Large press

[COMA]

Hi,
I have always see printed tshirts, polo, etc. so I was wandering how one can achieve this. I may need to print graphics with a plotter ( with sublimation inks in) that are larger than the t-shirt and then press into a BIG heat press?
I hope is all clear

[Paul]

Full print they are called i think. And yes. You print on large format printer that prints on paper that is on roll. Then just press it to your shirt on big heat press.
But decent prints are possible with only small format printers. All you need is some imagination and thinking out of the box

[purpledragon]

good point this there are major manufacturers of dye subbed clothing which is mass produced im sure they wouldnt be printing this onto paper then onto the garment not if its mass produced , ive often wondered myself about the process used i believe football kits are often dye subbed nowadays though someone may correct me on this

[pisquee]

Yes, large format printers and large format presses are used (sometimes flat bed press, sometimes roller) And for really big runs, the fabric is printed by the roll first before it gets cut and sewn into the garment.
Some large format sublimation inks (Inktec's for instance) are formulated so they can be printed directly to the textile bypassing using transfer paper, this is why they named them "Direct Transfer Ink" as it can be used directly or using transfer papers. Instructions for the direct method are on their website if you're interested in the different process.

[WorthDoingRight]

But decent prints are possible with only small format printers.

Why are decent prints only possible with small format printers? I would be interested to know what this comment is based upon?

Is it due to the transfer paper, is it due to the inks, is it due to the poor quality of print, or is it something else?

[Paul]

I worded it wron. It should be aslo descent print are possible on small printers too.

[socialgiraffe]

Football shirts are pressed before they are made into shirts for the larger teams. Saw the whole process in Ireland once for the Liverpool kit.

[COMA]

So the steps are : print, press and sew?
for me the tricky part to afford is to press the print.

[socialgiraffe]

Thats what I saw.

It all depends on what you actually want to do and how many. If you are talking about small runs of 100 or so, then I would suggest a large format printer, a very large heat press and then purchase the garments in.

If you are talking thousands then an appearance on Dragons Den maybe the answer

[COMA]

I'm in for very small runs, but as far as the printer is not a problem ( if I can set up my HP Z2100 24" with sublimation inks) i can not say the same for the printer. I don't know where to find one, the prices, etc. All I have found so far are VERY big industrial press that are out of my $€£