What is the difference of Silk Screen printing and Sublimation printing

Distinguishing between screen printing and transfer printing

Fabric printing can be categorized into two main methods: traditional screen printing and the emerging digital heat transfer printing. Below, we will discuss the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both techniques.

Screen Printing: Traditional screen printing involves applying ink onto fabric through a patterned mesh screen. Its advantages include its ability to work with various fabric types such as silk, cotton, blends, and polyester, producing good results on both sides of the fabric. Another benefit is the soft and fluffy hand feel achieved after washing.

However, traditional screen printing has clear drawbacks. The process requires creating specific screens for each design which takes time and incurs costs. Additionally, the color variety is limited by the number of screens used in production which restricts vibrant patterns. Screen printing also results in high fabric production waste requiring large order quantities suitable for mass production of single patterns. Moreover, the need for washing in screen printing generates considerable wastewater which could face further production constraints due to increasingly strict global environmental regulations.

Digital Heat Transfer Printing: Digital heat transfer printing is an innovative eco-friendly method where colors are precisely transferred from printed paper to fabric fibers through high-temperature sublimation. This method has no color or order quantity limitations offering precise colors, fast production times and zero wastewater generation making it a mainstream technology worldwide.

The downside of digital heat transfer printing is its relatively weak penetration on the reverse side of fabrics and its current compatibility only with polyester fabrics.

However, due to its increased environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness, along with rapid technological advancements, the current limitations of digital heat transfer printing may also disappear in the near future.