manufacturers have used several systems to achieve these requirements. Continuous
transfer printing machines are available in several forms. The most common is the type
where the paper and fabric pass face to face around a heated cylinder or calender while
contact between the paper and the heated surface is maintained by controlled pressure
from and endless blanket. Production rates up to 1300 meters per hour are possible,
depending upon the path length of the fabric in contact with the heated cylinder. An
essential element in printing by this method is an even temperature distribution over the
heated cylinder surface to avoid changes in color across the cloth width. Both flat-bed
presses and cylinder machines can be made to operate under conditions of partial or
complete vacuum. By using a finely perforated cylinder which can be maintained at an
internal pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, air can be made to flow through the
print paper and fabric(Miles). This enhances the dye transfer rate and improves fabric
penetration. The fabric is held against the cylinder surface and the pressure difference
ensures contact with the paper without the use of a backing blanket. With the
Kannegiesser Vacumat machine, heat is supplied externally through infrared heaters
placed around the cylinder. The main advantages of this method are the absence of fabric
compression and glazing and the better penetration of thick fabric and low pile material.
For high pile fabrics there may be some creep or movement of the paper relative to the
fabric, with loss of design definition. Production rates are of the order of 200 meters per
hour(Miles).
Into the Future
Recently, immense changes and developments have taken place in the field of
textile printing. These changes are almost all related to computerization. The speed,
accuracy and flexibility which can result from these automated systems are highly
desirable qualities, particularly at this time. Quick response, the phrase used to indicate a
system which allows the producer to respond immediately to the demands of the
consumer of client, has become the watchword. Printing was and still is a very important
element of producing a fabric. With new techniques being discovered all the time, it will
be continued for a long time.
References
1. Robinson, P. Exploring Fabric Printing , 1970, Mills and Boon Limited.
2. Symposium on Transfer Printing , March 24-25, 1976, New Jersey,Textile Research
Institute.
3. A Transfer Printing Guide , 1979, Yves Mahe.
4. Storey, J. Manual of Textile Printing , 1992, New York, Thames and Hudson.
5. Miles, L. Textile Printing , 1981, England, The Dyers Company Publications Trust