Screen printing requires a different screen for each color. Digital printing is a four color process (plus white), high definition 1200 dpi that is capable of hitting over 10,000,000 colors – WITHOUT the messy cleanup! Make the switch.
In the world of product decoration, manufacturers and ad speciality companies have several methods to choose from. However, not all of these methods deliver the same results or are ideal for every product. Screen printing has been around for decades, so it comes as no surprise that many people employ this method – but it’s time for you to embrace the future of printing and make a switch if you do. Let’s discuss the benefits of switching from screen printing to digital heat transfers for product decoration.
What is Screen Printing?
Screen printing is a product decoration method that relies on the creation of a stencil, which printers call a “screen.” These stencils, or screens, are then applied to layers of ink on a printing surface. From there, each color is applied one at a time using a different stencil until the image design is completely printed directly onto the substrate. Screen printing is a popular method for fabric t-shirt design but can also be applied to ceramics, paper, and other substrates.
What are the Disadvantages of Screen Printing?
As aforementioned, screen printing has been around for years. This age old process comes with several drawbacks, all of which can be eliminated through the use of digital heat transfer technology. The disadvantages of screen printing are as follows:
- Multi-step process that requires a different screen for each unique color
- Complex multi-colored images with smooth gradients are difficult to accommodate
- Valuable time is wasted between extensive setups and cleanups
- Small, intricate details are difficult to accommodate or may seem distorted
- Short runs are not cost effective
- Not an ideal method for all products
What are the Benefits of Switching to Digital Heat Transfers?
Digital heat transfers are the future of product decoration, and it’s time to leave your screen printing days in the past. Digital heat transfers use a combination of heat, dwell time, and pressure to apply a pre-printed graphic to a part or product of various substrates.
For manufacturers and ad speciality companies who are looking for a cost effective short run printing solution, and one that doesn’t compromise high quality and excellence, digital heat transfers save the day. The benefits of switching to digital heat transfers from screen printing are as follows:
- Ideal for decorating metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, drinkware, carbon fiber, and so much more. Whether you need to print on a t-shirt, hockey puck, shot glass – you name the substrate – digital heat transfers can accommodate your need!
- SHORT RUN PRINTING IS POSSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE! (the only short run solution for glass product decoration)
- Digital process can create stunning, high quality photo images that hit over 10,000,000 colors
- Can easily accommodate unique, variable data like barcodes, QR codes, etc.
- Dry, eco-friendly process – NO harsh chemicals used and NO time wasted on setup and cleanup
- No cure time – the fastest product decoration method on the market!
- Boost your business! Great for promotional product decoration
- Unmatched durability and image control
Ready to Make the Switch? Contact CDigital!
Since 2001, CDigital has been an innovator in developing new systems and processes for using digital print technology to produce full color digital heat transfers for the product decoration industry. Because we are both local and fully digital, we can turn jobs around faster and for less money than both overseas printers and local screen or pad printers.
Request a Quote today!
If you have any questions, please contact CDigital by calling 410-646-7800. For customers new to using heat transfers, Cdigital is happy to connect you with heat transfer equipment manufacturers whose machines will work best with our patented film. You can also follow CDigital on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube.