Roller Printing

Definition and Overview

Roller printing is a printing method that uses metal rollers engraved to match the pattern. Rollers are prepared for each color, and the fabric is fed continuously while each color is layered to create the design. It is also called engraved roller printing.

The rendering of the pattern is determined by the engraving on the roller surface and the overlap of colors. It is relatively easy to process fabrics with continuous patterns in a stable way, but because rollers must be prepared for each design, both pattern reproducibility and production volume should be considered at the planning stage.

Features and Expression

It is well suited to fine lines, delicate motifs, and regular repeating patterns, and is characterized by relatively clear pattern outlines. The number of colors and the level of detail depend on the type of fabric, the roller engraving, the properties of the printing paste, and the processing conditions.

Texture, thickness, absorbency, and stretch are not properties determined by roller printing itself. Check the weave and material of the base fabric, the dye or pigment, and whether a binder or post-treatment is used, and judge the hand and breathability after printing using samples.

Main Applications

It is used for shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, linings, and other items featuring small patterns, floral patterns, geometric patterns, and the like. By taking advantage of continuous decorative patterns, it may also be used for interior applications such as bedding and curtains in addition to apparel fabrics.

Seasonality is not determined by the printing method alone. If the fabric is lawn or voile, it gives a light impression suited to spring and summer; if it is brushed or heavy fabric, it gives an autumn and winter feel. Depending on the application, check the fabric weight, sheerness, and required wash durability.

How to Choose and Handling Precautions

When adopting it, check the pattern repeat, pattern direction, number of colors, and relationship with the ground color. In cutting, consider in advance whether the pattern position can be aligned for each product and how much fabric is needed for pattern matching. In particular, large patterns and directional patterns require attention to how they appear on the left and right bodice pieces and pockets.

Shrinkage, color fading, color transfer from friction, and changes during ironing depend on the combination of material and dye or pigment. Before mass production, conduct tests and sewing trials in line with the care label instructions, and also check pattern misalignment at seams, puckering after sewing, and bleeding of dark colors into each other.

• Before cutting, check the pattern grain direction and selvage direction.
• Confirm that there is no difference in tone or pattern placement between the sample and mass-produced items.
• Check wash fastness and rub fastness according to the application.
• For heat-sensitive materials and printed surfaces, use a pressing cloth and check ironing conditions at low temperature.

Differences from Similar Terms

Print is a broad term referring to all processes that apply patterns or text to fabric. Roller printing is one type of print, and its distinctive feature is that it continuously prints a pattern with engraved cylindrical rollers.

Rotary screen printing is a method that uses cylindrical screen plates. Hand printing refers to a method in which a screen or plate is used to print one color at a time by hand. All of these are printing processes, but they differ in plate structure, processing method, suitable patterns, and production conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions