Cotton, silk, nylon, polyester and beyond; not every fabric type is created equal. Each material requires a certain kind of ink chemistry, which is why your fabric printing machine needs to be made specifically for your application.

We break down your options below and compare the top brands and models in fabric printing to help you make a decision.

What Type of Fabric Printing Machine Do You Need?

The two fabric printing machines we’ll be focusing on are dye sublimation and direct-to-fabric. Ultimately, your printing application will determine which fabric printing machine you need.

If you’re printing on materials like cotton, silk or nylon, a direct-to-fabric printing machine will provide the exact chemistry you need. For polyester materials, you’ll need a dye sublimation printer.

Dye Sublimation Printers

Dye sublimation printing is an integral part of the textile market. The process creates the perfect chemistry for printing on polyester, which is one of the most popular textiles used for soft signage at tradeshows, airports and malls. Sports apparel and home décor such as tapestries and shower curtains are also best printed using dye sublimation techniques.