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Properties and performance of textiles
Emerging textile technologies: Digital printing
In the Area of study: Properties and performance of textiles you will develop a critical approach towards the effects of innovations and emerging technologies. These innovations and technological advances occur in the use of textiles to enhance performance, machinery to improve construction or to save time, decorative techniques and finishing techniques. This tutorial focuses on decorative techniques, in particular, digital printing.
Outcomes
This material addresses aspects of the following syllabus outcome:
H3.2 The student develops knowledge and awareness of emerging textile technologies.
Extract from Stage 6 Textiles and Design Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW 2007
Digital printing
Any image that can be realised on a computer screen
whether originated by CAD, in-put from a digital camera or
scanned from photographs or original artwork can be printed
onto natural fabric [and now polyester].
Extract from Centre for Advance Textiles, viewed 22/4/03
<http://www.catdigital.co.uk>
Digital printing is generally used on short lengths for samples, banners, photographic exhibitions, reproduction of historical prints or artwork.
All fabrics are pre-treated (see question 6) and then steamed and washed to set the dyes. Printing is charged per metre, and although any image can be printed, engineered designs are cheaper than all over designs to reproduce.
Examples of digital printing
Select The Print Room Collection on the Longina
Phillips Design Studio 
website to see a range of digital prints.
Activity:
Select Direct Digital Print on the Longina Phillips Design Studio website to answer the following questions.
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What are the main advantages of digital textile printing?
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Which fibres are best used in fabrics for digital textile printing?
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What type of printing technology is used in digital printing?
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What types of dyes are used for digital printing on a) natural fibres, b) polyester?
Need to know more?
To find out more about digital printing go to the Direct Digital web site.
You will find information about Digital Textile Printing on the Digital Textile website . Select the Equipment button.
Technology update/ Tutorial extension:
Visit the ATA Journal for Asia on Textile and Apparel website to read more about the changes that have occurred for digital printing such as ink combinations, textile substrate choice and outdoor applications.
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