Print-on-demand services have become incredibly popular as of late. However, if you think this is a new trend, you’re mistaken.
Print on demand has been around in some form for years. The difference is that advanced tech has brought exciting new possibilities to this industry. So, let’s explore the history of print on demand as well as the position it holds on the market today.
Howl Old Is The Process Of Printing On Textile?
This process dates back hundreds of years. Indeed, there is evidence that this was occurring in China before the year 220. By the 12th Century, printing on textiles had become a popular trend throughout Europe.
Of course, the methods used here were not what we’re used to today.
Even in 1966, printing books on demand was still confined to the pages of science fiction writing.
The Birth Of Print On Demand
The true birth of this process and the beginning of the industry originates in the 1960s. It was during this time that Michael Vasilantone, artist and inventor came up with a new option for screen printing.
It ensured that it was easier to create unique designs.
Then, through the ’80s printers began to become accessible for the public. It was at this point that print on demand really started to thrive.
At first, it was just printing on paper but this quickly changed with direct-to garment printing. The first example of this arrived in the 90’s, where multiple brands began to offer this particular service.
Printing On Demand Today
One of the most popular trends within the print on demand industry today is personalization. Customers want unique products that are one-offs including t-shirts as well as a variety of other items of clothing.
There are a range of different processes that are now used in the print on demand industry. Some of the most popular choices include digital textile printing. This uses inkjets which print directly on the textile.
Alternatively, there is also roller printing and this is actually based on tech that dates back to the 18th century. In this case, designs are stamped on the fabric.
Finally, there’s also screen printing. With this option, mesh and stencils are used to push the ink onto the fabric.
The option chosen will depend on the final result that you are trying to create. For instance, digital printing is a great choice for ensuring that you are perfecting tiny details. It’s also useful if a design includes a variety of different colours.
Alternatively, screen printing will be a great choice when colours need to be incredibly vibrant for a particular design. It can also be used because it’s more cost-effective and faster compared to digital printing. This means that it’s commonly chosen for printing products in bulk.
We hope this helps you understand the key details about where print on demand is today. This trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down and, thanks to new options for personalisation, it’s more popular with buyers than ever before.