Digital print technology has unlocked a whole host of new and exciting creative opportunities for designers. It’s now possible to print just one meter of fabric in minutes, direct from the computer to the print machine. Digital print is affordable, fast, and efficient, making sampling and product creation simpler and achievable for all.

Web-to-print companies have facilitated new methods of production for many large and small brands. While this kind of production was once only available for cottons using fast pigment-printed methods, many companies now offer a vast selection of fabric for online sampling at low meterage. It has taken some time, but, as always, as demand has grown, so has the availability of low-volume access to technical fabrics which are available from specialist printers. But the results vary among suppliers and every part of the print process must be carefully managed.

Textile technology is now also an essential practice to facilitate consistent, digital fabric printing. Each fabric will react differently to the digital process; ink sets, print method, fabric type, chemistry, preparation, and post finishing are all essential components to the final fabric in order to ensure that it meets the client’s expectations for the finished garment or final product.