Refinement
Refinement makes textiles unmistakable. It gives garments identity, recognizability and function. Logos, lettering and motifs are applied in such a way that they remain permanently connected to the textile and meet the requirements of the respective area of use. The choice of process depends on the fabric type, motif, level of wear and desired effect. Each type of refinement follows clear technical principles and is used specifically to create a harmonious overall appearance.
"The motif we embroider most often is our trigema wing"
Types of Refinement
| Criterion | Embroidery | Screen Printing | Flock | Transfer | Digital Printing | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Max. washability (please follow the care instructions of the shirts) |
90 °C | 60 °C | 60 °C | 40 °C / 60 °C | 30 °C | 40 °C |
| Logo colors | max. 12 | max. 06 | 1 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Delivery time (working days) | 10–15 | 10–15 | 5–10 | 10 | 5–10 | 15–20 |
| Suitable qualities | Almost all qualities |
All qualities with cotton content (requirement: smooth fabric surface) |
Almost all qualities (except fleece) (requirement: smooth fabric surface) |
Almost all qualities (except fleece) (requirement: smooth fabric surface) |
Almost all qualities (excluding pure viscose and polyester fabrics) |
100% polyester (e.g. Coolmax items) |
| Size range | 1–25 cm | 1–30 cm | 1–30 cm | 1–30 cm | 1–30 cm | Full-surface |
| Minimum order quantity | can also be ordered individually | 50–100 pieces | can also be ordered individually | can also be ordered individually | can also be ordered individually | 400 pieces |
Embroidery
Individual embroidery gives textiles a particularly high-quality appearance and is characterized by excellent durability. In embroidery, motifs, names or logos are applied directly to the textile with yarn using modern embroidery machines. Several machines work in parallel and together achieve a performance of over five million stitches per hour. This means that even larger orders can be completed precisely in a short time. Embroidery is one of the most popular types of refinement because it is durable, dimensionally stable and colorfast. Thanks to many years of experience, complex motifs as well as classic logos can be reliably realized. This refinement can be used on almost all items, is also suitable for smaller quantities and retains its shape even after frequent washing. Embroidery is robust, long-lasting and retains its brilliant color effect over a long period of time.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a proven refinement process and is suitable for small, fine motifs as well as large-scale logos. In modern screen printing, textiles are refined with colored motifs that are thermally fixed after printing. Through this fixation, the colors bond permanently with the fabric and are characterized by high durability. Only environmentally friendly inks certified according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 are used for printing. In screen printing, each color is applied to the textile using a stencil. This process enables even, opaque print images and is particularly suitable for larger quantities. The refinement is washable up to 60 °C and is therefore also ideal for workwear. Despite the high color coverage, the fabric remains comfortable to wear – even with full-surface motifs.
Flock
Flock is a refinement process that is particularly suitable for lettering, logos and clear motifs with a strong visual impact. It creates a velvet-like surface that feels slightly raised and gives the textile a distinctive, high-quality look. In the flock process, the motif is first cut from a special flock film and then permanently transferred to the textile using pressure and high temperature. Through this process, the motif bonds firmly with the fabric and remains dimensionally stable even with regular use. Flock is particularly suitable for motifs with clear contours and uniform surfaces. The surface is robust, color-intensive and long-lasting. At the same time, it remains comfortable to wear because the motif has a soft, textile structure. Due to its durability, flock is often used for sportswear, club clothing or workwear.
Transfer
Transfer refinement is particularly suitable for image motifs, logos with color gradients and detailed designs. It is a durable and brilliant type of refinement that can be used flexibly on almost all items. Thanks to its versatility, transfer is suitable for simple logos as well as complex, photorealistic motifs. With transfer, the motif is permanently applied to the fabric from a carrier film using a transfer press under high pressure, high temperature and a defined time, whereby only the motif remains on the textile after the film is removed. Transfer is suitable for almost all textiles and offers a comfortable feel, even with larger motifs. As an alternative to screen printing, this type of refinement is also available on request with washability up to 60 °C and is suitable for all quantities.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is particularly suitable for photo prints, complex motifs and smaller quantities. This process enables short delivery times and offers a cost-effective solution when individual designs or special events need to be implemented. Since no elaborate preparation is required, individual pieces or small series can also be produced efficiently. In digital printing, also known as direct printing, textiles are printed directly with dye – comparable to the principle of an inkjet printer. The print data is processed directly from the digital template. Thanks to the high print resolution, photorealistic motifs, fine color gradients, logos, lettering and detailed images can be produced precisely. Digital printing therefore offers maximum design freedom and is ideal when flexibility, attention to detail and short response times are required.
Sublimation
Sublimation refinement is particularly suitable for sports and functional shirts with several logos or full-surface designs. In this process, the dye is not applied onto the textile, but directly into the fiber. As a result, the surface of the fabric remains unchanged – the motif can neither be felt nor seen as a raised layer. All functional properties of the material, such as breathability or moisture management (e.g. COOLMAX), are fully retained. In sublimation transfer, the motif is heated using a transfer press. Through time, pressure and temperature, the dye bonds permanently with the white fabric made of polyester or polyamide. The result is an even, color-intensive motif without transitions or edges. The refinement is permanent, wash-resistant and ideal for intensive athletic use.
