Ink Category
TrueHue Direct Disperse Inks
Direct disperse inks are printed directly onto polyester and other synthetic fabrics without transfer paper. After printing, the dye is fixed into the fibre with heat and excess dye is removed by washing.
- Ink family
- TrueHue
- Category
- Direct Disperse Textile
- Print medium
- Direct on fabric
01 / About the Ink
What is direct disperse ink
Direct disperse ink uses the same dye class as sublimation but is applied directly to the fabric surface rather than to transfer paper. The method is used on synthetic fabrics, above all polyester.
Because there is no transfer step, the transfer paper and calender stage drop out of the process flow. In return, fixation is usually done by heat treatment or steaming, and washing follows the print.
What decides the choice is whether the production line has a transfer paper step and whether fixation equipment is available. The ink is assessed together with machine, print head, fabric and fixation conditions.
02 / Applications
Applications
- 01
Sportswear and activewear
Direct printing on polyester-based sportswear fabrics.
- 02
Home textiles
Curtain, upholstery and decorative fabrics based on polyester.
- 03
Flag and banner fabrics
Polyester flag, pennant and soft signage fabrics.
- 04
Fashion fabrics
Pattern and sample prints on polyester-based fashion fabrics.
Fabric structure and fixation conditions are verified with a test print in each application.
03 / Process
The ink's place in the process
- 01Fabric Preparation
Fabric preparation
The fabric is prepared to suit the printing and fixation conditions.
- 02Direct Printing
Direct printing
Disperse ink is printed onto the fabric without transfer paper.
- 03Fixation
Fixation
Under heat the dye passes into the fibre and is fixed.
- 04Washing
Washing
Dye and auxiliary chemicals remaining on the surface are removed.
The fixation method, time and temperature are determined by the fabric and the ink series.
04 / Related Equipment
Related Machines and Equipment
These pages show the machines and process equipment associated with this ink category. Compatibility is not determined by the ink alone; machine configuration, print head and process conditions are assessed together.
- 01View the equipment
Direct Disperse Textile
05 / Knowledge Center
Ink Guide
- 01
Direct Disperse Ink vs. Sublimation: What's the Difference?
Direct disperse ink is printed straight onto polyester fabric without transfer paper, while sublimation ink is first printed onto transfer paper and then transferred to the fabric with heat.
Read the guide - 02
Sublimation Ink: What It Is and How It Works
Sublimation ink is a dye-based ink system that turns directly from solid to gas under heat; the image printed on transfer paper is transferred into the fiber structure of polyester fabric with a calender press.
Read the guide