Digital Printing Fact Sheet

ROBERT KAUFMAN FABRICS DIGITAL PRINTING SERVICES

WE OFFER A RANGE OF DIGITAL CAPABILITIES ALLOWING US TO PRINT ON A VARIETY OF SUBSTRATES FROM NATURAL FIBERS LIKE COTTON AND LINEN, AND CELLULOSE FIBERS (RAYON AND TENCEL) TO SYNTHETICS LIKE POLYESTER AND NYLON.

WHAT IS DIGITAL PRINTING?

First, let’s look at conventional printing. Conventional screen printing requires the engraving of one screen per color in a design. So a design with 18 colors would require 18 screens. Additionally, 18 separate colors also need to be mixed and matched. With digital printing, there are no screens or colors to mix. Any image you can see on a computer can be reproduced on fabric in the same way as your desktop printer prints images on paper.

WHAT FABRICS CAN BE PRINTED?

We print a variety of natural, cellulose, and synthetic fabrics using inkjet printers. We also print on polyester using digital sublimation where paper is printed and then transferred to the fabric with a heat-setting process.

WHAT KIND OF INKS ARE USED? IS THE FABRIC WASHABLE AND COLOR FAST?

Our printers primarily use reactive dyes for natural and cellulose fabrics which are vibrant and provide a soft, supple hand. These dyes meet the Oeko-tex 100 standard for safe textiles. Fabrics printed this way are machine washable (where applicable), can be dry cleaned, and are color-fast. Ultimately, it is the buyer's responsibility to order and test sample yardage to establish any performance standards that they require.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PRINT MY DESIGN? ARE THERE ANY DESIGN LIMITATIONS?

The image file can be any Photoshop (PSD), JPEG, or TIFF, file, with optimally 300 DPI. When designing continuous patterns, they should be put into a repeat. However, unlike conventional printing, your repeat is not limited by the size of the print screen. You can also print panels and other engineer layouts. 

COPYRIGHT ISSUES

Robert Kaufman Co. Inc. will only print designs that it owns the copyright of or has a license to print. When printing our customers’ designs, we require a signed Indemnity Agreement which states that the customer has rights to the design and indemnifies Robert Kaufman Co. Inc. against any claims.

can you do design work? repeats? coloring?

No, we do not provide computer/CAD design support. You will need to provide a hi-res file, ready to print, in repeat, and in the colors you are targeting. We highly suggest you work with a qualified textile designer who understands digital color and design repeats.

CAN I USE DIGITAL PRINTING FOR SAMPLING AND THEN PRINT MY BULK USING CONVENTIONAL SCREEN PRINTING?

We would be happy to work with you in this manner. Please note however, that if this is your goal, you must share this with us so we can consult with you on how best to work with your design so that the sample digital print will be reasonably printable via the normal screen print process.

Where is the Fabric Printed?

Primarily with our mill partners in Korea, but we have printing affiliates throughout Asia depending on the customer's requirements for fabric, pricing, etc. If you need domestic, US-origin printing, we have local partners we work with in Southern California.

DELIVERY TURN TIME:

While conventional custom print projects take months to fulfill, digital print projects should only take weeks. Estimated delivery will be quoted at the time of strike-off approval. Generally, an 8-10 week turnaround from the initial order is possible.

OUR PRICING:

Prices depend on the type of fabric, width, and quantity ordered.

Production Minimums:

Generally, 300 yards per design/colorway. For ongoing programs, we may be able to accommodate smaller quantities (approx. 100 yards per design colorway). 500 yards for digital sublimation printing.

CONTACT US:

Contact info@robertkaufman.com or your Robert Kaufman Account Manager with inquiries for your next digital printing project.