These are the printing techniques
Different designs and umbrellas have different printing requirements. The following printing techniques are used at Schirmmacher:
- Hand screen printing
- Machine flatbed screen printing
- Rotary screen printing
- Digital printing
- Sublimation printing
- Film transfer printing
- Pad printing
Hand screen printing
Hand screen printing is particularly suited to logos. It offers excellent lightfastness and colour fastness and can also be printed onto coloured fabrics. Photographic designs, however, cannot be reproduced with this technique. Hand screen printing is suitable for both parasols and umbrellas and can also be used for small quantities.
Machine flatbed screen printing
Machine flatbed screen printing is very similar to hand screen printing, but it is best reserved for larger quantities, as the screen costs are relatively high. In return, colour gradients and photographic designs can also be reproduced. This printing technique is used on parasols, including as an all-over print.
Digital printing
Digital printing can reproduce colour gradients and designs in photographic quality. Its lightfastness is lower than with screen printing, but in return the fabric is highly wash-resistant. Digital printing is used on parasols and is especially efficient for small quantities. It can also be produced as an all-over print, although printing onto coloured fabrics is problematic.
Sublimation printing
Sublimation printing is used on umbrellas and stands out for its smooth colour gradients and designs in photographic quality. Printing is only possible on a white background, and colour deviations may occur. Sublimation printing can be used as an all-over print and is suitable for small quantities.
Film transfer printing
Film transfer printing can be used for both umbrellas and parasols. This technique, too, allows designs in photographic quality and colour gradients. In addition, coloured fabric can be printed here as well, but only as a partial-area print. It is recommended for small quantities, as the printing effort is relatively high.
The technical background
We have summarised for you how each technique works in detail under Printing techniques.