Printing

Question 1

Describe rotary screen printing.

Answer 1

The fabric is on a conveyer belt beneath a screen and rollers.

The roller are cylindrical and their circumference determines the design repeat.

A different coloured printing paste is pumped into each cylinder and squeezed through a mesh screen onto the fabric.

The fabric moves on. Production is continuous and cost-effective.

Question 2

Describe flat-bed screen printing.

Answer 2

The fabric is held in place with adhesive.

The mesh screen above the fabric is held by a conveyor belt which moves the fabric.

The screen is lowered and printing paste is forced through the mesh using a squeegee or roller.

Question 3

Describe roller printing.

Answer 3

It is inspired by block printing. The rollers have designs cut into their surfaces.

Printing paste is fed into the rollers and pressed onto the fabric below.

A series of rollers can built up a design, but designs cannot be complex. The process is slow and expensive.

Question 4

Describe transfer printing.

Answer 4

The design is printed onto paper using disperse dyes.

The paper is placed onto the fabric and both are put into a heat press or calendar.

The pigments in the dye become a gas and are not longer attracted to the paper. When they hit the fabric they become solid and attach to the fibres.

This method is eco-friendly. It does not use water or produce pollutants. It is colourfast straight away but only suitable for a limited range of fabrics.

Question 5

Describe resist printing.

Answer 5

A resist is printed onto the fabric.

The fabric is dyed.

The dye cannot penetrate the resist.

When the resist is removed take printed areas is free from dye.

Question 6

Describe discharge printing.

Answer 6

The fabric is dyed.

It is then printed with a chemical paste which destroys (discharges) the dye.

The printed areas are free from dye and a different colour.

Question 7

Describe flocking.

Answer 7

An adhesive is printed onto the fabric.

Small cuttings of fibres are stuck to the adhesive, creating a raised, textured pattern.

Question 8

Describe digital printing.

Answer 8

It is a form of ink jet printing.

Designs can be printed directly onto garments.

Waste is reduced.

There is no limit on colours per design.

Question 9

Name eight methods of industrial printing.

Answer 9

1. Rotary screen printing.
2. Flat bed screen printing.
3. Roller printing.
4. Transfer printing.
5. Resist printing.
6. Discharge printing.
7. Flocking.
8. Digital printing.