On several occasions we’ve mentioned how our production is environmentally friendly and sustainable. We believe in a better tomorrow and know that we need to change the direction of the fashion industry.
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In order to accomplish this, we’ve had to introduce new and advanced technologies in our manufacturing process.
We appreciate transparency in our business, so we’d like to explain the whole process to you, as well as the path the fabric goes through at our facility. More precisely, we’ll explain what digital print is, what are pigment inks and how and why we use them.
Don’t worry, we’ll use completely understandable vocabulary, without that bunch of technological terms. ????
First, we’ll explain what the printing process used to look like.
If you wanted to print a pattern, you needed to put it on printing plate first, or run it through a silk screen. Therefore, more material, more work. These technologies are still used, primary because they work well for larger amounts of products.
However, we opted for digital print.
How does it work? We input data (in our case colours and patterns) into the computer, while the computer transmits these data into the printing machines which do the rest of the work.
Why is digital print better for our way of doing business?
In conclusion, it’s clear that what we represent – a company that is here to help small and medium businesses and craftsmen, all the while maintaining a sustainable approach – digital print is the best option.
After we’ve chosen the type of print we want, the inks came next.
There are three types of inks we can use in digital print:
We’ve chosen a printing machine called Kornit Presto, which enables us to perform all of the processes related to digital print directly onto the fabric: print, softening and drying, all in one go.
By selecting the printing machine, we’ve chosen the type of inks we want, too.
Every ink is suited for a different type of technology, and our Kornit Presto comes hand in hand with pigment inks.
Still relatively new and unfamiliar in the world of print, pigment inks are not that popular, but we believe they’re going to take over the market soon, and we’re here to proudly represent them.
We believe in their advantages and we know that they are the best choice for our goals, but also the best option for textile industry in general.
Here’s why:
Acid and reactive inks on fabric are first treated with chemicals, then printed, steamed and washed. The process is exactly as it seems – time consuming and wastes large amounts of water and energy. Since ecology is one of our main principles, this doesn’t suit us at all.
Pigment inks don’t acquire water (like the rest of them do) but only temperature in order to be heated up and fixed onto the fabric. Therefore, there’s no (large) consumption of water – this is what gives us sustainability.
Pigment inks can be used in different ways, and the final result is consistent, which gives us quality.
Now when we’ve cleared all of this, let’s conclude with all the advantages these technologies have when compared to the traditional ways of print.
Our factory is a proud microfactory.
In order to meet all custom print requirements (which is the way our factory works), we need to have a high level of technology, automatization and digitalisation. Digital print represents exactly that – since it works the same as classic printers (tiny drops of ink are placed onto the fabric), results are fast but efficient.
By doing custom print, we’re also reducing the amount of waste, while the use of pigment inks doesn’t require water in the printing process.
As a company which puts great emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, this is of great importance for us, and we believe that it’s important for our costumers and clients, too.
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We believe in the new direction of textile print which leads us to a brighter future!
Are you looking to add some vibrant colors and intricate designs to your crafting projects? Then you're in for a treat today! We’ll talk about pigment ink, a versatile and dynamic medium that can elevate your creations to a whole new level.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting, it's always good to brush up on the basics and learn some dos and don'ts to make the most out of your crafting experience. So, grab your favorite crafting supplies, and let's get started on this colorful journey!
Before we delve into the dos and don'ts, let's quickly go over what pigment ink is.
Pigment-based ink, or simply pigment ink, is a type of ink used for coloring paper and other materials. Pigments consist of small solid particles dispersed in a liquid (or gaseous) medium. In the case of our pigment inks, the pigment is combined with an oil-based carrier.
Unlike dye-based inks, which are absorbed into the material, pigment ink sits on the surface, resulting in more vibrant and fade-resistant colors. This ink variety has existed for many years and was initially derived from natural pigments found in plants, animals, and minerals.
Pigment ink is perfect for a variety of crafting projects, including card making, scrapbooking, and even fabric printing.
To create pigment ink, water, pigment, resin, and various additives are combined to produce long-lasting and high-quality ink. The ink may be heated or cooled during manufacturing to create different results.
Pigment ink is commonly used for printing on textiles, packaging labels, and other specialized applications that require long-lasting results. Its versatility even extends to advanced industrial printing systems, digital textile printers, and direct-to-fabric printer models. Although there are various pigment-based inks on the market, they all share the quality of being waterproof and fade-resistant over time.
So, the next time you encounter a stunningly printed fabric or project, you have pigment ink to thank for it!
Now, let’s dive into some of the best practices for using pigment inks:
Pigment ink works best on porous surfaces such as paper, cardboard, and fabric. Make sure to select the appropriate surface for your project to achieve the best results.
One of the most exciting aspects of crafting with pigment ink is the endless possibilities it offers. Don't be afraid to experiment with various techniques such as stamping, stenciling, and blending to create unique and eye-catching designs.
Compared to dye-based inks, pigment ink takes longer to dry. Be patient and allow sufficient drying time before handling your project to prevent smudging and smearing.
To ensure the best results, invest in high-quality pigment ink pads, stamps, and other crafting supplies. While it may cost a bit more upfront, quality supplies will ultimately save you time and frustration in the long run.
Pigment ink can be a bit stubborn to clean, especially if it's allowed to dry. Keep some stamp cleaner or mild soap and water handy to clean your stamps and crafting tools immediately after use.
Next up, let’s talk about what NOT to do when you’re using your pigment-based inks:
Pigment ink is not suitable for non-porous surfaces such as glossy paper or plastic. Using pigment ink on these surfaces will result in smudging and poor adhesion.
However, you can get around this limitation by using heat-resistant acetate and clear embossing powder. Just add the powder after inking, then use a heat gun/tool and set the ink this way.
When stamping with pigment ink, less is often more. Avoid over-inking your stamps as this can lead to blurry images and excess ink buildup.
To protect your masterpiece from smudging and fading, consider sealing it with a clear acrylic spray or varnish. This will help preserve the vibrant colors and longevity of your creation.
Patience is key when working with pigment ink. Of course, you can speed up the drying process by using a heat tool as suggested above. But if that’s not available to you at the moment, then we highly suggest patiently waiting for the ink to dry when air drying. Rushing the drying process most often results in smudged and ruined projects.
Take your time and allow your creations to dry thoroughly before handling or moving on to the next step.
So there you have it, folks! With these dos and don'ts in mind, you're well-equipped to embark on your crafting journey with pigment ink.
Remember to have fun, experiment, and let your creativity soar. And if you run out of card making and paper crafting ideas, our In the Craft Room blogs are always open for you. Happy crafting!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of large format printer ink. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.