Comparison of Textile Print Quality between Inkjet and Screen Printings

Abstract

This research investigated cotton print qualities by inkjet printing and screen printing. The acrylic binder, S-711, with a pigment-to-binder ratio of 1:2 by weight were used to produce one set of inkjet ink whereas BR-700 for another set of screen ink. Fume silica was added to the screen ink to increase its viscosity. Viscosity and flow behavior of both inks were acceptable. Both ink viscosity and particle size distribution were slightly increased during ambient storage for two months. The inkjet ink printed fabrics were pretreated with a solution of poly(ethylene oxide) having 2 to 3 million Dalton molecular weight. The printed fabrics from both inks were analyzed for color saturation, color gamut and its volume, density, tone reproduction, stiffness, air permeability, and crock fastness. Both inks have the same color saturation and color gamut, and ink tone reproduction. The color gamut volume, stiffness, air permeability, and crock fastness of the inkjet inks are superior to those of screen inks. The crock fastness of inkjet inks was superior to the screen printing ink, the print qualities of inkjet printing on cotton fabric are thus better. However, the printed cotton fabric needed to print three times to produce the same color and tone reproduction.