vector graphics
While pixel graphics are ubiquitous, vector graphics occupy a smaller, but high-quality niche. Vector graphics replicate the design not with pixels, but with geometric shapes rendered as mathematical formulas. This allows vector graphics to be scaled without loss of quality and remain razor-sharp. The image information is rendered for each replicated size.
Vector designs are a prerequisite for the Plot printing. Flex and flock printing These are plotter printing processes. Here, the design is first cut from colored printing foils by a plotter. Then, an employee extracts the design by removing the excess foil. Once the design has been extracted, it is placed onto a T-shirt, and then heat and pressure are applied to adhere the design. The carrier film is then removed, and the T-shirt is finished.
Vector graphics are best suited for designers who value maximum flexibility when designing products. A practical advantage: when using vector graphics, the design's color can still be changed after uploading it to the partner area. This is great if you want a high color contrast between the product and the design. It also helps if you want to avoid light designs on white products and dark designs on black products.
Since vector graphics contain only geometric shapes, they are much smaller than pixel graphics. However, editing them is significantly more complex and requires specialized graphics software. The best-known programs are Adobe Illustrator (commercial) and Inkscape (open source). As our examples show, however, creating designs as vector graphics can definitely be worthwhile.
Become a vector nerd
| Well suited for vector graphics: | Less complex designs and geometric shapes such as fonts, logos or comic style with a maximum of 3 colors. |
|---|---|
| Printing methods: | Flex and flock printing , digital direct printing , thermal sublimation |
| Structure: | The image content consists of geometric shapes that are mathematically calculated (“rendering”). |
| Save/File size: | Only the information necessary to mathematically describe the image object is stored. In the case of a red circle, this means only the position of its center point, its radius, and its fill color. |
| Scaling: | A vector graphic is not enlarged, but scaled to the desired size. The image content is essentially recalculated mathematically. |
| Loss of quality: | No such thing. Theoretically, a vector graphic can be scaled infinitely without any loss of quality. |
Minimum requirements for plotter printing
Your vector hc/en-us/ can be printed if it meets these requirements:
- Possible file types: .ai or .svg
- Minimum size: 10x10 cm
- Maximum size: 38x38 cm
- Minimum diameter for conduits or design details: 1.5 mm
- Maximum 3 colors, created separately on one layer
- No color gradients
- Texts and forms are converted into completely closed paths.
Our printers are currently processing .ai files only up to version C18 and .svg files Only without CSS styles. If you created your designs in a newer version of Illustrator, simply save the finished file as an older version. .ai version off. At .svg files You simply set the CSS properties in the save options. Presentation attributes Um. We are already working on an improved upload process for vector files.
Measure and adjust line thickness
To prevent the flex or flock film with your design from tearing during weeding, the smallest elements must be at least 1.5 mm The line thickness should be large – this is also referred to as “line thickness”. Additionally, the distance between the individual elements should be at least 1 mm This should be the amount needed to easily remove the excess film.
Measure line thickness: To check if the lines of your design are thick enough, create a circle with a diameter of 1.5 mm and place it over the thinnest line of your design. If the circle fits within the line without protruding, the line is thick enough. Repeat the same process with a circle made of 1 mm Measure the diameter to fit the spaces in your design. If the circle fits into the narrowest space, it's large enough.
Important : Don't make your design too large. If you reduce the design significantly, the minimum diameter may no longer be met when you later apply it to a product. This will result in flawed prints.
Close curves
When the plotter machine cuts out your design, it cuts it out of the vinyl along the curves. If the plotter machine reaches an open end of a curve, it attempts to close it. To do this, it selects an arbitrary anchor point nearby and cuts a straight line to that point. If the curve is not closed, errors will occur in the design.
Important : Check that all curves in your design are closed. You can use the "Combine" or "Merge" function of your graphics program for this.
Convert everything into paths
Your design can only be printed flawlessly if all objects are converted to paths. However, this isn't always the case. A typical example is fonts that are initially saved only as text boxes. Therefore, when creating your design, make sure that all elements are embedded as paths. Use the "Combine," "Merge," or "Convert" functions in your graphics program to do this.
