Printing apparel on you UV flatbed?

[Lemsanc]

We have an Hp FB750, the thing is a workhorse. We have put practically anything through it and it prints just fine. I was wondering if anybody has tried printing apparel such as T-shirt or polos on the machine. Not planning on making a business out of it but clients occasional want a few uniforms and the vendor I used is super unreliable.

My concern is that UV ink isn’t really known for being flexible, how would that fare when washed?

 

[Pauly]

wouldn't waste your time.
"uv ink isn't flexible" well it doesn't work like that. you're printing onto cotton or something, It's not coated, the ink will be absorbed. I've tried it before.

 

[SignMeUpGraphics]

We've done it as well... it looks great upon first print, but fades maybe 50% per wash and gets blurrier each time.
UV is not suitable for garments unfortunately.
Dye sub is the way to go for this sort of thing. You can easily get into the market for <$5k for low volume production.

 

[flyplainsdrifta]

you'll just be disappointed. agree with sign. dye sub or screen for all garment

 

[ToTo]

Never ever print with uv ink onto wearable textile. You can’t control how ink is cured in the fiber. And uncured uv ink is known for the risk of cancer.

 

[WildWestDesigns]

I wouldn't go into dye sub if this isn't going to be a business avenue for you.

I do like some aspects of it, but it has it's cons and those cons don't necessarily work for those that are doing low volume.