Screen Printing
1.Process Principle: A stencil-based method where a mesh screen is created for each color. Ink is forced through the open areas of the screen onto the garment using a squeegee.
2.Ideal Fabric: Works on a wide variety of fabrics (cotton, polyester, etc.) and garment types, though the ink type may need to change for different materials (e.g., plastisol for cotton, discharge or water-based for soft hand feel).
3.Design Capability: Ideal for designs with solid colors and bold lines. It struggles with gradients and photorealistic details. Each color requires a separate screen, making complex designs expensive to set up.
4.Hand Feel & Breathability: Depends on the ink. Plastisol inks sit on top of the fabric, creating a thick, stiff feel. Water-based and discharge inks penetrate the fabric for a much softer, more breathable hand feel.
5.Durability & Curing: All prints require heat curing to set the ink. Once cured, screen prints are extremely durable, opaque, and withstand countless washes without fading or cracking.
6.Cost Structure: High initial setup cost (for screen creation). Very low per-unit cost after setup, making it the most economical choice for high-volume production runs (hundreds or thousands of pieces).
7.Environmental Impact: Traditional plastisol inks are PVC-based and not biodegradable. Eco-friendly alternatives like water-based and discharge inks are available but can be more challenging to work with.
8.MOQ & Lead Time: Common MOQ is 50+ pieces, but it is truly cost-effective for much larger orders. Lead time is longer due to the screen creation and setup time before printing can begin.
| Feature | DTG Printing | DTF Printing | Screen Printing | Embroidery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicable Fabric | Best on Cotton & Blends | Cotton, Poly, Blends, etc. | Most Fabrics (Cotton, Polyester, etc.) | Stable, Woven Fabrics |
| Applicable Pattern | Complex, Full-Color, Photorealistic | Complex, Full-Color, Photorealistic | Bold Graphics, Solid Colors, Spot Colors | Logos, Text, Designs with Defined Areas |
| Hand Feel | Soft on Lights, Slightly Stiff on Darks | Smooth, Plastic-like Layer | Stiff (Plastisol) or Soft (Water-Based) | Textured, Raised, and Durable |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Best for Low Quantities | Best for Low-Mid Quantities on Various Materials | Best for High Volume | Best for Medium-High Quantities |
| Environmental Impact | Medium (Water-Based Inks, but uses Pre-Treatment) | Low (Involves Plastic Film & Polymer Waste) | Low (Plastisol Inks) to Medium (Water-Based) | High (Minimal Material Waste) |
| MOQ | 50+ | 30+ | 50+ | 50+ |
