Printing Workshop
Printing is a process which transfer the specific pattern to fabric, the printed cashmere scarf will show the idea from the designer, such as geometric pattern, animal pattern, paisley pattern, scenery pattern, and also anything the designer could imagine.
The archaeological discovery of the printing can be traced back to China 3500 years ago, which we called the Shang Dynasty. (1600-1046 B.C.) , we found some fabric printing marks left on bronzes in the royal tombs. (Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin)
However, when it came to 1120A.D.(Song Dynasty, China), the literature records were more detailed. Some notes not only recorded the names of printed textiles but also recorded the simple contents of process and events.
In 1780, James Bell, a Scotsman, invented the first rolling printing machine, which made textile printing steps to the era of mechanization. In 1944, Buser company of Switzerland researched and manufactured an automatic flat screen printing machine to adapt to the production of small quantities and multiple varieties. It also laid a foundation for the appearance of the round screen printing machine of Stork company of the Netherlands, from which modern printing began.
In the past 40 years, China has vigorously developed the textile industry to meet domestic needs. The printing process and technology are constantly improved, and the product pattern is clear and the precision is high.
Clients can put their own designs on a cashmere scarf, photos, paintings, and so on. All we need is a picture with a resolution of 200dpi, we can do the rest.
At present, there are two printing methods for cashmere items: Screen print and Digital print. Although their principles are different, they are all for one thing, PRINTING!
Now I would like to introduce our printing workshop.
1-Screen Print
Screen print is also called traditional print. Its principle is to engrave the design drawing on the screen, and the pattern area is punched with tiny holes, so that the dyestuff can be permeated on the fabric through the holes.
Before printing, we will analyze the design draft and separate different color schemes, each color needs to make a screen. For example, if a design draft is composed of five colors: red, blue, orange, green and yellow. Then we need to make five screens and print them five times respectively. Usually we need 7-13 plates to finish screen print.
Now, let me introduce the working process of Screen Print.
1-1 Screen making
First of all, we need to analyze the design draft, the pattern with same color scheme will be engraved on one screen, until all the color schemes are done.
Engraving
Hundreds years ago, the engraving is done by hand, engineer need engrave the pattern one by one. Nowadays, the theory of photographic development gives a big help in the screen making process.
The base screen cloth which is bestrewn with tiny holes have been covered with photo-sensitive material, the pattern film is placed between screen cloth and lamp house. Quick question, when the photo-sensitive material have been exposed in lights, what will happen? Yes, the exposed part will be fixed on the screen cloth, meanwhile, the parts which have patterns didn't exposed, the photo-sensitive material will be washed after washing, in this way, the dyestuff can be permeated through these holes.
Finished screen
The transparent part can be permeated by dyestuffs.
1-2 Laying the fabric
We place the white cashmere fabric on operation platform. The position and spacing of each fabric are fixed to ensure accurate printing of the pattern. The bottom of the operation platform has controllable heating function to ensure that the pigment is fused with the fabric at a suitable temperature and improve the color fastness.
For small size fabric, we can print two pieces at a time.
In theory, the maximum width is 150cm, maximum length is 200cm.
1-3 Printing
Pour the prepared dyestuff onto the screen and start printing.
There are fixed pins on the edge of the operating platform, which are used for positioning. There are also some holes on the edge of the frame. Every time we move the screen, the holes are aligned with the pins to ensure the printing position is correct.
The printing process needs two man to complete, but we need a huge workshop to finish the mass printing. Here is our screen printing workshop. 150 printing jobs can be done at the same time. The output is about 1000 pieces per day.
2-Digital Print
The working principle of digital printing is basically the same as that of ink jet printer, the difference is that we print the pattern on cashmere.
Let's get to the working process.
Because the printer is digital color matching, we can print any complex pattern.
2-1 Adjust the design colors
The design shows different color shades on different display device and monitors, also, the tinctorial yield is different between different quality, engineers need to use professional software to adjust the original design draft.
Constant temperature and humidity is a key point for digital printing process, in this way, the workshop is not a big area.
The Colors
2-2 Laying the fabric
Lay the cloth on the printing board, there are many boards to ensure production efficiency.
2-3 Printing
Now we can go printing.
The printing process is very similar to a printer, a color printer. Print a 2 meter length scarf need about 7-10 minutes.
In theory, the maximum width is 150cm, maximum length is 220cm.
Another printer
