Image Preparation

File type:
The first step in the custom printing process is the preparation of imagery. We request that our customers supply us with their imagery in digital format prepared at 300 pixels per inch and saved as a .tif file for the Windows platform. Although we are able to successfully print many lower resolution files, a high quality image offers the most flexibility in terms of image scale and therefore, ensures quality output. Once your image has been prepared you can supply it on CD or DVD or you may select to upload the image to our ftp site for retrieval. Contact us for our ftp information.

Color format:
If you wish to obtain 'full color' imagery (e.g. photographs, handpainted or digital art) we request that you supply your image in RGB or LAB color format. If you are using the digital process to sample or produce designs with 'spot colors' that require matching to specific hues, we request that you provide your image in index color or LAB color format.

Design layout:
We offer a selection of standard products that can be customized with your imagery. If you provide us with your digital image, our team will be pleased to assist you with the integration of this artwork into our standard product templates. We charge for this service at an hourly graphics rate and many projects require less than an hour to complete. We are also pleased to guide you in your file preparation to reduce and/or eliminate graphic service fees. Visit our products page to learn more about our offerings and contact us directly for additional information.

Image Proofing

Once the design file has been prepared, many of our customers select to obtain a 'First Print Sample' for color approval. Depending on your need, we can supply you with a printed swatch of your design, or a finished product. You will be charged the wholesale price for the sample product or our per yard fee for swatches.

Color Adjustments:
When we print your image, we will apply a 'color profile' to the print job that is specific to the fabric, ink and printer combination we are using. This profile optimizes color output for the print environment. Despite the use of the color profile, color adjustment is sometimes required by our customers. Where this is the case, we will undertake a color proofing procedure. For full color imagery, we ask you to provide a printed paper version of your image that we can use for reference and we will color adjust your digital file to optimize the output within our print environment. You will be provided with a group of swatches to select from for production as a result of this process. You will be charged for the graphic service labor (often about 0.25 hr) and our per yard rate for materials consumed (typically 0.3 yds - 0.5 yds). Your color approved image will be kept on file for future orders.

For spot color imagery, we request that you provide us with physical color standards for reference (e.g. fabric swatches or color chips). In most cases, we will use a spectrophotometer to obtain numerical color values for your standards. These values will be used to drive the color proofing procedure. You will be supplied with a swatch of your design for approval and be charged a per color rate of $25.00 for each hue that requires adjustment.

Ordering

The digital print process provides a great deal of manufacturing flexibility and allows for engineered and multiple product printing. We are pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to take advantage of this flexibility by placing orders for very small quantities. In this way you are able to reduce your investment and control your risk while you learn what products and designs work within your business environment. We do our best to 'print on demand' and turn orders quickly so that you are able to replenish your stock as needed and eliminate the need for excess inventory.

Once you have approved the sample print, we request that you place production orders based on the number of pieces that we will print across with width of the cloth. Some of our products print as single pieces (e.g. 36" scarves), while others print in multiples of 2, 3 or 4 (e.g. purses, cushions and oblong scarves). In most cases, if you are required to order more than one piece as your minimum order, it is possible to obtain a mixture of designs within the minimum.

Production

Technology:
We operate a range of technology and resources within the [TC]² technology demonstration center for digital printing. We currently print with acid and reactive dyes, as well as nano colorant pigments. We are equipped with a Stork Sapphire I printer, a Yuhan-Kimberly Ujet MC2 printer, and a Mimaki TX1600s printer. We typically utilize a Jacquard Steamjet (batch steamer) for finishing.

Fabrics:
We stock a selection of fabrics for dye-based printing that have been specially prepared for the digital print process to enable print precision and permanent color fixation. Please contact us directly to obtain fabric samples for reference. The reactive and acid dyes allow us to print a range of natural fiber substrates including silks, cottons and linens. Once printed, the fabrics are steamed for permanent color fixation and washed to remove excess color chemistry and restore fabric hand. We also stock several prepared for print (PFP) cotton fabrics for nano colorant printing. Following this printing procedure, the pigment is cured using dry heat. Click here to learn more about the nano colorant print process.

Time Frame:
We do our best to maintain a 'print on demand' approach to manufacturing. Once you have approved your design, we are typically able to turn modest orders of 10-30 pieces within 2 weeks, depending on current work load. Larger orders may require longer, although we are pleased to ship smaller quantities mid-production if the need arises. Keep in mind that as we approach holiday seasons, demand for our services increase and we accept orders on a first come, first serve basis. We do make every effort to provide optimum service for all of our customers during this busy time. Note that rush orders (those that do not allow 2 weeks for production) may be charged a fee for expedited service and will be accepted depending on work in process.

Print Quality:
We do our best to accurately reproduce the color of your design and minimize color shift from print to print and from one reorder to the next. However, there is some variation in each roll of fabric we receive. There may also be some minor variation in finishing as a result of our 'batch' technology. Within this environment, subtle color differences may result. We make every effort to minimize these issues and provide you with the highest quality product possible within the limitations of our resources. Where we are unable to meet your production specifications, we will do our best to direct you to alternate resources within our industry.