It is not the device that needs to have ICC compatibility - but the application software driving it. Thus, for example, a printer or monitor alone cannot easily support ICC profiles - unless it has a software application driving it that allows you to define the input profile to go with it so that the transformation can be calculated. The more expensive devices used in the printing industry often have such software associated with the device - but usually not the cheaper desktop ones. Normally, when people want to apply ICC profiles using such devices they do it in their application software such as Photoshop, Quark, Indesign, etc.
9] What RIP software will drive my d.gen printer?
At present time, RIP software packages for the d.gen Teleios have some limitations. The following list should illustrate what printers are supported by which product: d.gen has been a long-time partner with Wasatch and so we recommend the use of Wasatch with d.gen printers. Wasatch is a fully mature, stable product and is among the best RIP software packages for textile printing. With over eight years of experience with Wasatch, we feel that is the best choice by far for most customers. Onyx too works with some models of the Teleios. Please confirm with us for up-to-date compatibility information.
10] What is the Teleios advantage?
The d.gen Teleios is the only direct to fabric printer in the market that has a fully integrated fixation unit. In order to fix the ink to the media and achieve repeatable results it is necessary to apply a consistent amount of heat. The d.gen family of printers have integrated the fixation unit with the printer, and the media is transported exactly at the same speed as it is printed, achieving a consistent and brilliant output each time and every time.
11] What is RIP Software?
A Raster Image Processor or RIP turns vector images into high-resolution images. RIP Software works as a translator/converter between PS images on your computer to raster images on your printer. More advanced RIP Software allows users to enhance workflow and consistent color in production printing by batch processing, nesting, cropping, “best-fit”, preview, Advanced layout functions, scaling and queing print jobs. Some Post Script (PS) printers have RIP Software built-in to enhance workflow. Popular RIP Software producers include: ImagePrint and ColorBurst. Applications - Why would you need a RIP Software?
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FAQ
1] I can’t get the color that I want. What’s the problem?
2] Inks are not drying fast. Is there anything wrong?
3] Is there a difference between sublimation, transfer and disperse inks?
4] Which step follows after fixation when using disperse inks?
5] Am I only limited to print on Polyester fabrics?
6] Should I always fixate the colors of a digital transfer output?
7] What is an ICC profile?
8] How do I know if my device supports ICC profiles?
9] What RIP software will drive my d.gen printer?
10] What is the Teleios advantage?
11] What is RIP Software?
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