Digital Printing: High-Definition Customization for Narrow Fabrics
Digital printing at ECI Elastic represents the pinnacle of design flexibility for the global apparel industry. Unlike traditional methods, our digital process allows for unlimited color palettes, complex gradients, and photographic-quality detail—all without compromising the integrity or stretch of the elastic tape. Whether you are developing signature seasonal branding or intricate performance trims, our digital solutions provide a soft, high-end finish that moves with the fabric. With fully integrated production capabilities, we deliver bespoke digital printing with high-definition, durable, and environmental compliant.
The examples below represent just a few of our digital printing solutions. We’re ready to meet your specific design and performance needs.
About Our Digital Printing Process
At ECI, we don't just print on tape; we engineer the final product to meet specific performance standards. Our process utilizes advanced digital technology and eco-friendly, water-based inks that penetrate the fibers of the narrow fabric rather than sitting on top of them. This ensures the "drape" and "hand-feel" remain soft—critical for lingerie and base layers.
Technical Principles of ECI Digital Printing:
Material-Specific Calibration
We adjust ink formulations and heat-setting parameters based on the base material (R-PET, PET with Elastane blends) to ensure maximum color fastness.
Stretch-Sync Engineering
Our inks are specifically engineered to expand and retract with the elastic. This minimize the "cracking" or "white-out" effect common in lower-quality prints when the tape is under high tension.
Vertical Consistency
Because we control the process from weaving to finishing, we ensure that the base tape is perfectly optimized to absorb digital inks, resulting in crisp lines and vibrant color fidelity that stays consistent across every global manufacturing lot.
Top Questions About Digital Printing of Narrow Fabrics
No.ECI’s digital process uses water-based inks that bond with the fibers. This maintains the original modulus (stretch power) and recovery of the elastic tape, making it ideal for high-performance activewear.
Absolutely. While digital printing is famous for rapid prototyping and small-batch flexibility, our fully integrated manufacturing platform seamlessly scales to high-volume production—empowering global Tier 1 brands with the speed, consistency, and capacity needed for successful worldwide rollouts.
One color standard. Every production run. Our centralized digital color management ensures flawless consistency that meets the expectations of the world’s leading brands.
Yes. Digital printing is inherently more eco-friendly than traditional methods. It significantly reduces water waste, uses targeted ink application to minimize chemical runoff, and is fully compatible with our GRS-certified Recycled Polyester (R-PET) base tapes.
Yes. Digital printing has no "per-screen" color limits. We can reproduce high-resolution photographic details and smooth gradients that are impossible to achieve with traditional screen or sublimation printing, giving your designers total creative freedom.