N50 Design is dedicated to bringing you high quality, awesome products.
We are partnered with Cafepress.
Following is a list of the processes that we use.
Digital press printing
We use state of the art digital printing presses to print your goods, these
aren't what you see down at the local copy shop. Each press employs the most
cutting edge technology to create high quality prints. All images are printed at
144 lpi creating beautiful detailed output. N50 Design is dedicated to using the
best presses in the world, we are constantly attending industry shows and
upgrading our presses whenever quality can be increased.
Thermal wax resin printing
Thermal wax resin printing allows us to print directly onto your cd at an
amazing 160 lpi (typical retail cd's are printed using screenprinting which
yields a maximum 85-120 lpi). Thermal wax resin printing uses heat to create a
permanent bond between the cd and the image. The result is a durable print that
is waterproof and scratch resistant. You can be assured that the result is not
only beautiful, but durable.
Sublimation
Sublimation uses heat-activated inks that change into a gas when heated and have
the ability to bond with polyester or acrylic surfaces. Once the process of
sublimation takes place your image is permanently tattooed to your product.
Sublimation will leave the surface of your product smooth to the touch, and can
reproduce photo quality images. CafePress.com (Our Distributor) uses a special
coating for all of our hard goods, making your products dishwasher and microwave
safe.
Digital inkjet
Our 6 color digital inkjet printer produces high quality fine art reproductions.
Printed on acid-free paper with pigment based archival inks, you can be assured
your print will stand the test of time.
Large format digital inkjet
Our state-of-the-art 6 color large format inkjet printers produce vivid photo
quality posters. Printed on glossy paper, your poster will pop with detail and
clarity. We use pigment-based inks that are both durable and provide a large
color gamut for exceptional poster quality.
Direct Printing
With Direct Printing, we print direct-to-fabric with no transfers. The result is
a matte image that moves with the garment because the ink is actually embedded
in the fabric for ultimate wearable comfort. After a few washes, you will notice
the great durability of Direct Printing. That means greater image staying power.
The benefits of Direct Printing
Things to keep in mind with Direct Printing
Heat Transfer
Heat Transfer is as durable as screen-printing, but offers more detail. Heat
Transfer uses heat to create a bond between the resin and the T-Shirt, locking
the ink between the two layers. Heat Transfer has a slight plastic feel when
first worn, however, this feel will diminish after washing.
The benefits of Heat Transfer
-
Vibrant colors - great for photos and detailed imagery
-
Good washability, fading happens over the first few washes
Things to keep in mind with Heat Transfer
-
May crack on ribbed garments
-
Has a slightly stiffer feel
-
Transfer outline may be visible with some designs
-
May yellow over time
Comparison Chart: Direct Printing / Heat Transfer
To help you choose the best printing technology to achieve
the look you want on your garment, below is a side-by-side comparison chart
showing the benefits of both Direct Printing and Heat Transfer.
|
Print Style Characteristics |
Direct Printing |
Heat Transfer |
|
Washability |
Great |
Good |
|
Color Accuracy |
Good |
Great |
|
Feel |
Soft |
Transfer feel diminishes after washing |
|
Image clarity and crispness |
Good |
Great |
|
Ribbed Garments |
Recommended |
Images may crack on ribbed apparel |
|
Images stretch and move with the fabric |
X |
|
|
Matte |
X |
|
|
Glossy |
|
X
|
|
Photographs |
|
X |
