Towards improving the quality of local textiles: a comparison between manual and digital printing technology / Nur Haniza Abd Halim

Printing industry is one of the largest economic contributors in our country. The usage of digital printing for textile enterprises is increasing. In developed countries, this technology is still even far to compare in term of usage since many western countries have already used this technology much earlier. Although it has been a long time since printing industry has existed in our country, progress in academic studies which involve printing industry quite less taking role. This happened because lack of studies carried out by academicians related to printing technology field. Digital technology progress was developed to give choices to users. Recently, almost all large and small industries had been using digital printing machines to improve their work. Previously, there has been a lot of complaints with regards to the price imposed when printing certain fabric as well as order of fabric printing had been refused since the business was considered to bring less profit. However, this perception may be changed since the old technology in printing has been replaced with digital printing technology. The usage of Digital printing machine in this country may still limited to make some designs, trace, mixing color or engraving, as well as not all textile producer used it although this method can help in printing in small amount. Undeniably, there are a few disadvantages in the digital printing industry. Nevertheless, manual method must not also be forgotten because this method is cheaper in costs compared to digital technique. This method can also attract customer to use it especially among school students and teachers as well as small industries that often taking order of printing t shirts in huge amount. The price can also be reduced because materials used relatively cheap compared to digital method.