Toner
Toner, in the context of textiles, refers to a type of colorant or dye used to impart color to fabrics or fibers. It is a finely powdered substance composed of pigments, binders, and other additives, designed specifically for use in textile printing processes. Toner is primarily utilized in digital printing technologies, such as digital textile printing or direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
The primary function of toner in textiles is to transfer vibrant and durable color to the fabric surface. Toner particles are electrically charged and adhere to the fabric through an electrostatic process. This process involves a transfer belt or drum that carries the toner particles, which are then fused onto the fabric using heat or pressure. The toner particles form a strong bond with the fabric fibers, resulting in excellent color fastness and resistance to fading during washing or exposure to light.
Toner in textile printing offers several advantages over traditional methods like screen printing or dyeing. It allows for high-resolution printing, intricate designs, and the ability to print on a wide range of fabric types, including natural fibers like cotton and silk, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester. Digital printing with toner also enables faster production times, reduced setup costs, and the possibility of customization and on-demand printing.
The manufacturing of toner involves the blending and grinding of pigments to achieve the desired color properties. Binders are added to bind the pigment particles together and ensure adhesion to the fabric. Other additives may be included to improve the flow characteristics of the toner or enhance its resistance to water, heat, or other environmental factors.
Leading Users and Manufacturers of Toner in Textiles:
Textile Printing Companies: Various textile printing companies are the primary users of toner in the textile industry. These companies employ digital printing technologies to provide high-quality, customized prints on fabrics for apparel, home textiles, and other applications. They rely on toner to achieve precise color reproduction and durable prints that meet the demands of their customers.
Apparel Manufacturers: Many apparel manufacturers incorporate toner-based digital printing into their production processes. This allows them to create unique and eye-catching designs on garments, ensuring product differentiation in the competitive fashion market. Toner-based printing also enables faster turnaround times for new collections, reducing inventory costs and waste.
Textile Designers and Artists: Toner has gained popularity among textile designers and artists who seek to push the boundaries of creativity. It offers them the freedom to experiment with intricate patterns, gradients, and photographic prints on various fabric types. Toner-based digital printing allows designers to bring their visions to life with exceptional color accuracy and detail.
Toner Manufacturers: Several companies specialize in the production of toner specifically for textile printing applications. These manufacturers develop and supply toner formulations tailored to the requirements of digital textile printing systems. Some prominent names in the toner manufacturing industry include Xerox Corporation, Ricoh Company Ltd., and Canon Inc., among others.
In conclusion, toner plays a vital role in textile printing, enabling high-resolution, durable, and versatile color application to fabrics. Its use in digital printing technologies has revolutionized the textile industry, allowing for faster production, customization, and intricate designs. Textile printing companies, apparel manufacturers, textile designers, and toner manufacturers themselves are among the key users and stakeholders in the toner industry, driving innovation and creativity in textile applications.
Toner
A finish containing a colorant (dye, pigment, or both) usually sprayed on to correct or add color to wood furniture or parts. Terminology varies but most people call it a toner when applied over large areas and a shader when applied to selective areas for darkening or highlighting. Compare to: Glaze. In less expensive furniture, all the color is in the finish and when chipped off, reveals uncolored wood.