RSBTR Print-On-Demand

[R]

RSBTR has launched a print-on-demand feature providing custom graphics on a selection of their fabrics.

This is pretty cool!

The UX is still pretty rough – it’s not easy to figure out how to use it.  Image size appears to be limited only by roll width and like a 10yd max length.  This isn’t just for small repeating patterns.

My first thought was using this to print the cut/sew patterns for your project.  At $21/yd for MEMBRANE 15, this isn’t the most cost effective for something big and simple like a tarp.  But it could be a welcome convenience for something like gloves or a jacket, that has more odd shapes in a small area.

No word on type of ink, print process, or durability (abrasion, UV).  It seems like only white fabric is available.  Makes sense for a canvas to show color, less so if you just want to print your cut patterns.

[Craig B]

Yeah, that is pretty cool.  If you’re thinking of trying to print patterns with it, why not just use their laser cutter instead if you already have it in digital format.  I asked, and they said they can pretty much cut any of the fabrics that they sell.  I did not however inquire about the price.  I’m thinking of trying this in the near future.  I was also thinking it might be neat to combine printing and cutting.

[R]

I wrote them when I heard about Big Laser and they said it was intended for production runs, not one-offs.

Getting custom cut patterns w/ seam lines, part labels and graphics printed on colors other than white would be awesome.

If they’re doing one-off prints, maybe custom cuts and colored fabric aren’t that far away…

[Craig B]

Hmm, I wonder what they meant by production runs.  The shops I’ve worked with will happily do one-offs, but it will cost you.  You usually will just have to pay a minimum batch or lot charge; the cheapest I’ve ever gotten at around $150-200 for a cut time of probably about 5 minutes, at least cutting something else beside fabric.  Maybe they have enough demand that they would just rather run uniform production patterns all the time.

Oops, sorry, wandering off topic.

[R]

I didn’t ask about minimums or batch sizes.  I suppose there’s potential for group buys.

[Author]

Posts