Flex printing: what exactly is it?

Flex printing is a flexible printing process in which a template is applied to film and then cut to size using a cutting plotter. The process is similar to the classic flock process and is often referred to as a ‘simple version’ of flock printing. The print motif consists of one to three different foil components, which is why the individual foils must first be brought into the shape of the motif. 

Flex printing is a popular printing process that is used by many suppliers for jersey and textile finishing. The printing film is durable and is characterised by a smooth and subtly glossy surface. In practice, the flex printing process usually involves 5 steps:

1. Firstly, the film is placed in the cutting plotter, which uses software to transfer the contours of the motif onto the film and cut it out. 
2. After cutting, a piece of plotting film remains on which the motif is already easily recognisable. 
3. Now it is weeded. This means that the motif is manually cut out with a hooked needle and excess film is removed. The motif remains on a transparent carrier film. 
4. The film is now placed on the textile using a press. Heat and pressure ensure that the flex film transfers the motif to the jersey or textile. 
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, the backing film is removed and the flex print jersey is ready.

1) Good results with texts, fonts, numbers and simple logos 

1) Limited design options 

The flex printing process is a widely used method for embellishing jerseys. However, it has some disadvantages in terms of cost, design and durability, which the sublimation printing process can solve. Sublimation printing is a completely digital process, so there is no additional work and therefore no extra costs for complex patterns and multiple flock components. This makes sublimation printing attractive not only in terms of quality, but also when it comes to pricing large print runs. If we take the previous calculation example as a basis, the total costs for two jersey sets with four flock components are as follows:35 euros per jersey and 0 euros surcharge for the desired motifs. The total cost (home and away jersey) is therefore 70 euros per player or 3,500 euros per team. The sublimation printing process at spized therefore saves your team a whopping 500 euros.

• Individual designs: multi-coloured motifs, logos and coats of arms can be easily reproduced on the jersey. When it comes to design freedom, there is no better printing process!
• Print quality: Evaporation ensures that patterns, graphics and photographs are displayed with maximum colour intensity.
• Material properties: No coating is left on the jersey during vaporisation. As a result, the textile retains its original material properties, such as breathability.
  
• Durability: The colour intensity remains high even after numerous washes. Here too, no other printing process can keep up.
  
• Delivery times: Sublimation printing is a completely digital process, which shortens the production time. At spized, we deliver your ordered jerseys within 14 days.
  
• Pricing: Sublimation printing is often cheaper, especially for large print runs, because there are no additional costs for motifs. With spized, you can place as many components as you like - at no extra cost.
  
• Water-based colours: Sublimation printing does not require any binding agents or solvents. Water-based colours are a much more environmentally friendly alternative.
  

In many sports clubs, the teams or parents, players and coaches are more or less responsible for buying their own jerseys. As a rule, there is no standardised system and a lot of micro-sponsoring, so simple or quick solutions are sought when printing the jerseys. Flock and flex printing are well-known processes that are widely available on the internet and in retail outlets. And as long as the print runs remain low, the costs are also at a manageable level. The flex printing process also delivers respectable results for simple coats of arms and logos as well as lettering and numbers. Unless a complex sponsor logo is to be placed, the parties involved are initially satisfied after delivery. The disadvantages of the flex printing process often only become apparent after one or two seasons with the new jersey have passed. The flock usually starts to peel and the colours become increasingly visible. In addition, athletes notice that the material properties deteriorate and breathability is limited.