At Spreadconnect, we use several printing techniques to ensure high-quality, vibrant, and durable designs for your products. Below is an overview of the available printing methods, their key features, and requirements to help you make informed decisions for your merchandise. Make sure to keep the print file requirements in mind when deciding on a printing technique.
Please note: Print on Demand is a manual process, the designs are placed on the products by actual people who are always trying their best to realise the placement of the design on the product as it is ordered. However, positioning might still vary slightly from the screen preview or from other products. If in doubt, feel free to contact us for further details.
Printing Techniques
Digital Direct (DTG - Direct-to-Garment)
Digital Direct is Spreadconnect's default printing method. This computer-controlled process sprays colors directly onto the product.
Key Features:
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Compatible with all file formats.
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Produces vivid, high-quality print results.
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Leaves a smooth design surface.
Thermo Sublimation
Ideal for accessories such as mugs and phone cases, this method involves printing the design on a transfer foil, which is then thermally evaporated onto the product.
Key Features:
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Compatible with all file formats.
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Minimum resolution requirement: 400 dpi for pixel graphics.
- Mainly used for mugs and phone cases.
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Produces a colorized product surface.
Direct-to-Film: Transfer Printing
With Direct-to-Film printing, the design is digitally printed onto a carrier film and heat-pressed onto the product. This method is perfect for intricate designs requiring true and lasting colors.
Key Features:
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Compatible with all file formats.
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Produces brilliant, vivid prints.
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Leaves a smooth design surface.
Digital Transfer/Laser Transfer
This method involves printing the design onto transfer foil and then applying it to the product using heat. Transparent foils are used for white products, while white foils are used for colored products.
Key Features:
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Compatible with all file formats.
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Commonly used for accessories like bags and caps.
The design is initially printed onto transfer foil and then printed on the product by applying heat. White products use a transparent foil, colored products use a white transfer foil.
- Available for all file formats
- Used to print on accessories like bags and caps
Plot Printing Methods
Plot printing techniques offer unique textures and special effects. Note that an additional fee of $2.50/2,50€ is applied for all plot print methods. This fee applies to Flex Printing, Flock Printing and Special Flex Printing.
Flex Printing
In Flex printing, designs are printed onto matte foil and heat-pressed onto the product.
Requirements:
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The design must be in a vector graphics file.
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Limited to a maximum of three colors.
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Best suited for text and smaller designs (e.g., logos).
Key Features:
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Leaves a smooth design surface.
Flock Printing
Flock printing cuts designs out of velvety foil, which is then heat-pressed onto the product.
Requirements:
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The design must be in a vector graphics file.
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Limited to a maximum of three colors.
Key Features:
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Leaves a velvety texture.
Special Flex Printing
Special Flex printing uses a similar process to Flex printing but utilizes specialty foils like glitter or glow-in-the-dark.
Requirements:
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The design must be in a vector graphics file.
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Limited to one color per design.
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Ideal for text and simple designs.
Quality Assurance
To ensure the durability and quality of our prints, all products undergo rigorous testing, including a cycle of 10 washes to confirm color retention and realistic reproduction. Only products that meet our high standards are added to the Spreadconnect catalog.