Digital Printing How It Changes with Construction and Elastane Content
Digital Printing does not stay constant when construction changes. Understanding the direction of change helps during development.
Effect of knit structure
Loop length and density move results first, usually before any yarn change is made. Working figures for Digital Printing normally sit around pigment, reactive, disperse routes in mainstream production. Note roll-to-roll printers on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Effect of elastane content
More elastane raises recovery but changes the value measured by roll-to-roll printers, so retest after any blending change. Record elastane content alongside Digital Printing, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside pigment, reactive, disperse routes usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
Effect of finishing
Heat setting and softeners shift results, which explains differences between a hand sample and bulk. Keeping reference values for Digital Printing lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with roll-to-roll printers, since both affect the reading.
Typical range
Working values stay around pigment, reactive, disperse routes for mainstream activewear. Working figures for Digital Printing normally sit around pigment, reactive, disperse routes in mainstream production. Note roll-to-roll printers on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Development advice
Change one variable at a time, then verify against roll-to-roll printers before moving to the next sample round. Record elastane content alongside Digital Printing, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside pigment, reactive, disperse routes usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
