Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing: Top 10 FAQ
1. What is Digital Squeegee hybrid printing?
Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing is the most advanced apparel decoration technology available today. It combines traditional screen printing and state-of-the-art digital inkjet printing in a single, integrated process. Screen printing delivers bold, durable underbases or spot colors, while the digital printhead produces vibrant, photorealistic images directly onto garments. This hybrid workflow results in prints that have the feel and longevity of classic screen printing, with the detail and flexibility only digital can offer.
2. How is Digital Squeegee hybrid printing different from regular screen printing?
Unlike traditional screen printing (which requires a separate screen and setup for every color), Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing uses digital technology to create unlimited, full-color designs without extra screens or separations. This means faster turnaround, lower costs for complex artwork, and the ability to print highly detailed or photorealistic images at scale.
3. How does Digital Squeegee hybrid printing compare to DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing?
Digital Squeegee hybrid printing offers faster speeds on big orders, more vibrant prints (especially on dark shirts), the feel of screen printing, and the option for specialty inks. It combines the best features of screen printing and DTG in one process.
4. What are the main benefits of Digital Squeegee hybrid printing for customers?
Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing merges the best of screen printing and DTG:
- Much faster production speeds on large orders than DTG alone
- Brighter, more opaque colors (especially on dark garments)
- The durability and soft hand-feel of screen printing
- Supports specialty inks (like metallics and puff), which DTG can’t do
- Consistent quality on both small and high-volume runs
5. What types of artwork work best with Digital Squeegee hybrid printing?
Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing excels at full-color graphics, photo prints, illustrations with gradients, and any artwork requiring unlimited colors or fine detail—such as band merchandise, artist-designed shirts, and event apparel with intricate artwork. Perfect for emerging brands that want to stand out.
6. Is the print as durable as traditional screen printing?
Yes. Digital Squeegee Hybrid prints are just as durable as traditional screen prints—wash after wash. Our prints use high-quality screen and digital inks, cured into the fabric for maximum longevity. Print Hybrid has tested these prints to ensure they stand up to daily wear and repeated laundering.
7. Can you use specialty inks or effects with Digital Squeegee hybrid printing?
Absolutely. The hybrid system allows us to combine digital prints with specialty screen-printed effects—like metallics, puff, glow-in-the-dark, and textured finishes. This opens up design possibilities that neither DTG nor standard digital methods can offer.
8. Are there limitations to what can be printed with Digital Squeegee?
While Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing is highly versatile, there are some limits:
- Best results on tight knit 100% cotton or high-cotton blends
- Not recommended for nylon or heat-sensitive synthetics
- Very small runs (less than 12 pieces) may be more economical with DTF
- Oversized prints may be limited by machine dimensions
- Colors are built in CMYK so certain colors will not be able to be printed correctly
9. What is the typical turnaround time for Digital Squeegee hybrid printed orders?
Most jobs are completed in 3–7 business days, often faster than traditional screen printing—especially for complex or multi-color designs. Rush options are available; just ask.
10. Why should I choose Digital Squeegee hybrid printing for my apparel project?
If you want the most vibrant, durable, and detailed prints for your apparel—Digital Squeegee Hybrid Printing is the best choice. Print Hybrid is an industry leader and early adopter of this technology, offering unmatched expertise and results. Contact us to see samples or discuss your next project.
This FAQ is current as of May 2025 and will be updated as technology evolves.
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