The fabric and fashion industry is rapidly shifting towards on-demand customization and small-batch production — and Digital Textile Printing is at the center of this transformation. Instead of screens and lengthy setups, businesses now use Digital Textile Printing Machine to print directly on fabric with speed, flexibility, and high color accuracy.
This guide explains the best machines, inks, papers, and solutions to common printing problems — whether you’re planning a startup or upgrading to commercial printing.
Machines You Need to Start a Fabric Printing Business
Depending on the type of fabric and production scale, you will need:
| Requirement | Machine / Equipment |
| Printing Cotton/Natural Fabrics | Direct to Fabric Digital Textile Printer |
| Printing Polyester Fabrics (Sarees, Sportswear, Fashion Wear) | Sublimation Printers + Heat Press / Calendar Machine |
| T-Shirt & Custom Garment Printing | DTG Machine (Direct-to-Garment) |
| Optional Production Support | Pre-coating machine, Dryer, Curing unit |
If you’re located in Gujarat, especially Surat, there is a strong ecosystem where you can easily source:
- Position Printing Machine in Surat
- Direct to Fabric Digital Textile Printer
- Sublimation Printers in Surat
- Textile Printing Machine in Surat
Surat is widely known as a digital textile printing hub with suppliers who offer installation, training, and post-purchase maintenance.
Digital Textile Printing Machines — What Are They?
A digital textile printing machine uses advanced inkjet technology to spray textile-grade inks onto fabric. It is designed for roll-to-roll production and supports high-resolution artwork, gradients, photographs, and intricate patterns.
Main Printing Technologies:
| Type | Best For | Technique |
| Direct-to-Fabric | Cotton, Linen, Rayon, Silk | Prints directly on coated fabrics |
| Sublimation Printing | Polyester & Polyester-blend fabrics | Prints on sublimation transfer paper |
| Direct-to-Garment (DTG) | T-shirts & apparel | Prints directly on stitched garments |
Choosing the Most Efficient Fabric Printing Machine
Before purchasing a Textile Fabric Printing Machine, consider:
- Print speed & production volume
- Printhead type & ink compatibility
- Color accuracy & RIP software support
- Fabric tension control system
- After-sales service & spare part availability
- Digital Textile Printing Machine Price in India vs. performance & lifespan
Tip: In cities like Surat, always ask for a live demo before finalizing the machine.
What Machine Do You Need to Print on Different Fabrics?
| Fabric Type | Printing Method | Required Machine | Ink Type |
| Polyester & Sportswear | Sublimation | Sublimation Printers in Surat + Heat Press | Sublimation (Dye) Ink |
| Cotton, Rayon, Linen | Direct-to-Fabric | Direct to Fabric Digital Textile Printer | Pigment / Reactive Ink |
| T-Shirts / Apparel | DTG | DTG Printer | Pigment Ink |
Best Ink for Sublimation Printing
Sublimation ink transforms from a solid to a gas and then back to a solid during heat transfer, creating permanent, wash-resistant designs. For best results:
- Select high-density sublimation ink
- Match ink to printhead brand/model
- Maintain regular nozzle cleaning to avoid clogging
What Type of Paper is Used in Sublimation Printing?
Use Sublimation Printing Paper:
| Paper Weight | Best For |
| 70–90 GSM | Scarves, sarees, sportswear |
| 100–140 GSM | Upholstery, curtains, premium garments |
Using the right GSM ensures sharp detailing and reduced ink bleeding.
Performance Printing Solutions for Scaling Production
To speed up workflow and reduce costs:
- Use Bulk Ink Systems for continuous printing
- Install Calendar Heat Press Machines for faster finishing
- Use Professional RIP Software to control ink density & color calibration
- Upgrade to Automated Fabric Feeding Systems
Common Quality Issues in Digital Fabric Printing (and How to Fix Them)
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Banding | Nozzle blockage | Run auto head cleaning + Calibrate RIP |
| Color Shifts | Wrong ICC profile | Use correct fabric-specific profiles |
| Cracking on folds | Ink not fully cured | Adjust the curing temperature or switch to pigment ink |
| Blurry details | Excess ink or poor fabric coating | Reduce ink flow & ensure proper pre-coating |
Where to Buy Fabric Printing Machines
When searching for suppliers or dealers, especially for a Textile Printing Machine in Surat:
- Compare service support, not just price
- Request sample print tests
- Verify availability of consumables & spares
Surat has a large market offering:
- Position Printing Machine in Surat
- Digital Textile Printing Machine
- Sublimation Printers in Surat
This makes Surat a preferred hub for textile entrepreneurs.
Companies That Provide Digital Printing on Cotton Fabric
If you want to start small or test designs before investing, many Surat-based textile houses provide:
- Per-meter custom printing
- Bulk roll printing for garment manufacturers
- Low MOQ support for new fashion brands
This is great for designers who want to validate their collections.
Conclusion
Digital textile printing is transforming how fabric is designed and produced — making customization faster, smarter, and more cost-efficient. The right machine setup depends on your fabric type, production scale, and business goals. If you’re exploring machines in Surat or planning to start small and grow, focus on print quality, ink compatibility, and reliable service support for long-term success.
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