A Digital Textile Printer to Aid in the Product Development Process
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION: A DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTER TO AID IN THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Dr. Sherry Schofield Dr. Jessica Ridgway Retail, Merchandising and Product Development – College of Human Sciences PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed funding from the Student Technology Fee will be used to purchase a wide- format digital ink-jet fabric printer which will provide students the unique opportunity to print their own developed creative ideas using this cutting edge textile printing technology. Our goal with this project is to further integrate current industry technologies into the Retail, Merchandising, and Product Development (RMPD) course curriculum. Within the textile and apparel industry, when a new product is being developed, often the designer is forced to use the available prints that were designed by someone else. This process can limit the designer’s ability to create a truly unique product or garment and to the designer is not able to design from initial concept to final product. Today’s technology is changing this process; with the introduction of digital textile printers, designers can take part in the entire product development process starting with textile design. With the incorporation of a digital printer and the accompanying software into the RMPD textile lab, our students will have the ability to experience a similar concept to product process with the creation of his or her own sample fabric, which could ultimately result in new and unique products. Furthermore, the use of a digital textile printer affords students the ability to incorporate technology into the product development process. This not only emulates current industry practices, but also allows for further exploration in product development. For example, digital textile prints can be engineered to enable a continuous printed pattern across seam lines, which allows for greater visual impact and intricacy in patternmaking. The ability to engineer prints across pattern pieces also provides a reasonably sustainable process of fabric creation by eliminating to need to print larger yardage quantities to enable print matching. In addition, there is less fabric waste when exact pattern pieces are printed from stock yardage. Upon researching several digital textile printers, the Mutoh ValueJet 1628TD is the best option for our intended use. The 1628TD is different from other printers because it has bulk ink system making it a more sustainable and cost effective option. This printer has the ability to print both small sample runs as well as larger yardage for those who are interested in pursuing creating an entire garment. For our purpose this is ideal, as initially the students will be required to create and print small fabric swatches for their course projects, but will also allow some students the ability to print enough yardage to create sample garments. Additionally, the 1628TD has two heads which allows for a true 1440dpi output resolution for those students who wish to incorporate photo quality textile prints into their work. The creation of the textile designs can be manipulated with software that is currently available in the RMPD department. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator as well as Kaledo can be used to create the textile prints which can be imported in the Wasatch SoftRip software used for the printer. As we continue to grow and strengthen the product development course curriculum, many students would benefit from having access to a digital textile printer. Additionally, due to the cost of purchasing a textile printer, there are a limited number of programs across the country who have access to this equipment. By obtaining this new technology we could propel the RMPD curriculum further and bring further national recognition to the department. IMPACT ON INSTRUCTION The proposed digital printer would have a tiered impact on all students with the RMPD curriculum. The technology would be introduced to the students in two introductory courses, be applied in two mid-level courses, and gain mastery within our graduate curriculum. As such, the printer would impact instruction in several courses, but would ultimately impact all students in the department. Listed below are how we intend to initially introduce the technology into the courses. Currently, the Introductory Textiles Science (CTE 1401C) course has a textile printing unit where students complete hand printing and dyeing techniques during their textile lab. At this introductory level, students could now have the opportunity to understand how the digital textile printer works, the implications of using fiber reactive dyes and the industry implications for using a digital textile printer. This course has approximately 240 undergraduate student enrolled each year. Additionally, in the Trend Analysis and Forecasting (CTE 3809) course, students learn how to use Kaledo software and create textile prints. With the use of the digital textile printer students would be able to take the process of creating digital prints one step further by actually printing their designs to fabric. With the versatility of the digital textile printer, students could incorporate course knowledge and research current fabric trends to select the most appropriate fabrics and fiber on which to print. This course has approximately 150 students enrolled each year. At the graduate level, in the Product Innovation and Management (CTE 6436) course, students would be able to master the use and application of the digital textile printer. In addition, they could use the printed fabric or engineered print into the creation of a final product. The students would be encouraged to exhibit their final project at national and international conferences and shows. This course can have a maximum number of 15 graduate students per year. The graduate students would also have the opportunity to complete independent research using the digital printing technology. PROJECT PLAN The initial stage of the project should take approximately four months. During this time, orders will be placed, lab space will be prepared, and equipment will be received and installed. After equipment installation, the project team will be trained in how to use the equipment. The project team will consist of RMPD faculty members and one graduate student who will serve as the digital printer technician. The digital printer technician will aid faculty members and undergraduate students with preparing files, printing, steaming, and rinsing of fabric. Training sessions for the software and printer will be included in the purchase cost/fees of the Mutoh 1628TD. Additionally, a dedicated computer that connects to the printer and runs the Wasatch SoftRip software will be required. The printer and software will be ready for use by the first week of the fall semester. During the Fall of 2016 training and demonstration sessions will be organized for faculty. By Spring of 2017we anticipate having printer technologies included into course projects. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES AND ENHANCEMENT As it relates to other university activities, the digital textile printer will be used as a tool for creative scholarship in garment design and textile print design. Current faculty will utilize the printer to execute design research with the hopes of disseminating design research and practice knowledge through juried exhibitions at national and international academic conferences. ONGOING SUPPORT PLAN The RMPD department will provide ongoing support for maintenance and cost of support as part of the regular operating budget. Course fees will be increased to cover the costs of ink and fabric used in the appropriate courses. Additionally, fees will be assessed to students and faculty who wish to use the printer for personal projects or research endeavors. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT TEAM Project Leader: Dr. Sherry Schofield, Carol Avery Professor and Chair in RMPD Dr. Jessica Ridgway, Visiting Assistant Professor RMPD Dr. Eundeok Kim, Professor RMPD RMPD Graduate Student BUDGET AND EXPLANATION/JUSTIFICATION In addition to the digital textile printer, there are several additional components needed for operation: (1) a textile steamer is needed in order to set the dye after the fabric has been printed, (2) the RIP software, (3) a computer to connect to the printer and run the software, (4) fabric and dye, and (5) a desk for the computer to sit on. The following budget contains an item name, description, and the amount requested to be able to purchase and have the items shipped and installed at our location. Item Name Description Requested Amount Mutoh ValueJet 1628 Textile Printer, fabric handling system, bulk TD ink system, set of inks, RepMaster Software, Machine Installation, Machine Training – 1 Day, Software Training – 3 Days, Profile, Delivery $44,000.00 Textile Steamer Jacquard SteamJet Fabric Finisher I, delivery $23,000.00 Metal Core for Stainless Steel Steamer Core for fabric Steamer yardages, delivery $ 350.00 Ink 8 liters fiber reactive dyes @ $99/liter, delivery $ 892.00 Fabric 8 50-foot, 58” wide, ProCoat, rolls assorted fiber and fabric for training, initial tests, and projects @ an average of $350/roll, delivery $ 2,800.00 Computer Dedicated laptop to connect to printer $ 500.00 Total $71,542.00 Jacquard Inkjet Fabric Systems Fabric Steamers http://www.inkjetfabrics.com/products/steamers/ 707-473-9080 SteamJet Fabric Finisher Vertical Fabric Steamer Steaming Paper Home Jacquard SteamJet Fabric Finishers I & II Fabrics The Jacquard SteamJet Fabric Finishers are